VANCOUVER — Canada Jetlines is heading to Quebec City after signing an agreement to provide future ultra-low fare service from YQB.
According to Javier Suarez, Jetlines’ CEO, the ULCC plans to offer domestic and international flights from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport after its anticipated launch in summer 2019. Specific routes and schedules have yet to be released.
“Quebec City is an exciting addition to our future route network that will provide more Canadians with diversified and low-cost alternatives to explore this beautiful country,” said Suarez. “This partnership will allow us to tap into the market opportunity available and stimulate demand for more travel, which Jetlines will be able to leverage to grow its business.”
In 2017, YQB doubled its capacity by opening a brand new international terminal. Since its privatization in 2000, the airport has tripled its traffic, going from just 643,000 passengers to 1.8 million in 2018. It remains one of the fastest growing airports in Canada with an annual passenger growth rate of 7.2% per year for the last 15 years.
Gaëtan Gagné, President and CEO of YQB, saluted Canada Jetlines’ willingness to serve the passengers of Quebec City.
“This decision aligns perfectly with our development strategy to improve accessibility to Quebec City, increase the region’s connections to the rest of the world, and support its economic growth, visibility and prestige,” he said. “Bringing a low-cost option to Quebec City was one of our top priorities for the future and one of the reasons why we’ve expanded our terminal. I am delighted to see that this strategy is paying off and we welcome Jetlines with enthusiasm.”
The signing of YQB is just the latest in Jetlines’ rollout of developments leading up to its launch. Since January, the carrier announced plans for future service to Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Cancun, added Kelowna (YLW) and Winnipeg (YWG) to its proposed network, named Vancouver International Airport as its home airport, and also confirmed that it will fly to Quebec, Florida and New York from Saint-Hubert airport (YHU) in Montreal.
