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Flair Airlines

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Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the 2021 livery
IATA ICAO Call sign
F8[1] FLE[2] FLAIR[2]
Commenced operations
  • August 19, 2005; 19 years ago (2005-08-19) (as Flair Air)
  • 2017; 7 years ago (2017) (as Flair Airlines)
AOC #Canada: 14941[3]
United States: F8RF148F[4]
Operating bases
Fleet size20[5]
Destinations34[6]
Parent company777 Partners (25%)[7]
HeadquartersEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Key peopleStephen Jones (President and CEO)
Employees772 (April 2022)[8]
Websiteflyflair.com Edit this at Wikidata

Flair Airlines is a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta.[9] The airline operates scheduled passenger and chartered services with a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The company slogan is Plane and Simple. The airline promotes itself as being Canada's first and only independent ULCC.[9] As of the first quarter of 2023, the airline was the country's worst airline in terms of passenger complaints, with 20.9 complaints to the Canadian Transportation Agency for every 100 flights.[10]

History

2005–2008

Flair Air logo, 2005–2017

The airline began operations as a privately owned company on August 19, 2005, under the name Flair Air. In January 2006, Transport Canada authorised the airline to operate scheduled all-cargo services between Cuba and Canada, on behalf of Cubana de Aviación, until April 7, 2006. It also operated some passenger flights on behalf of Cubana. Flair Air operated two Boeing 727-200 aircraft, one for passenger movements and the other for freight services. During this period, Flair also began providing workforce transportation services to several natural resources and major construction companies across Canada.

2008–2019

A former Flair Air Boeing 737-400 in the pre-2017 livery

Flair began adding Boeing 737-400s to its fleet in 2008 to replace the 727-200s. The airline continued to add these aircraft until delivery of a fifth aircraft in 2015. In January 2014, Flair acquired a VIP Embraer ERJ-175 and a VIP Dornier Do-328. Both were retired in September 2016. In June 2017, Flair announced it had purchased the assets of Manitoba-based discount travel company NewLeaf, of which it had been the operator of NewLeaf's flights, as it was not licensed as an airline.[11] Flair retained 85% of former NewLeaf staff in the acquisition,[12] and the NewLeaf brand was retired on July 25, 2017, with flights subsequently operated under the Flair name thereafter.[13][14]

In late 2017, Flair Air rebranded as Flair Airlines, in which it unveiled a new magenta and blue livery, acquired additional aircraft, and announced plans to add more in 2018 and 2019. Two more 737-400s arrived at the airline in December 2017. In 2018, Flair moved its headquarters from Kelowna International Airport to Edmonton International Airport,[15] and 777 Partners invested in Flair with the goal of building a Canadian low-fare carrier. In December 2018, Flair received three leased Boeing 737-800s. These were returned to lessor Smartwings in 2019 as a separately leased trio of 737-800s arrived at the airline.

2019 rebranding–present

A Flair Airlines Boeing 737-800 in the 2019 livery

In February 2019, Flair went through a "top to bottom" makeover, changing its signature colours from purple and red to acid green and black. This reflected the airline's new "Plane and Simple" branding. The brand makeover included a new livery that remains on the airline's 737-800s. New flight attendant uniforms were also rolled out in September 2019.

In February 2020, Flair offered unlimited travel in the form of a one-time fee 90-day pass valid between February 13 and May 13, 2020.[16] In August 2020, Flair retired their final Boeing 737-400 aircraft in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[17]

In January 2021, Flair announced an order for 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets from financing partner 777 Partners, with plans to grow to 50 aircraft within 5 years. The first of these aircraft arrived in May 2021, with a total of 8 scheduled to arrive over the summer months. The remaining five were planned to arrive before 2022.[18] This order came at a crucial time for Boeing, as it restarted MAX operations following a months-long grounding of the type.[19] All future aircraft deliveries to Flair were to be painted in an updated livery, which includes the airline's signature acid green and black colours, as well as subtle highlights of light purple. In December 2021, Flair ordered an additional 14 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.[20]

