New Canadian ULCC Jetlines firms A320 leases, eyes 2019 launch

Aspiring Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Jetlines has firmed up a deal to lease two 12-year-old Airbus A320s from AerCap and plans to use them to launch operations, likely in early 2019. “Through my experience with Airbus, I believe that these planes are the right aircraft to commence operations with,” incoming CEO Lukas Johnson said. Jetlines, which had planned to launch this month, has not announced a new startup date. But the carrier said its first aircraft are slated to be delivered “before the first half” of next year, suggesting an early 2019 startup. Johnson was named Jetlines CEO last month after more than eight years at Las Vegas-based ULCC Allegiant Air, where he helped the carrier introduce its first A320s and established a plan to become an all-Airbus carrier by the end of this year. “The majority of ultra-low-cost carriers worldwide operate with the Airbus A320 fleet based on its fuel-efficient narrowbody framework that supports a high-density seat configuration,” Johnson said.<br/>