Flair Airlines CEO Clarifies Misconceptions, Vows to Keep Air Travel Affordable for Canadians

Saturday, March 23, 2024

As the Chief Executive Officer of Flair Airlines, I feel it’s necessary to clarify some recent misconceptions and inaccuracies concerning our airline’s operations and financial health. Flair Airlines is a steadfast advocate for affordable air travel, committed to offering Canadians cost-effective options in an industry often monopolized by a few. This monopoly has significantly hindered Canadians’ ability to affordably travel within and outside the country due to unreasonably high prices.

A recent report by the Globe and Mail has unfortunately misrepresented the facts, suggesting that Flair reduced flights due to financial issues. This assertion is incorrect, and I must emphasize the importance of correcting this narrative and dismissing such claims. Despite what was reported, our flight schedule remains largely unchanged. The schedule changes for March to May, initially published in August 2023, were designed to align with the preferences and needs of Canadian travelers. It’s important to note that Flair Airlines did not reduce its flight schedule following the shutdown of Lynx Air.

We prioritize flying to destinations our customers desire. Post-Covid, we’ve observed a surge in demand for trips to warmer destinations like Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. This year, we’ve expanded our operations significantly in these areas, launching over 20 new routes to sunny destinations for the winter. Our overall capacity, as gauged by Available Seat Miles (ASM), has grown by 4% compared to the same period last year, with over 70% of this winter’s ASMs allocated to these warmer destinations. Although this means we’re flying longer distances and may operate slightly fewer flights, our focus on these markets has been overwhelmingly well-received by our customers. The upcoming summer season is looking very promising, with high demand and strong yields anticipated.

I understand the skepticism that often surrounds Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) in Canada, especially given the dominance of larger airlines and the hurdles for new entrants. Nonetheless, I am convinced that this skepticism is unfounded, and I assure all Canadians of Flair Airlines’ unwavering commitment to the success and longevity of the ULCC model in Canada. We’re here for the long haul, ready to meet the travel needs of Canadians with determination.

Canadians are all too familiar with high costs and limited competition in various sectors, from some of the world’s most expensive telecom services to recent concerns over price gouging in the grocery industry. These issues underline the need for systemic change. Flair Airlines is dedicated to offering fair and affordable travel options, recognizing the importance of healthy competition for fair pricing and consumer choice.

With Lynx Air’s exit, Flair Airlines’ role in the market is even more critical. We embrace the responsibility of being Canada’s sole ULCC, committed to ensuring affordable travel options for Canadians. Flair stands firm, ready to defy expectations, challenge the status quo, and advocate for fair competition and accessible travel. Let’s work together to guarantee that Canadians have the opportunities they deserve.

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