Regulatory concerns

In March 2022, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ruled that Flair may be in violation of the law that requires it to be controlled by Canadians, and stated that the airline's operating licence may be suspended. Flair denied that it was in violation of Canadian laws and asked for an 18-month exemption to address regulatory concerns.[21] Jones stated that the company would overhaul its board and refinance its debt to reduce foreign influence on the company.[22] The National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet released a statement asking the CTA to reject Flair's request.[23] In a statement issued on April 21, Jones stated that the airline had a "zero chance" of losing its operating licence and criticised the lack of competition in the Canadian airline industry.[24] On June 1, 2022, the CTA allowed Flair to keep its operating licence after concluding the airline is Canadian.[25]

Aircraft seizures

On March 11, 2023, Airborne Capital Ltd. seized four of its planes operated by Flair over alleged non-payment. In a press conference, Flair CEO Stephen Jones suggested the seizures were motivated by competitors, and that the airline owed around US$1 million on the leases, and was in the process of making payment when the seizures occurred.[26][27] The lessor, Airborne alleged that Flair had repeatedly missed payments amounting to several millions of dollars over a period of five months. Flair used other aircraft to continue to operate its schedule.[28]

Charters

Workforce transportation

Between 2007 and 2010, Flair was the exclusive supplier of large aircraft to Shell Canada's project at Albian Sands where, at its peak, the airline was moving over 10,000 construction workers per month from 14 points across Canada into Shell's project site, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

On October 7, 2013, Flair announced a ten-year agreement with Shell Energy Canada to provide air charter transportation services within Canada. Flair provided logistics planning, passenger reservations, and third-party charter aircraft procurement through a new subsidiary called North Sands Air Services.[29]

Around the world tours

In September 2010, Flair was approached by an Ontario-based tour company to operate a world tour program to 14 countries. Flair reconfigured one of its Boeing 737-400s from 158 economy class seats to 76 business class seats.

In 2011, Flair operated another world tour to 14 new destinations.

In October 2013, Flair operated a South American tour to 10 destinations.

Government charters

Flair has provided ongoing personnel movement for the Department of National Defence and other departments of the Canadian federal government.

ACMI charters

Flair also offers aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance or ACMI) charters which provide customers with a 'turn-key' aircraft package.

Passenger charters

Flair used to operate flights on behalf of other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat.[30]

Destinations

Main article: List of Flair Airlines destinations

Flair's scheduled destinations consist mostly of destinations in Canada, with additional destinations in Mexico and the United States.

Fleet

Current fleet

As of October 2023, Flair Airlines operates the following aircraft:[5]

Flair Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers[9] Notes
Boeing 737-800 2 — 186
Boeing 737 MAX 8 18 1 189 Deliveries to be completed in 2023.[20]
One wet-leased to Bonza[31]
Total 20 1

Former fleet

A former Flair Airlines Boeing 737-400 in the 2017–2019 livery

Flair Airlines has previously operated the following aircraft types:[32]

Flair Airlines former fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired
Boeing 727-200 2 2005 2010
Boeing 737-400 8 2008 2020
Cessna 340 1 2009 2015
Dornier 328 1 2014 2016
Embraer 175 1 2014 2016

Cabin and services

Flair's aircraft are configured with 186 or 189 economy class seats in a 3–3 layout. As a low-cost carrier, the airline charges additional fees for various services and amenities, including additional baggage allowances and in-flight catering.[9] Flair offers in-flight entertainment via mobile app or web browser; however, the airline does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi internet access.

