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Category: Canada Jetlines

  • Montreal Saint Hubert Airport situated in Longueuil, Quebec announces partnership with Canada Jetlines

    NEWS PROVIDED BY Développement Aéroport de Saint-Hubert de Longueuil

    Jetlines_aircraftLONGUEUIL, QCNov. 8, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Montreal Saint Hubert Airport (YHU) and Canada Jetlines Ltd. (TSXV: JET) are proud to announce new Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) services for the Montreal area in Quebec.

    Jetlines’ aircraft roll-out strategy combined with the airport’s recent refurbishment of its main runway and its plan to build a passenger terminal building could bring Jetlines to the province as early as 2020.

    “We are delighted at the prospect of partnering with Jetlines to offer ULCC service to the Montreal and Montérégie regions. Given the renewed interest by scheduled carriers to operate at the airport, we will accelerate our efforts to secure a designated airport status which will enable us to provide security screening services from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) at an affordable rate. At the same time, our intention is to obtain customs and immigration services from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in order to offer transborder flights, which will allow us to recapture the exodus of Quebec passengers who travel to US airports for their flights. These two conditions, which depend solely on federal government decisions, are necessary for us to be able to partner with air carriers of Jetlines’ caliber. We will be reaching out to Minister Marc Garneau and our elected officials to accelerate these decisions. We share the federal government’s stated goal to offer affordable and efficient services to Canadians and our partnership with Jetlines is an important step towards that goal.” said Jane Foyle, General Manager of DASH-L, the non-profit organization that manages the airport.

    “We are excited to enter into this partnership with Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport and support its vision of building a low-cost alternative airport in the Montreal region. Montreal travellers deserve a low cost domestic option and those looking for low cost air travel options destined south should not have to drive across the border to Plattsburgh. The airport has our full support and we look forward to working together to design and build what will be become Jetlines base in Montreal.” stated Javier Suarez, CEO of Jetlines. “Longueuil is a short commute out of the downtown core of Montreal, and our passengers will not only benefit from ultra-low airfares, they will also have convenient access to a new purpose-built low-cost facility near downtown Montreal.”

    “With this new service, our airport will be one step closer to becoming the low-cost airport of choice in the Montrealarea.” stated Jane Foyle.

  • Jetlines Announces Industry Veteran and Former Southwest Airlines Executive as Chief Operating Officer

    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran and former Southwest Airlines executive, Mr. Michael Bata as Chief Operations Officer, effective November 1, 2018. Michael is a seasoned aviation veteran with over 35 years experience in the aviation industry and has held positions with multiple fortune 100 and 500 companies.

    “I am thrilled to welcome Michael to our Jetlines team. He brings the right experience and an outstanding attitude that will help build the foundation for Jetlines’ future. His entrepreneurial spirit and track-record of tight operational control will be an asset as we move closer to first flight and continue to build the team,” commented Javier Suarez, CEO of Jetlines.

    Michael Bata commented, “I am very excited and look forward to working with all of the Jetlines’ teams. Coming from an industry leader like Southwest Airlines then continuing with Vueling and JetSuite, I understand the value of a strong, unique, positive, company culture which can only be realized by supporting a talented and dynamic team. Together we will be hyper focused on maintaining detailed operational control which is paramount for low-cost carriers. Javier and the current management team have done a great job so far and I look forward to being a part of Jetlines’ success as we prepare for our launch and into the future.”

    In addition to his Southwest Airlines Experience, Michael held the role of Chief Operating Officer at JetSuite and JetSuiteX, the fourth-largest private jet charter company in the United States, with flights to over 3,000 destinations in Canada, the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. During this time, Michael led operational teams including Pilots, Maintenance & Engineering, and Ground Operations; successfully developing initiatives that improved aircraft on ground recovery time by 73%.

    Prior to JetSuite, Michael was Chief Operating Officer at Vueling Airlines, one of fastest-growing LCCs in Europe. At Vueling with Michaels leadership, Michael and his teams successfully lowered long term maintenance costs by €290 million through strategic sourcing projects, as well as developed and implemented a number of fuel savings and operational procedures initiatives that resulted in annual projected savings of an additional €30 million.

    During his nine years at Southwest Airlines, the largest LCC in the world, Michael held senior roles with Southwest Airlines. As the Director of Maintenance, Michael was responsible for all maintenance and engineering operations of the Western Region, leading a team of 665 employees and maintaining a USD $459 million annual budget. Michael implemented new procedures to ensure timely, compliant check and repair of all aircraft in his region and was instrumental in reducing costs and managing a more efficient budget.

