Flair Remains Cautious about U.S. Expansion

Canadian low-cost carrier Flair Airlines is staying conservative with its transborder expansion, with just one U.S. route out of the hotly contested Ontario market for now, compared to 10 new U.S. routes out of Edmonton and Winnipeg.

The new routes, announced today, extend Flair’s network south of the border to Florida’sOrlando International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater (Tampa Bay) andMiami, as well as to Palm Springs, Las Vegas andPhoenix-Mesa Airport.

For the winter schedule Flair has also announced increased domestic service with new routes between Toronto to Winnipeg (daily) and Calgary to Abbotsford. Flights are now on sale, with the majority of flights starting on Dec.15. Edmonton to Las Vegas will start Nov. 9.

Introductory fares start at $99 to Las Vegas from both Winnipeg and Edmonton (one way, taxes and fees included).

On Aug. 2 low-cost carrier Swoop announced its U.S. routes, with four new destinations offered out of Ontario via John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport: Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

Swoop is also adding service ex Edmonton to Las Vegas and Mesa, and from Abbotsford, B.C. to Las Vegas. All of Swoop’s new U.S. flights start in October.

Facing increased competition from Swoop, Flair Airlines announced earlier this month that it will stop serving Hamilton International Airport and add more flights to Toronto Pearson.

Flair is also up against low-cost carrier Air Canada Rouge, which recently marked its fifth anniversary.

Source: Travelweek Group