Flair Airlines, a Canadian ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), is adding 13 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Flair will lease the initial 13 aircraft from one of its financiers, 777 Partners, which recently entered into an agreement with Boeing for 24 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft along with options to purchase another 60 737-8 aircraft.

“Canadians have been paying too much for too long. We must do our part to ensure affordable air travel is available to all Canadians across Canada if travel and tourism are to return this year,” Stephen Jones, president and CEO of Flair Airlines, said. “Our efficient new aircraft will provide us the foundation to execute our ULCC business model. These planes will enable us to keep fares low while expanding our service to meet travel demand. As a ULCC, we have an extraordinary impact on the lives of Canadians and the communities in which they live by making travel across the country affordable and accessible.”

According to Flair Airlines, the new aircraft will deliver fuel savings and cut the airline’s CO2 emissions by 14%.

“In advance of the new 737-8 aircraft joining our fleet of existing 737-800s, Flair’s team of pilots, maintenance professionals, flight attendants and safety officers will conduct extensive testing and training programs,” Jones said. “Our team continues to work tirelessly to ensure our processes and training help better our already impeccable safety standards. We look forward to working with Boeing and our regulators to ensure a smooth entry into service for this fantastic aircraft.”

The new 737-8 aircraft will be configured to seat 189 passengers and fly 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 km). Flair is currently accepting expressions of interest from airports interested in partnering with the airline.

Flair’s new management team, led by Jones and new chief commercial officer Garth Lund, both formerly with Wizz Air, will begin accepting delivery of the new aircraft in early 2021.

“The days of limited choices and frustration with high fares from legacy carriers are gone,” Jones said. “Flair — and ultra low-cost travel — is here to stay. No longer will Canadians pay a premium to explore their own country.”