Brian Dunn/MONTREAL
Canada's new budget carrier CanJet Airlines is to initiate services in August on scheduled flights between Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa and its Halifax base.
The launch is dependant on the airline obtaining an operating certificate from Transport Canada, but it has recruited staff, including pilots and cabin crew. The airline, owned by Halifax based IMP Group, is modelled on US low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines and will initially operate two Boeing 737-200s with four more added in September and October. The first six leased aircraft are coming from US Airways.
The long-term plan calls for a fleet of between 20 and 30 aircraft as the network expands to include routes to St. John's in Newfoundland, Montreal, Winnipeg, New York and Boston.
At first, all financing will come from its parent, which is active in aircraft maintenance and leasing as well as hotel operations. An initial public offering is being considered for fleet expansion.
CanJet is the latest carrier moving in to take over from Canadian Airlines, which was acquired by Air Canada in January. Skyservice Airlines of Toronto plans to launch RootsAir in November (Flight International, 13-19 June), while Calgary's WestJet and Toronto-based Canada 3000 are expanding services. Air Canada has also announced plans to launch its own discount carrier.
Source: Flight International
