Jetlines selects YVR as home base

Canada Jetlines Ltd. announced that it has chosen Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to be its home airport and primary base of operations when it begins flight operations later this year. Jetlines has filed and received confirmation from YVR that all airport slots needed to operate its initial network of two Airbus A320 aircraft will be available.

Jetlines selected YVR as its future base for operations due to it being the second busiest airport in Canada, serving more than 25.9 million passengers in 2018. It is also the busiest airport in British Columbia and the airport with the largest catchment area. The airport has more than 2.5 million people living less than a 30-minute drive from it. As well as it being the closest airport to Vancouver’s city center, the airport is well connected to the city through a rapid transit rail.

In addition to the desirable location and facilities, Jetlines was attracted to YVR due to their competitive rates and charges. The airport’s ConnectYVR program provides airlines a standard rate structure for landing and terminal fees. This program rewards airlines for efficiency and growing their services at YVR providing further incentive for Jetlines to build its base of operations out of Vancouver.

“I am extremely excited to be able to use Vancouver International Airport as our primary base of operations once we launch,” stated Jetlines CEO Javier Suarez. “The Greater Vancouver area population, cost to operate from the airport, and transit accessibility, linked with the enormous tourist attraction that Vancouver has, provides Jetlines with a massive business opportunity. Having launched more than 300 routes in my career with most of them out of primary airports, I have no doubt that the Vancouver Airport will offer Jetlines the opportunity to launch and profitably operate a large number of routes.”

“We welcome the news that Jetlines is planning to use YVR as their base of operations once they launch,” said Anne Murray, vice-president of Airline Business Development and Public Affairs, Vancouver Airport Authority. “It is great to hear that this Canadian-operated airline is making positive progress to begin offering service. We are excited that Jetlines intends to offer flights from YVR across Canada and to several sun destinations as this will provide added choice for our passengers in the future.”

The company’s ability to service this airport is subject to the completion of the airline licensing process and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.