    Michael is a commercial pilot with multiple ratings and over 3,500 hours of flight time logged.

  • Jetlines Prepares to Soar with Cossette

    Jetlines_LogoPNGVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V)(the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce that it has selected two-time Agency of the Year winner, Cossette, as its marketing agency of record. Known for its bold, creative-first approach, Cossette will be charged with developing all of the Company’s marketing and communication initiatives.

    Cossette’s expertise in strategy and branding, traditional and digital communications, design, CRM, and performance media will be invaluable in creating a brand Canadians can rally around. Cossette’s ability to understand Jetlines’ unique market, combined with its speciality in disruptive thinking and culture-shifting content creation, will help realize Jetlines’ mission to be Canada’s ultra-low-cost airline of choice.

    With offices nationwide, Cossette’s thorough understanding of Canadian culture will help Jetlines attract a diverse array of cost-conscious travellers.

    Cossette will work collaboratively with Jetlines to create an impactful campaign for Jetlines’ initial launch and provide ongoing insight and input for future marketing initiatives.

    “Jetlines is not meant to be just another airline,” stated CEO, Javier Suarez. “We’re here to challenge the way things have been done in the past and introduce Canadians to a new way of flying. Canadians have been overpaying for airfares for far too long but next summer 2019, things are going to change. We’re beyond excited to have Cossette join us in our rebellion against high airfares!”

    “It’s rare—and exciting—to partner with a client who permits you the opportunity to truly test the boundaries of customer experience,” noted Nadine Cole, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cossette. “Javier is pushing us to imagine how the airline industry can be completely reinvented. A natural strategic thinker—he doesn’t stop the process, he builds on it and makes it better.”

  • 6.9% increase in passenger traffic at Montréal-Trudeau

    150 DIRECT DESTINATIONS

    MONTRÉAL, Oct. 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) today announced its financial results as of September 30, 2018 showing continued strong growth in passenger traffic of 6.9% and a significant increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).

    Highlights – passengers

    • Montréal-Trudeau welcomed 5.8 million passengers in the third quarter of 2018, bringing the total number for the first nine months of the year to 15 million. This represents increases of 6.8% and 6.9%, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods of 2017.
    • July and August 2018 set a new record of over 2 million monthly passengers. While surpassing this level for the first time, Montréal-Trudeau continued to provide high quality service to all travellers.

    Financial results at a glance

    • EBITDA was $106.8 million for the third quarter of 2018, up $12.3 millionfrom the corresponding period in 2017 (+13.0%). For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, EBITDA amounted to $255.9 million, an increase of $31.8 million (+14.2%).
    • ADM’s capital investments totalled $56.2 million during the third quarter of 2018 and $142.5 million in the first nine months of 2018. These investments were financed by cash flows from operating activities.
    • Consolidated revenues climbed to $184.6 million in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of $17.7 million (+10.6%). Consolidated revenues as of September 30, 2018 increased by $47.6 million (+10.8%), from $441.8 million to $489.4 million. This increase is mainly due to the increase in passenger traffic and the rise in AIF from $25 to $30 effective
      April 1, 2018.
    • Operating expenses for the third quarter were $50.9 million, an increase of $6.3 million (+ 14.1%). For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, operating expenses increased by $13.4 million (+9.6%), from $139.7 million to $153.1 million. This difference is namely due to the increase in operating expenses related to winter conditions, mitigation measures to ensure passenger fluidity in a context of under-capacity, and initiatives to enhance customer experience.

    “The first nine months of 2018 were, once again, characterized by growth. With 150 destinations now available, 91 of which are international, Montréal-Trudeau is reaffirming its position as a strategic hub for air traffic in Canada. With more and more travellers to welcome, ADM employees are continuing to demonstrate passion and using all their skills to provide a pleasant, efficient and secure airport environment for everyone. Montréal-Trudeau is proud to be an important player in the prosperity of the city,” said Philippe Rainville, ADM President and Chief Executive Officer.

    All information about these financial results is available online.

