Flair Airlines

Flair Air operated two Boeing 727–200 aircraft, one for passenger movements and the other for freight services.

Flair began providing workforce transportation services to several natural resources and major construction companies across Canada.

Flair Airlines logo, 2019–present

A Flair Airlines Boeing 737–400 in the pre-2017 livery

Flair began adding Boeing 737-400s to its fleet in 2008 to replace the 727-200s. The airline continued to add these aircraft until delivery of a fifth aircraft in 2015. In June 2017 Flair announced it had purchased the assets of Manitoba-based discount travel company NewLeaf – Flair had been the operator of NewLeaf's flights, as it was not licensed as an airline. Flair retained 85% of former NewLeaf staff in the acquisition.

In January 2014, Flair acquired a VIP Embraer ERJ-175 and a VIP Dornier Do-328. Both were retired in September 2016.

In late 2017, Flair Air became Flair Airlines, unveiled a new magenta and blue livery, acquired additional aircraft, and announced plans to add more in 2018 and 2019. Two more 737-400s arrived at the airline in December 2017.

In 2018, Flair moved its headquarters from Kelowna International Airport to Edmonton International Airport[8] and 777 Partners invested in Flair with the goal of building a Canadian low-fare carrier.

In December 2018, Flair received three leased Boeing 737-800s. These were returned to lessor Smartwings in 2019 as a separately leased trio of 737-800s arrived at the airline. Those three currently remain in Flair's fleet.

In February 2019, Flair went through a "top to bottom" makeover, changing its signature colors from purple and red to acid green and black. This reflects the airline's new "Plane and Simple" branding. The brand makeover included a new livery that currently remains on the airline's three 737-800s. New flight attendant uniforms were also rolled out in September 2019.

In February 2020, Flair offered unlimited travel in the form of a one-time fee 90-day pass valid between February 13 and May 13, 2020.[9]

Flair retired their final Boeing 737–400 aircraft in August 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.[10][11]

In January 2021, Flair announced an order for 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, a first step in the airline's plan to grow to 50 aircraft within 5 years. The aircraft will be leased from financing partner 777 Partners. The first of these aircraft arrived in May 2021, with a total of 8 scheduled to arrive over the summer months. The remaining five will arrive before 2022.[12] 777 Partner's full order consisted of 24 MAX 8s, with options for 60 more. This order came at a crucial time for Boeing, as it dealt with a revamp of MAX operations following a months-long grounding of the type.[13] All future aircraft deliveries to Flair will be painted in an updated livery, which includes the airline's signature acid green and black colors, as well as subtle highlights of light purple.

In March 2022, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ruled that Flair may be in violation of the law that requires it to be controlled by Canadians, and stated that the airline's operating license may be suspended. Flair denied that it is in violation of Canadian laws and asked for an 18-month exemption to address regulatory concerns.[14] Flair CEO Stephen Jones stated that the company would overhaul its board and refinance its debt to reduce foreign influence on the company.[15] The National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet released a statement asking the CTA to reject Flair's request.[16] In a statement issued on April 21, Jones stated that the airline had a "zero chance" of losing its operating license and criticized the lack of competition in the Canadian airline industry.[17]

Between 2007 and 2010 Flair was the exclusive supplier of large aircraft lift to Shell Canada's project at Albian Sands where, at its peak, the airline was moving over 10,000 construction workers per month from 14 points across Canada into Shell's project site, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

On October 7, 2013, Flair Airlines announced that it had entered into a ten-year agreement with Shell Energy Canada Ltd. to provide exclusive air charter transportation services within Canada. Flair will provide logistics planning, passenger reservations, and third-party charter aircraft procurement, all of which will be accomplished by a new workforce transportation services company called North Sands Air Services Ltd.

In September 2010, Flair Air was approached by an Ontario-based tour company to operate a world tour program. The program included travelling to 14 countries worldwide. Flair reconfigured one of its Boeing 737-400's from 158 Y class seats to 76 business class seats. Flair Air obtained international permits, over-flight permissions, and ground arrangements to operate in each of the 14 countries.

In 2011, Flair Airlines operated another world tour to 14 new destinations.

In October 2013, Flair Air operated a South American tour to 10 destinations.

Flair Airlines has provided ongoing personnel movement for the Department of National Defence and other departments of the Canadian federal government.

Flair also offers aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance or ACMI) charters which provide customers with a 'turn-key' aircraft package.

Flair used to operate flights on behalf of other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat.

A Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the 2021 livery

As of November 2021, Flair Airlines operates the following aircraft:[5]

In its history, Flair Airlines has flown Boeing 727–200, Boeing 737–400, Embraer ERJ 170, Dornier 328 and Cessna 340 aircraft.[41]