New discount carrier Jetlines prepares for launch in Vancouver

A new discount airline could soon be coming to Western Canada, potentially offering significantly cheaper air travel for Canadians.

The company is called Jetlines. It’s being launched by a group of aviation veterans based in Vancouver.

Already, the company says it has negotiated landing slots at airports in Western Canada.

“We’re starting from Winnipeg and west and routes… that are not served or they’re underserved or they’re only served through a connection,” said David Solloway, who will serve as Jetlines’ chief commercial officer.

Solloway said they are modelling the company after such deep-discount airlines as Ryanair in Europe and Allegiant Air in the U.S., offering fares 40 to 60 per cent cheaper than current averages.

To keep costs down, Jetlines says it will charge passengers extra fees for things like checking bags and selecting seats in advance.

The company has already applied for an airline licence to operate large aircraft in Canada and hopes to offer select flights as early as next fall.