Canada Jetlines delays first revenue flights to 29 August

Start-up leisure carrier Canada Jetlines has pushed back its launch date, less than two weeks before it was due to operate its inaugural flight. The Vancouver-based company said on 4 August it has “tentatively rescheduled” its first passenger revenue flights to 29 August, from 15 August, “subject to licensing approval” from Canadian aviation authorities. The carrier had expected to receive final certification from Transport Canada by July, but that approval has not yet arrived. “We’ve made the difficult decision to change our launch date as we continue to work with the regulatory authorities in Canada to secure our [air operator certificate],” says Canada Jetlines chief executive Eddy Doyle. “We will continue to build strategic partnerships with destinations, travel agencies, and airports as we build out our five-year strategy.” The carrier, which currently has just one used A320 aircraft in its fleet, had said at the end of last month that its first revenue passenger flight would be a Toronto-to-Winnipeg leg, on 15 August. “Canada Jetlines is working closely with Transport Canada and Canadian Transportation Association, who are currently evaluating all completed documentation required for this application,” Jetlines adds. The carrier says it still plans to fly its first customers ”before the end of the summer season”.<br/>