Canada's new ultra-low-cost airline Lynx Air is gearing up for launch. And now, we know just what their planes will look like in real life. The Calgary-based carrier's first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft registered as C-GJSL has been spotted fully painted with the startup airline's white, red, and blue livery.
A little over two months to go
The latest addition to the North American low-cost scene intends to commence service with the plane in April this year. Lynx will start operations with seven routes over five cities. As reported by Simple Flying's route expert James Pearson last week, the carrier will fly its new MAX8 aircraft on 39 flights per week during the peak summer season.
The airline's inaugural service will take off from Calgary to Vancouver on April 7th. Other routes will be to and from Kelowna, Toronto Pearson, Winnipeg. This sets the strategy of Lynx Air apart from other startup LCCs in that there is already quite some competition on its chosen city pairs.
Fares on shorter routes, such as the Kelowna to Vancouver, will start at CA$39 (US$31), including taxes. Meanwhile, tickets for the longer services, such as Toronto to Vancouver, will begin at CA$59 (US$47) or CA$79 (US$63). The lowest fares include one personal item, but unsurprisingly, given the business model, passengers will have to pay more for other items and services.
Building a MAX fleet for the next seven years
Lynx Air has been repurposed from charter airline Enerjet, which previously specialized in transporting oil-sands workers to sites in Alberta. The operator is no stranger to Boeing aircraft, as it used to operate 737-700s and -800s.
In its new regime, however, Lynx intends to operate a fleet of 737 MAX aircraft. The airline's CEO and President, Merren McArthur, said in November last year that the carrier has orders and leasing agreements in place to take as many as 46 of Boeing's latest narrowbody jet within the span of seven years. Lynx Air is expecting to take delivery of three before the end of 2022.
"Lynx Air is Canada’s newest ultra-affordable airline, on a mission to make air travel accessible for all. With airfare sky-high in Canada, we give value-seeking travellers an affordable, safe and customer-first flying experience," the airline describes itself on social media.
Current Canadian air travel restrictions
Canada currently requires all passengers over 12 years boarding domestic or international flights from most airports in the country to be fully vaccinated. The second dose must have been received no later than 15 calendar days before the day of travel. Face masks are still mandatory on board all flights in, to, and from Canada.
What do you think of Lynx Air's real-life livery and choice of aircraft? Will you be booking a ticket with the new low-cost hopeful anytime soon? Leave a comment below and let us know.