KELOWNA — It’s official: Flair Air has bought no-frills flight service NewLeaf, a move that aviation experts say will lead to greater competition and cheaper flights within Canada.

The Kelowna, B.C.-based charter airline has provided the planes and crews for NewLeaf flights since it began operations last year.

According to Flair, the transaction – the terms of which have not been disclosed – includes NewLeaf’s marketing, selling and distribution assets. The purchase ultimately means that Flair Air will transition from a charter company to a full-fledged airline with its own reservation department and airport passenger services facilities, reports the CBC.

The airline also confirmed it will start serving new destinations this year, while NewLeaf hinted in a Facebook post that the expansion may include southern destinations.

“Expansion is planned for new destinations beginning this year, plus the fall and winter domestic schedule will be released shortly,” Flair said in a release.

Both companies have assured the public that there will be no disruption in service.

The CBC cites aviation consultant Ken Beleshko who said that if Flair’s expansion proves successful, it could compete with WestJet and Air Canada on regional short-haul service within Canada. As a result, both WestJet and Air Canada would be forced to lower their prices and offer more flights and amenities.

With file from The Canadian Press