    Recent initiatives

    In recent months, various measures have been deployed to benefit travellers:

    • With the addition of Vienna to the air service offering in April 2019, 150 destinations will soon be available from Montréal-Trudeau, including 91 international destinations.
    • The carriers Aer Lingus and Austrian Airlines announced their arrival in Montréal starting in 2019. They will be the 36th and 37th airlines operating at Montréal-Trudeau.
    • A call for tenders for a construction manager for the implementation of the Cityside development program was launched in early October. By choosing the innovative construction risk management model, ADM will benefit from additional important expertise for the implementation of its program.
    • ADM is finalizing the construction of an acoustic screen to separate the residential area of Thorncrest Avenue in Dorval from the airport zone. In order to improve the project’s visual impact, more than 500 trees and shrubs – chosen by citizens – are being planted.
    • Finally, note that despite record volume, the average wait time at border control was only 6 minutes during the months of July and August.

    About Aéroports de Montréal

    Aéroports de Montréal is the airport authority for the Greater Montréal area responsible for the management, operation and development of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and of the Mirabel aeronautic and industrial park. The corporation employs 625 people.

    For further information about Aéroports de Montréal and its operations, please visit our website at www.admtl.com.

    SOURCE Aéroports de Montréal

  • Jetlines Selects CAE for Airbus A320 Pilot Training

    Jetlines_LogoPNGOctober 23, 2018 Canada Jetlines Ltd. (TSX-V: JET) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive Airbus A320 pilot training agreement with global aviation training leader CAE (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE).  Starting in the first half of 2019, CAE instructors will train Jetlines’ pilots at CAE’s training centre in Montreal using the latest training equipment suite.

    In addition, the airline’s pilots will have access, on-site and remotely, to the most advanced training material, leveraging Pelesys, a CAE company, for Airbus A320 comprehensive ground-school training solutions. This holistic training solutions experience reduces the time spent in the classroom and will allow crews to be more productive while ensuring their technical knowledge is maintained at the highest standards.

    Vic Charlebois, VP Flight Operations commented, “I have long regarded CAE and Pelesys as premier providers of aviation training solutions. Jetlines is eager to support Canadian aviation and encourage growth in all of our industries. There are notable benefits to using a local Canadian company, one of which is the close collaboration to customize training programs for Jetlines’ procedures, another is keeping our costs down by having simulators locally accessible.”

  • Jetlines Makes Additional Payment for Takeoff under AerCap Lease Agreement

    OCTOBER 11,2018

    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V)(the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce that further to its news release of June 13, 2018, it has completed a second set of advance lease payments to AerCap, a global leader in aircraft leasing and aviation finance, for two Airbus A320 aircraft. Delivery of Airbus A320 MSNs 2594 and 2663 are expected by early Q2 of 2019. Both aircraft are currently with Air New Zealand and are approaching end of lease service with the airline. Jetlines has made another deposit to AerCap for USD $438,000 per the terms of the agreement and in demonstration of the continued partnership. To date Jetlines has made payments totalling USD $2,190,000 toward securing these aircraft.

    Jetlines_LogoPNGAerCap is the world’s largest independent aircraft leasing company with a well-diversified portfolio of high-quality aircraft. They provide aircraft to a global network of approximately 200 airline customers in approximately 80 countries and is recognized as the most active aircraft trader globally. The two committed Airbus A320’s are sister aircraft, having virtually identical conformity in design, features, and equipment, allowing Jetlines to expedite the necessary training and maintenance processes to commence operations at an earlier date. The sister aircraft are approximately 12 years old.

    CEO Javier Suarez stated “Our operations team has worked diligently on securing quality aircraft, carrying out a meticulous vetting process to ensure that the aircraft are fit for Jetlines’ ultra-low-cost operation. As a part of the process, Jetlines retained Lufthansa Technik to accomplish the preliminary inspection prior to the lease agreement completion to ensure the aircraft suitability and condition. Both AerCap and Air New Zealand have been proactive in supporting the transfer of data and information to Jetlines in order to allow the early entry into service. We look forward to getting these aircraft off the ground and to finally bring low fares to Canada.”

    AerCap has retained the services of AKKA Technologies, an Aerospace design organization, to complete the cabin interior reconfiguration engineering approval with the engineering now in work. Acro Aircraft Seating has also been retained as a part of the cabin reconfiguration to manufacture new Acro Series 3 ST seats. Acro is one of the world’s leading innovators in aircraft seating design and manufacturing and has a detailed working knowledge of the ULCC model, translating to a thorough understanding of Jetlines’ needs. Safety, durability, and a lightweight construction are all pillars necessary for an ultra-low-cost carrier to be effective and maintain good fuel efficiency. Acro is the ULCC aircraft seating company of choice for many ULCC’s across North America.

