Canada Jetlines used the Routes Americas 2019 conference as a platform to unveil their plans to incorporate the event’s host, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), into its route network.
Ultra low-cost start-up Canada Jetlines has reached an agreement in principle to provide future service from YQB, the host of Routes Americas 2019.
“It’s a very promising market,” Jetlines CEO Javier Suarez told Routes delegates. “We’re going to give people in Quebec City the kind of capacity they want, and they deserve.”
In 2017, YQB doubled its capacity by opening a brand-new international terminal. Since its privatization in 2000, the airport has tripled its traffic going from 643,000 passengers to 1.8 million in 2018. YQB remains one of the fastest growing airports in Canada, with an annual compound passenger growth rate of 7.2% per year for the last 15 years.
“Bringing a low-cost option to Québec City was one of our top priority for the future and one of the reasons why we’ve expanded our terminal,” says YQB President and CEO Gaëtan Gagne.
“I am delighted to see that this strategy is paying off and we welcome Jetlines with enthusiasm.”
Jetlines has not announced a start date, but Suarez emphasised that plans to get airline flying in 2019 remain on track. The airline recently revealed that Vancouver International Airport will serve as its home airport, and Montreal’s secondary airport, Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil, will be part of its network.
Steven Small, Brand Director of Routes commented on the announcement which was made during day two of the annual Routes Americas event, “We are thrilled to hear this news, our hosts have been working hard to expand connectivity from Quebec and to have a Canadian carrier such as Jetlines sign an agreement like this is a very positive step in the right direction.”
The Company’s ability to service this airport is subject to the completion of the airline licensing process and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
