NewLeaf (Winnipeg International) says it will establish bases in Kelowna and Hamilton, ON to supplement its Winnipeg International hub operations. Earlier this week, parent firm NewLeaf Travel Company Inc. announced it had selected Winnipeg Richardson International Airport as the head office for the fledgling Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC).
“One cannot under estimate the impact an airline head office can have on a host community," Barry Rempel, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority, said. "NewLeaf headquartering in Winnipeg will undoubtedly result in improved connectivity and provide a significant boost to the local economy."
NewLeaf plans to charter three B737-400s from Flair Airlines (F8, Kelowna) to cover its initial operational requirements while pursuing its own Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from Transportation Canada. From its Kelowna, Winnipeg and Hamilton bases it plans to offer scheduled daily nonstop flights to multiple domestic and international destinations.
