Canada 3000 is tripling its city-to-city connections and adding more Airbus aircraft as part of its aim to grab 30% of the domestic airline market.
The move comes amid a series of strategic changes by airlines in the Canadian market, including Air Canada, Westjet and Roots Air.
From 1 May, Canada 3000 will serve 21 Canadian cities with improved flight times and frequencies, with economy fares up to 75% lower than Air Canada.
The new schedule follows Canada 3000's acquisitions of Royal Aviation and CanJet.
Canada 3000 is adding nine A319s over the next 18 months to its 34-strong fleet and says 30 aircraft will need to be leased over the next four years, for which it is negotiating with leasing companies.
Canada 3000 has also established a frequent flyer relationship with American Airlines, which industry sources say could pave the way for the Canadian operator to join the oneworld alliance. From 1 May, Canada 3000 passengers will be able to earn American's reward miles every time they fly.
Air Canada and its regionals, meanwhile, are adding 15 domestic and trans-border routes, including between Toronto and Greensboro, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Kalamazoo, Michigan and Indianapolis; and between Vancouver and Las Vegas and Phoenix. The airline is dropping plans for Calgary-San José, California, services because of a downturn in the technology industry.
Meanwhile, WestJet has filed a complaint with the federal Competition Tribunal claiming it may have to abandon its Hamilton-Moncton, New Brunswick route and reconsider expansion plans in Eastern Canada due to Air Canada's anti-competitive behaviour. Air Canada is already before the tribunal for similar accusations from CanJet and Canada 3000.
Canadian low fare start-up Roots Air, which launched services last month with A320s, is reassessing its on-board service and fleet plans in the face of strong domestic competition. The Toronto-based arm of charter carrier Skyservice offers three classes of service, but has been unable to fill its aircraft.
The planned introduction of an Airbus A330 may also be delayed by Roots Air due to changing market conditions, particularly Canada 3000's recent acquisitions. As a result of the larger competitor, Roots Air is also rethinking plans to add six more A320s next year.
Source: Flight International