  • Jetlines Advances Licencing Process with Submission to Transport Canada

    Jetlines Advances Licencing Process with Submission to Transport Canada
    September 13, 2018

    Jetlines_LogoPNGCanada Jetlines Ltd. (TSX-V: JET) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) is pleased to announce that the Company successfully submitted operations manuals to Transport Canada in order to receive its Air Operator Certificate (“AOC”) in preparation for first flight in 2019.

    The Company has achieved a major milestone in the Project Plan with the submission of the operations manuals. Weekly updates have been provided to the Principal Operations Inspector and Jetlines has completed the amendment of required manuals to Airbus A320 operations and has provided these documents to the regulatory authority.

    The Company will now focus on completing the second milestone through the amendment to training programs and completion of the contracts required for Airbus training. The final milestone will be achieved through conducting interviews, hiring and the training of all staff to prepare for aircraft delivery in the second quarter of 2019.

    “With the submission of our manuals to Transport Canada, Jetlines has realized a significant milestone in our operations. We look forward to continuing to work with Transport Canada in order to further our licencing process and satisfying all requirements”, stated CEO, Javier Suarez. “We are proud of the operations team and the work they have carried out to date. Their hard work and talent have brought us one step closer to enabling Jetlines to offer a true ultra-low fare service for the long haul” added Executive Chairman, Mark Morabito.

    Jetlines also announces that is has closed its private placement with Mr. Lukas Johnson for aggregate gross proceeds of $700,000. Mr. Johnson was issued 1,627,907 variable voting shares at a price of $0.43 per share. The shares issued in the private placement are subject to certain escrow conditions regarding future sale of stock including a statutory four month hold period that expires on January 13, 2019.

  • Competition heating up for price-sensitive passengers as Swoop set to launch

    by Ross Marowits, Canadian Press

    SwoopMONTREAL – Competition is heating up for Canada’s most price-sensitive travellers as WestJet Airlines gears up to launch the country’s second ultra-low cost airline Wednesday.

    Swoop, an offshoot of WestJet Airlines, will make its maiden flight on its pink and white aircraft before the sun rises in Hamilton, Ont. on a trip to Abbotsford, B.C.

    “From my perspective coming into this fresh — I’ve been in Canada four months now — I personally believe there’s a huge opportunity in Canada,” said Swoop president Steven Greenway.

    Greenway is an Australian native who has worked in executive positions at airlines including Japanese low-cost carrier Peach, Virgin Blue, Virgin Atlantic and Qantas.

    Swoop marks his sixth airline startup.

    By discounting travel, Swoop, Flair Airlines and others are trying to repatriate the more than five million Canadians who cross the border to catch flights from airports in Buffalo and Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Birmingham, Wash.

    “From our perspective there’s the opportunity to fill a gap, there’s an opportunity to stimulate demand, there’s an opportunity to welcome Canadians back from crossing the border. We believe there’s a significant enough market to be able to thrive,” Greenway said in an interview.

    He expects competition will increase significantly over the next 12 months as Canada Jetlines gears up to join Swoop and Flair in offering deeply discounted fares along with charges for everything from a onboard drink to carry-on and checked baggage.

    Flair welcomed the extra competition.

    “We think that having more people in the space helps promote the fact the space exists and will work to each other’s advantage,” executive chairman David Tait said in an interview.

    “I don’t think Canada’s big enough for half a dozen players in this space, but there’s certainly plenty of room for two and maybe three.”

    Meanwhile, Tait said Flair plans to move its headquarters to Edmonton from Kelowna, B.C., over the coming months to help promote its growth.

    “Kelowna was a fine base for a charter operator but it didn’t really give us the scope, the potential we need as we’re growing.”

    Swoop is entering an area of the airline business that doesn’t have a stellar history of success in Canada: Jetsgo, Air Canada’s Tango, Canada 3000 and Roots Air have all floundered in the past.

    Canada is the only G7 country without a true ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) and the model has been successful in Europe, Australia and the United States, said transportation analyst Chris Murray of AltaCorp Capital.

    “I don’t think we’ve ever seen a true ULCC model in the Canadian marketplace before so I think we’re in somewhat uncharted territory,” he said.

    “I think there’s also frankly some opportunities if they do it well to be successful with it.”

