Canada Jetlines will acquire a second Airbus A320 and begin service to Vancouver (YVR) this December, according to a press release from the airline.
North America’s newest airline has signed a lease agreement with CCB Leasing for the 8.7-year-old ex-Pegasus Airbus A320-200 (MSN5995). Delivery is set for 30 November.
Additionally, Jetlines will begin twice-weekly flights to Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) beginning 09 December.
Canada Jetlines’ Inaugural Flight Was Just Under a Month Ago
The news is a good sign for the Mississauga, Ontario-based carrier, which flew its inaugural flight just one month ago. Currently, Jetlines serves just two airports, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Calgary International Airport (YYC).
After navigating multiple setbacks ahead of its launch, Jetlines currently operates one Airbus A320-200 (reg. C-GCJL). At launch, the carrier said they would secure a second aircraft by the end of 2022 and 15 aircraft by 2025.
The New Airbus A320 Will Enable the Carrier to Expand
It appears the acquisition of a second A320 is already paying off.
The addition of Vancouver will bring the number of destinations Jetlines serves to three . The second A320 will open up further options for the young airline, according to Jetlines CEO Eddy Doyle.
“I am pleased that we have a definitive agreement for our second aircraft,” said Doyle. “The Airbus A320 is a fuel-efficient, narrow-body framework that supports a high-density seat configuration. [We] will be using the aircraft to expand its network in time for the upcoming winter travel season.”
Ultimately, the company plans to operate point-to-point service across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Kevin Mi, Global Head of Aviation for CCB Leasing, says his company is excited to be part of a chapter of Canadian aviation.
“We are excited about our relationship with Canada Jetlines and the innovative offering which they are bringing to the Canadian aviation market,” said Mi.
Jetlines Plans to Expand Throughout Canada, the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean
The carrier’s twice-weekly Toronto-Vancouver flights will connect Canada’s first and third most populous metro areas. YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada, behind YYZ.
“Following the launch of a successful first route out of Toronto, we look forward to expanding our services into Vancouver ahead of the upcoming holiday travel season,” said Duncan Bureau, Chief Commercial Officer of Canada Jetlines. “We seek to provide Canadian travelers with more convenient travel options and look forward to bringing the country’s newest leisure airline to YVR.”
Jetlines operates twice-weekly flights between YYZ and YYC on Thursdays and Sundays. Previously, the airline indicated that the frequency between the two city pairs would increase to three flights per week ahead of the holiday season. However, a check of Jetlines’ website at the time of this writing shows twice-weekly flights continuing through at least September 2023.
Possible future destinations include Winnipeg (YWG), Kelowna (YLW), Montreal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU), Québec City (YQB), and Moncton (YQM) in Canada, as well as Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Los Cabos (SJD), Cancun (CUN) in Mexico, and several destinations in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the airline plans to announce service to the United States within the next few months.
Flair, Lynx, Swoop, Jetlines – Oh My!
Canada Jetlines’ Airbus A320s are powered by two CFM56-5B4/3 engines, and feature a cabin with new Recaro 3530 seats, in-seat USB power, and a device holder. Additionally, the airline offers in-flight entertainment via the Flymingo Box system on personal wireless devices.
Canada Jetlines is trying to break into the market at a competitive time. It faces new low-cost competitors, such as Flair Airlines, Lynx Air, and Swoop, which continue to expand their reach.
