New low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines has been granted slots at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to operate its first winter schedule.
This announcement follows Jetlines’ February 7, 2019 news release announcing YVR as its home airport and primary base of operations when the new airline intends to launch operations in December this year.
The slots will permit Jetlines to operate up to 10 flights per day and over 1,000 flights during the first winter season from 17 December, 2019 to 28 March, 2020 as the airline plans to grow commercial operations and offer service in time for the upcoming winter holiday season.
The initial two Airbus A320 aircraft that Jetlines has secured through its partnership with SmartLynx will be parked at YVR airport nightly.
Jetlines chief executive officer, Javier Suarez said: “I am excited to share that all slots to operate our winter schedule have been awarded. It is significant for Jetlines as we work to commence operations out of Vancouver International Airport.
“The Airport operates at a very high capacity in the winter season, as travellers plan trips to see family and friends, or to go on a vacation. These slots will allow us to fly our first passengers for these special occasions at incredibly low fares – at a price point that most Canadians have not had the opportunity to fly at.”
Jetlines selected YVR as their future base for operations due to it being the second busiest airport in Canada, serving more than 25.9 million passengers in 2018. It is also the busiest airport in British Columbia and the airport with the largest catchment area.
The airport has more than 2.5 million people living less than 30 minutes drive from it. As well as it being the closest airport to Vancouver’s city center, the airport is also extremely well connected to the city by transit with a rapid transit rail.
Jetlines ability to sell tickets and launch airline service remains subject to the completion of the airline licensing process, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and the completion of financing.