References

  1. ^ "Airline and Location Code Search". International Air Transport Association.
  2. ^ a b "ICAO Designators for Canadian Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services" (PDF). Nav Canada. May 4, 2023. p. 4. Retrieved February 26, 2023. Flair Airlines: FLE, FLAIR
  3. ^ Transport Canada (August 31, 2019), Civil Aviation Services (CAS) AOC. wwwapps.tc.gc.ca.
  4. ^ "Airline Certificate Information – Detail View". Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: Quick Search Result for Flair Airlines". Transport Canada. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  6. ^ Where We Fly
  7. ^ Tennant, Callum (June 1, 2022). "Canada Confirms Flair Airlines Is Sufficiently Canadian". Simple Flying. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  8. ^ "Flair Airlines Holds Press Conference About Ongoing Situation - Your Region This Week". Rogers TV. YouTube. April 21, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022. 2:57: Flair employs 772 people directly today; that's pilots, flight attendants and support staff.
  9. ^ a b c d "About". Flair Airlines. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  10. ^ "Flair is Canada's worst airline when it comes to passenger complaints, federal data shows". CBC News. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  11. ^ "Flair Airlines purchases assets of no-frills flight service NewLeaf". CTV News Winnipeg. The Canadian Press. June 7, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  12. ^ Aumell, Christian (June 7, 2017). "Flair Airlines buys NewLeaf Travel to become one company". Global News. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  13. ^ "Airline turning over a 'NewLeaf' on anniversary". CTV News Winnipeg. July 25, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  14. ^ McNeil, Shane (July 25, 2017). "NewLeaf begins 'new chapter' with name change". BNN. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  15. ^ Bartko, Karen (June 19, 2018). "Flair Airlines moving headquarters from Kelowna to Edmonton". Global News.
  16. ^ "Flair Airlines introduces 90-day pass for unlimited spring flights". CTV News Calgary. February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  17. ^ McMurtry, Ian (March 13, 2021). "777 Partners and Flair Airlines Confirmed for Boeing 737 MAX". AirlineGeeks.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  18. ^ Lampert, Allison (March 18, 2021). "Flair goes frugal as 737 MAX buyer plans European-style relaunch". Reuters. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  19. ^ Morley, Daniel (January 28, 2021). "Flair Airlines Announces Boeing 737 MAX Order". AirlineGeeks.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  20. ^ a b Singh, Jay (December 15, 2021). "Flair Airlines Goes Big With Plans For 14 More Boeing 737 MAX 8s". Simple Flying. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  21. ^ Atkins, Eric (April 6, 2022). "Flair Airlines faces possible loss of operating licence after Canadian control of company questioned". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  22. ^ Lord, Craig. "Flair Airlines says it will keep operating in Canada. Here's how". Global News. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  23. ^ "Canada's Major Airlines Respond to Exemption Request made by Flair Airlines". National Airlines Council of Canada. April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  24. ^ Wolfsteller, Pilar (April 24, 2022). "Canada's Flair confident it will not lose its licence". FlightGlobal. DVV Media Group. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  25. ^ Antoneshyn, Alex (June 1, 2022). "Flair Airlines allowed to keep licence after transportation regulator rules company 'is Canadian'". CTV News Edmonton. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  26. ^ "Flair apologizes for cancellations after plane seizures, says leasing company in talks with competitor". CTVNewsEdmonton. March 14, 2023.
  27. ^ Atkins, Eric (March 11, 2023). "Flair Airlines has four airplanes seized after failing to pay the leasing company, causing several cancelled flights". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023.
  28. ^ Mulcahy, Karyn (March 14, 2023). "Flair apologizes for cancellations after plane seizures, says leasing company in talks with competitor". CTV News. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  29. ^ "Shell Canada dissolves corporate aviation department". Skies Mag. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  30. ^ "The 'Mexican game': How Air Transat misled passengers and aviation officials". CBC News. May 31, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Nelson, Jake. "Bonza's first wet-leased MAX arrives from Flair". Australian Aviation. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  32. ^ "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: History Search Result". Transport Canada.

Media related to Flair Airlines at Wikimedia Commons

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