After several of its aircraft were repossessed by their lessors earlier this year for overdue payments, Flair Airlines has secured two aircraft to meet summer air travel demand.
The Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) announced it has leased two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital, the world’s second largest aircraft leasing company.
The development marks a recovery of sorts for the carrier, as earlier in the year, Open Jaw reported that four of Flair's leased aircraft were seized by their lessors due to alleged missed payments - which the airline disputes. The seizure resulted in the last-minute cancellation of numerous flights and left pax high and dry. Subsequently, Flair filed a $50 million lawsuit against the leasing parties to recover its losses.
It didn't help the ULCC's reputation that, as Open Jaw reported Flair received the highest number of complaints compared to other major airlines in Canada in recent months.
Now, however, the carrier is looking onwards and upwards.
In MAY, according to the airline in a release, Flair operated with a 99.1 per cent completion factor, with 82.1 per cent of flights arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time, and a load factor of 90 per cent.
Flair also says it expects to offer 35 per cent more service compared to the previous summer.
“Flair Airlines has demonstrated excellent operational performance and business metrics, coupled with professional management of aircraft assets that are in high demand,” said Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines. “We are pleased to lease two more of these fuel efficient aircraft and thank SMBC Aviation Capital for their support in our mission to deliver the lowest fares on offer in Canada.”
One aircraft was delivered to Flair Airlines on 13JUN and a second aircraft will follow later this summer.
