Canada Jetlines will be modelled after U.S. carriers such as Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, and Ireland-based Ryanair, all of which offer no-frills flights at very low prices.
Canada Jetlines, a proposed ultra low-cost Vancouver-based airline, recently announced plans to raise $10-million to list on the TSX Venture Exchange.
The vision of aviation veterans David Solloway, Jim Scott and Dix Lawson, Jetlines has received Stage 1 approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency to operate a jet airline service and will shortly being the process with Transport Canada to obtain an Airline Operator Certificate.
“Jetlines is well on its way to providing Canadians with an exciting and affordable new air travel alternative,” said Jetlines CEO Jim Scott. “Our proven and dedicated team has been very busy preparing to proudly serve Canada soon [spring 2015].”
Jetlines plans to use Airbus A319-100s as its launch aircraft.
In an interview with CBC, Jetlines president David Solloway said the airline plans to offer an “à la carte” service, charging for extras such as carry-on baggage, beverages and seat selection, while keeping base fares almost 50 per cent lower than those currently being charged by other carriers.
Jetlines still needs $40-million in order to launch and has hired a global investment firm, Euro Pacific Canada, to help reach its goal.
Another proposed ultra-low discount carrier, this one based in Calgary, has announced its intention to enter the affordable airline market.
Jet Naked, headed by Tim Morgan the co-founder of WestJet and current Energjet CEO, claims its airfare will be at least 40 per cent lower than Air Canada and WestJet.
According to CH Aviation, Jet Naked has already put together a fleet of three Boeing 737s and has hired Toronto-based investment dealer Octagon Capital to assist in raising $30-million to $50-million in private equity financing.
No word of a launch date for Jet Naked as yet.
