Relative 'new kid on the block' in the Canadian aviation scene, ultra-low-cost airline Flair operates a fleet of nearly 30 Boeing 737s. These jets are a mix of the older-generation 737-800 and the newer 737 MAX 8. Interestingly, 11 of the 24 MAX aircraft operated by Flair are white tail aircraft. Let's look at who originally ordered these jets.

Flair's white tail fleet

Getting right to the details, let's look at all the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Flair that are white tails:

  • C-FLQG (MSN 43619/Line No. 7391): Originally ordered by Czech Airline SmartWings to be registered OK-SWH.
  • C-FLER (MSN 62874/Line No. 7654): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. This was to be registered OK-SWQ.
  • C-FLKO (MSN 62870/Line No. 7599): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. To be registered OK-SWO.
  • C-FLKZ (MSN 62883/Line No. 7893): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. To be registered OK-SWS.
  • C-FLUJ (MSN 62884/Line No. 7937): Originally ordered by Spanish carrier Air Europa.
  • C-FLQZ (MSN 44307/Line No. 7589): Originally ordered by Spanish carrier Air Europa. Initial registration was EC-NBV.
  • C-FLUT (MSN 60134/Line No. 7429): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. To be registered OK-SWJ.
  • C-FLQF (MSN 43300/Line No. 7461): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. To be registered OK-SWI.
  • C-FLQP (MSN 43566/Line No. 7553): Also originally ordered by SmartWings. To be registered OK-SWN.
  • C-GFOF (MSN 44302/Line No. 7501): Originally ordered by Spanish carrier Air Europa. Initial registration was EC-NBL.​

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Why so many SmartWings aircraft are now with Flair

At the end of June 2021, we reported that Smartwings had initiated legal action against Boeing, seeking an unspecified amount of damages caused by the plane's grounding.

The airline had ordered three MAX 8s in 2013, adding a further five in 2017. The airline also agreed to lease a further 31 MAXs to replace its fleet of mostly 737-800 planes. However, following the two fatal MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, the 737 MAX was grounded around the world. SmartWings said the grounding cost it at least US$93.8 million, and caused the airline to cancel its remaining direct orders from Boeing.

So, with Boeing likely having completed assembly of these jets for SmartWings before the airline decided to cancel, the aircraft were left without an operator and thus became white tails.

Smartwings 737 max
Photo: SmartWings

The major force behind Flair

Helping Flair with the capital to fuel its relatively rapid fleet expansion is Miami-based firm 777 Partners. In December 2021, the company added 30 MAX jets to its commitment with Boeing and, in July 2022, added another 66.

Seeing low-cost carriers as a source of revenue for its investors, 777 Partners has not only backed Canada's Flair Airlines, but also Australia's Bonza. This carrier will also be operating an all-MAX fleet and will be commencing operations quite soon. Armed with billions of dollars and an annual revenue in the hundreds of millions, it appears that 777 Partners was able to negotiate an attractive deal with Boeing to pick up dozens of MAX aircraft - including a number of white tails. And, considering the fact that the customers of budget airlines (and most air travelers in general) don't seem to care about the history of the aircraft- the fact that they're white tails doesn't seem to be an issue - as long as they get to their destinations safely.

Have you flown with Flair Airlines recently? Do you know if you stepped onboard any of the white tails listed? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.

Source: Planespotters.net