Introduction of Toronto-Mexico and Vancouver-Mexico Night Flights
Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines is set to commence operations on the Toronto-Mexico City and Vancouver-Mexico City routes next week, offering nighttime flights to the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM), which is currently undergoing renovation.
Collaboration with Mexican Authorities
Juliana Ramírez, Flair Airlines’ Chief Digital Officer, mentioned their close collaboration with the Mexican Secretaría de Marina and AICM’s operational team. Ramírez highlighted their enthusiasm to establish a presence in Mexico’s primary airport.
Flair Airlines Background
Founded in 2005 as a charter airline, Flair Airlines transitioned into a low-cost carrier in 2018. The company currently operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 737 aircraft with 189 seats, averaging six years of age. CEO Maciej Wilk, previously holding high positions at LOT Polish Airlines, leads the team, which includes personnel with experience from JetBlue, Delta, and Volaris (where Ramírez previously worked).
Canadian Operations and Expansion
Flair Airlines operates from five centers in Canada: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and Kitchener. This network enables them to serve destinations in the United States, Mexico (first visited in 2022), Punta Cana, and Jamaica.
Mexico Route History
Flair Airlines’ initial Mexican routes were to Los Cabos (now inactive) and Puerto Vallarta, connecting Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Subsequently, they added Toronto and Vancouver flights to Cancún and Guadalajara.
Seasonal Flight Patterns
Ramírez explained that their flight schedule in Canada and abroad is closely tied to seasons. More domestic flights are offered during summer, while winter destinations, known as “Following the Sun,” attract travelers to beach locations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What prompted Flair Airlines’ arrival at AICM? Mexico is a natural market for Flair Airlines due to strong family, cultural, and tourism ties between Canada and Mexico. Canadians seek culture, history, gastronomy, and value for money, while Mexican travelers visit Canada for winter sports and diverse attractions. Additionally, business activities are growing.
- How disruptive is Flair Airlines’ promotional strategy? Their approach has been organic, with increasing digital promotion in Mexico. They are highly recommended in travel forums and often appear at the top of price comparison websites, raising brand awareness among users.
