VANCOUVER — Canada Jetlines says it will use Vancouver International Airport as its home airport and primary base of operations when it begins flight operations, currently targeted for later this year.
Jetlines has filed and received confirmation from YVR that all airport slots needed to operate their initial network using their first two Airbus A320 aircraft will be available.
YVR is Canada’s second busiest airport in Canada, serving more than 25.9 million passengers in 2018. It also has over 2.5 million people living within a 30-minute drive.
In addition to the desirable location and facilities, Jetlines says it was also attracted to YVR due to its competitive rates and charges. The airport’s ConnectYVR program provides airlines a standard rate structure for landing and terminal fees. This program rewards airlines for efficiency and growing their services at YVR providing further incentive for Jetlines to build their base of operations out of Vancouver, says Canada Jetlines CEO Javier Suarez.
“I am extremely excited to be able to use Vancouver International Airport as our primary base of operations once we launch,” says Suarez. “The Greater Vancouver area population, cost to operate from the airport, and transit accessibility, linked with the enormous tourist attraction that Vancouver has, provides Jetlines with a massive business opportunity. Having launched more than 300 routes in my career with most of them out of primary airports, I have no doubt that the Vancouver Airport will offer Jetlines the opportunity to launch and profitably operate a large number of routes.”
As always Canada Jetlines’ ability to service this airport is subject to the completion of the airline licensing process and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
The would-be ultra low-cost carrier, at last check aiming for a summer 2019 launch, has also signed deals with Saint-Hubert airport in Quebec as well as Kelowna and Winnipeg. Its destination wish list, with signed agreements, includes Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Plata, Samana and Santo Domingo.
