Low-cost carrier targets local flights in 2020

WATERLOO REGION — Ultra-low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines says it’s now targeting a 2020 launch for service from Waterloo Region.

Also known as Jetlines, the carrier expects to begin service next June from Hamilton and its newly-announced west coast hub in Abbotsford, B.C.

When the 2018 launch was announced last month, a Jetlines media release stated the company intended to offer service from both Hamilton and Waterloo Region in summer 2018. The same release indicated Jetlines had entered into an agreement with the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, and was in “active discussions” with the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau.

Jetlines remains in talks with regional officials, spokesperson Jennifer Paterson said Monday. “We’re still working with the Region of Waterloo,” she said. “Discussions are still ongoing.”

But airport general manager Chris Wood said Canada Jetlines will have to participate in a request-for-proposal process, just like any other airline.

In a bid to attract more airlines, the call for proposals issued this month to Canadian carriers offers two years of exclusive access to new scheduled routes that would operate from the Breslau airport. Prospective bidders have until the end of January to submit proposals.

Exclusive access allows an airline to build a market for a route without direct competition at the outset.

The region has been in discussion with airlines including Canada Jetlines. “However, we’re going through this process, and this may or may not be something that meets their timelines,” Wood said.

With Monday’s announcement that Jetlines will commence service from Hamilton and Abbotsford, Paterson insisted the airline isn’t scaling back its plans. “We’ve shifted some of the timing.”

Jetlines officials remain excited at the prospect of flying from the regional airport in Breslau, and Paterson said they’re confident there would be sufficient demand for service from both Hamilton and Breslau in 2020.

A proposed Jetlines route map for summer 2018 shows service between Hamilton and Abbotsford, with connections to Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Halifax. By winter 2018-19, the offerings expand to include connections to Cancun, Punta Cana, Las Vegas and four Florida destinations.

Jetlines is one of a handful of ultra-low-cost carriers offering, or planning to offer, service in Canada. The perks-free model keeps ticket prices low by charging fees for additional services ranging from baggage to seat selection and beverages.

A new 18-minute flight of-

fered by FlyGTA Airlines, connecting the Breslau airport with the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Monday to Friday, is expected to take off next week. That airline already offers service from Toronto to Niagara, and is also adding flights to Lake Simcoe Regional Airport near Barrie.

The FlyGTA flights will augment existing service from Breslau to Calgary and, seasonally, Punta Cana.