New ‘Low-Cost’ Airline NewLeaf to Unveil Fares, Routes

Jetlines’ original plan was to launch flights in early 2015.

From Feb. 12 to March 13, there will be departures from Regina to Kelowna, B.C. on Sundays and departures on Regina to Hamilton on Thursdays.

NewLeaf chief commercial officer Dean Dacko says Canadians have been forced to pay too much for air travel because of a lack of competition. In 1996, it promised one million passengers by 2010, but passenger traffic has steadily decreased since 2009.

Victoria International Airport spokesman James Bogusz said while it wasn’t chosen as a destination for NewLeaf, YYJ is a lower-cost airport for landing fees and the company indicated that was an important factor in choosing what locations they serve.

The airline aims to join the ranks of the world’s “ultra-low-cost” carriers, such as Spirit and Allegiant in the USA or Ryanair and easyJet in Europe. “We know there’s demand for ultra-low cost services in Canada”. Checking a flight to Hamilton from Regina in mid-February, the cost is about $112.

“Most of our main routes feature non-stop flights that aren’t now offered”. It also won’t offer daily service.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve had that much interest that fast”.

Jetlines president David Solloway did not return requests Tuesday from CBC Hamilton to comment on how NewLeaf’s launch may affect his company’s plans.

Flights will be operated through Kelowna-based Flair Airlines using Boeing 737-400 passenger jets.

“It’s a new year, and we are happy to say 2016 is the year we officially bring affordable travel back to Canada”, president/CEO Jim Young said in a press release. The eventual goal is 15 planes.

Introductory rates will range from $89 to $149, tax included, for a no-frills ticket.