Canada's friendly everyday low-cost carrier Flair Airlines plans to bring even more Mexican sun for its passengers as it announces the launch of two new routes to Peurto Vallarta for its winter schedule.

Situated on the western coast of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect resort destination for sun chasers with its sandy coastlines and a fantastic surrounding view of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Undoubtedly, Puerto Vallarta will be the perfect getaway out of the harsh Canadian winter, as expressed in delight by Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines,

“We are looking forward to partnering with Puerto Vallarta International Airport to bring another sunny destination to our passengers. We know it will be a hot destination this winter, with temperatures averaging 30 degrees in November.”

An addition to the winter schedule

Flight services to Puerto Vallarta International Airport will begin on November 3rd. Flair Airlines plans to operate twice-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Edmonton for this non-stop route. To celebrate this new route announcement, Myron Keehn, Vice President of Air Service, Business Development, ESG, and Government Relations, Edmonton International Airport, said:

"Flair is bringing the fun with another non-stop Mexican destination from Edmonton International Airport. Puerto Vallarta and its beautiful beaches are popular destinations in Edmonton with plenty of ways to relax and enjoy a great vacation. We're glad to have Flair headquartered at EIA and helping bring more options for low-cost travel to our communities."

Then from November 5th, the Canadian carrier will operate once-weekly flights on Saturdays from Vancouver, as confirmed by Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority:

"We’re pleased to see Flair introduce service to Puerto Vallarta from YVR, offering travelers another great option to visit this popular area of Mexico from Vancouver. We look forward to continued growth from Flair as it expands its route map to connect even more travelers from YVR to exciting North American destinations.”

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One-way fares, including taxes and fees, begin at $99 from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta and $109 from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta. Photo: Flair Airlines

Expanding presence

Flair Airlines has been growing efficiently with an expanding fleet of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The low-cost carrier had only just begun transborder flight services to the US back in October last year and is already expanding its international network.

In less than two weeks, flight services to Chicago O'Hare will begin from Toronto Pearson on a three-times-weekly basis, making Flair Airlines the first Canadian carrier to serve this route since flag carrier Air Canada exited in April 2016.

The Toronto-Pearson to Chicago route will also be in addition to New York, which will be increased from twice-weekly to four times weekly. Flair Airlines competes with Air Canada, American Airlines, and United Airlines for this route.

Besides making its mark in the US market, the Edmonton-based discount carrier also extended into Mexico in February, which was ideally a substantial market for Flair Airlines, according to the airline's Chief Commercial Officer Garth Lund:

“Expanding to Mexico is part of Flair’s exciting growth strategy and we're very happy to be launching service there. Canadians are tired of the ice and snow, and our affordable fares will help make it possible to take a trip. We’re making it easier than ever for Canadians to chase the sun in Mexico.”

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The entry into the Mexican market came just over three months after Flair Airlines launched its service in the US market. Photo: Flair Airlines

The first routes served were Cancun from Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo and Los Cabos from Abbotsford, Edmonton, and Vancouver. With the latest addition of Puerto Vallarta, the number of cities served by the airline is more than 30 across Canada, the US, and Mexico.

Future plans

Given how fast Flair Airlines has been growing in a short period, it will undoubtedly be a matter of time till the airline enters a new market. One theory could be the Caribbean, which was a market Flair Airlines had previously mentioned it was eyeing.

Further expansion into the US and Mexico can certainly be expected, although the airline would face tougher competition in the US market due to the more prominent carriers. Interestingly, another possible competitor for Flair Airlines could be Canada Jetlines - the new leisure-focused carrier that has set Toronto Pearson as its central hub.

The aviation industry within Canada will spice up once the new airline is ready for take-off and announces its route, which could also be why Flair Airlines is rapidly expanding to dominate as much as possible.