Fort McMurray International Airport announced the arrival of Flair Airlines.
The domestic air service will provide low-cost travel options from YMM to Toronto, Ont., as well as Vancouver and Victoria, B.C.
RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, said the new offerings will safely expand travel options from coast-to-coast.
“The new routes will provide excellent options for visitors to come to Fort McMurray to access and enjoy some of the regions tourism and business offerings. We are excited to welcome Flair Airlines to Fort McMurray and we look forward to a successful partnership.”
Starting Aug. 26, 2020, Flair’s 737-800 series aircraft will fly twice a week to Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria.
The following is a list of departures times on Wednesdays and Saturdays:
- YMM – Vancouver
- Departs 9:15 a.m., arrives 10:30 a.m. (non-stop)
- YMM – Vancouver – Victoria
- Departs 9:15 a.m., arrives 10:30 a.m. (stop-over), departs 11:15 a.m., arrives 11:45 a.m.
- YMM – Toronto
- Departs 5:45 p.m., arrives 11:33 p.m. (non-stop)
Next is a list of arrival times also on Wednesday and Saturdays:
- Vancouver – YMM
- Departs 2:00 p.m., arrives 5:00 p.m. (non-stop)
- Victoria – Vancouver – YMM
- Departs 12:30 p.m., arrives 1:15 p.m. (stop-over), departs 3:00 p.m., arrives 5:00 p.m.
- Toronto – YMM
- Departs 6:30 a.m., arrives 8:30 a.m. (non-stop)
Game-changer
Originated in Kelowna in 2005, Flair Airlines relocated its headquarters to Edmonton in 2018.
Its the first low-cost carrier to enter the local market offering one-way fares starting as low as $79 to Vancouver, $99 to Victoria and $159 to Toronto.
“We are especially excited to welcome the city of Fort McMurray to our route schedule,” Said Flair Airlines CEO Jim Scott. “As we are based in Edmonton, we are proud to bring our service and travel options to this area as they have always been an integral part of this province.”
Flair offers its “pay-what-you-want” model with competitive rates and optional fees on carry-on and checked bags, reserved seating, and priority boarding snacks.
Steenstra said the airport worked hard to adapt to public health measures to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
“We’ve been hard at work alongside our airline and concession partners, preparing for the return of more passengers. In March, we introduced several public health guided measures to enhance our existing program, and we will continue to educate our guests about our shared responsibility in creating a healthy and safe air travel experience.”
He also noted a steady increase in demand for air travel.
YMM Committed is the airport’s enhanced health and safety program, which is available on its website.
Flair’s arrival is a great move to help regenerate the local economy, said Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation.
“The steps we take today to attract new investment will determine how well our economy rebounds in the future. Connecting the region directly to major centres is foundational for getting local businesses and start-ups linked to new markets, not to mention, the doors it can open for developing and supporting robust local tourism experiences.”
Weidlich added the move also shows the region’s marketability.
“Knowing that Fort McMurray is a destination and a preferred airport for [Flair Airlines], even during the international pandemic with limited travel opportunities, is even better news for the region.”
Mayor Don Scott called the service a game-changer for the community.
“It will promote travel and business opportunities for people in our region while also improving consumer choice and access. I believe Wood Buffalo is Canada’s best-kept secret and once people experience the exceptional hospitality, energy and opportunities that exist here, they will want to return time and time again.”
For more information on Flair Airlines or to book a flight, visit their website.