    Murray estimates the Canadian ultra low-cost market can handle 10 million passengers per year, enough to support up to 50 aircraft. The service is particularly suited to leisure flights to Las Vegas, Arizona and Florida, he added.

    Swoop says fares should be 30 to 40 per cent lower than a national carrier.

    The key will be to keep costs down from lower labour costs, cramming 189 seats into Boeing 737-800s, and stimulating demand from people who don’t normally fly because of the high cost.

    The carrier, however, has already had something of a bumpy takeoff.

    WestJet’s launch of Swoop had been a source of labour strife between the company and pilots, who were on the brink of a strike last month before reaching an 11th-hour deal.

    Earlier this year, the union won a Canada Industrial Relations Board challenge to the company’s proposed policy to offer pilots a two-year leave of absence if they go to fly for Swoop.

    A federal arbitrator recently ruled that WestJet’s unionized pilots will also fly Swoop, which means the airline can no longer outsource Swoop flying, a major disagreement in recent negotiations.

    Swoop will recognize the union as the exclusive bargaining agent for all Swoop pilots, who will be on the airline’s one seniority list and fly aircraft at Swoop terms and conditions.

    Initial one-way flights start at $49 tax included from Abbotsford to Winnipeg, $129 between Hamilton and Abbotsford and $99 between Hamilton and Halifax.

    The fares don’t include a range of fees, including carry-on luggage and checked bags starting at $26.25, seat selection start at $5, and $15 to contact the call centre if the service can be carried out on the website.

    No pets aside from guide dogs are allowed on board and any credits are only valid for 90 days. No loyalty points will be awarded.

    Swoop is starting with two planes, with plans to roll out six by year-end and 10 in 2019.

    Instead of flying from Toronto Pearson International, flights will fly out of Hamilton’s lower-cost airport. Other initial cities are Winnipeg, Edmonton, Halifax and Abbotsford.

    Additional destinations will be added, including international flights likely by the end of 2018, said Greenway. Flair plans to fly to Orlando and Palm Springs, Calif., next winter.

    While there is a real concern that passengers could feel being “nickled and dimed” by a series of ancillary fees, experience in Europe over the past 20 years suggests passengers ultimately focus on the fares, said Greenway.

    “It is an education process and I think people will adapt over time.”

  • Canada Jetlines Prepares for Takeoff with Definitive Lease Agreement for Two Airbus A320 Aircraft

    Jetlines_aircraftVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada Jetlines Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has partnered with AerCap, a global leader in aircraft leasing and aviation finance, and has signed a Definitive Lease Agreement for two Airbus A320 aircraft, effective June 12, 2018. Delivery of the two aircraft is expected by the first half of 2019.

    AerCap is the world’s largest independent aircraft leasing company with a well-diversified portfolio of high-quality aircraft. They provide aircraft to a global network of approximately 200 airline customers in approximately 80 countries and is recognized as the most active aircraft trader globally. AerCap’s President & Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Scruggs commented, “We are very pleased to welcome our new customer airline, Jetlines, and particularly pleased to play a role in the start-up of their new operations. We wish the board and management team every success and we look forward to working with the Jetlines team as they begin operations.”

    Incoming CEO Lukas Johnson stated, “AerCap has a proven reputation of leasing high-quality aircraft and we look forward to continuing to build a positive relationship with them. Through my experience with Airbus, I believe that these planes are the right aircraft to commence operations with. The majority of ultra-low cost carriers worldwide operate with the Airbus A320 fleet based on its fuel-efficient narrow-body framework that supports a high-density seat configuration.”

    The two committed Airbus A320’s are sister aircraft, having virtually identical conformity in design, features, and equipment, allowing Jetlines to expedite the necessary training and maintenance processes to commence operations at an earlier date. The sister aircraft are 12 years old.

    Executive Chairman Mark Morabito stated, “Our operations team has worked diligently on securing quality aircraft, carrying out a meticulous vetting process to ensure that the aircraft are fit for Jetlines and our future passengers.” Mr. Morabito continued, “I am pleased to report that we are now positioned to carry out the remainder of work to complete our licencing process and that we are continuing to advance our financing initiatives, personnel recruitment, and airport agreements.”

    The pre-existing purchase agreement with Boeing for the 737-MAX’s for delivery in 2023 remains in place. Jetlines plans to use the Airbus planes to support its start-up operations and is not limited from securing a Boeing fleet in future, should the Company decide to do so.