A new ultra–low-cost carrier plans to introduce regular domestic and international flights within and from Canada, but is looking to serve regional communities rather than the busy hub markets in the country. NewLeaf Travel Company has selected Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport as its corporate headquarters and plans to team with charter provider Flair Airlines to offer scheduled flights from Kelowna, Winnipeg and Hamilton to multiple domestic and international destinations.
New Leaf is expected to initially launch scheduled operations with two Boeing 737-400s and will offer an unbundled travel service for leisure travellers with low base fares and numerous add-ons for passengers to tailor their itineraries depending upon what extras such as checked baggage allowance, inflight meals etc, that they require.
Alongside the flight only offer, New Leaf intends to offer customers full holiday packages including flights, hotel accommodation, car rental and even destination entertainment, in a model similar to that successfully operated by Allegiant Air and Allegaint Travel Company in the USA.
“Our simple mantra is ‘We will get there, on time with your underwear. We will offer you a place to stay and we will give you something to do while you are there’, its president and chief executive officer, Jim Young told the Canadian press earlier this year. However, he noted that many customers will also be interested in its flight-only option. “Some customers just want a seat and seat belt,” he said.
New Leaf says the selection of Winnipeg as its corporate headquarters was made after a thorough review of the attributes, costs and benefits of various airport community options. It said Winnipeg was determined to be the “best fit” for NewLeaf and its people.
Winnipeg is an ideal place for NewLeaf’s headquarters because of its central geographic location and clear need for additional air service,” said Young. “Utilising the ultra low-cost carrier model, NewLeaf, as the Tour Operator in conjunction with Flair Airlines as the Air Services Operator will offer low priced air service to unserved and underserved destinations with a focus on leisure travellers. More nonstop destinations along with greater value and affordability of flights will encourage more people to travel.”
The airline remains tight-lipped on its launch plans and says details of its initial route map will be announced in the near future at functions in Kelowna, British Columbia and Hamilton, Ontario. As the operation nears maturity, NewLeaf expects to create in excess of 750 new jobs in Winnipeg, significantly stimulating the local economy.
"One cannot under estimate the impact an airline head office can have on a host community. NewLeaf headquartering in Winnipeg will undoubtedly result in improved connectivity and provide a significant boost to the local economy," said Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Airports Authority.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser, Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is this month connected to 22 other destinations, while there are regular flights from Kelowna International Airport to 12 destinations and from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to four other points.
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