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Canada Jetlines, Ltd., operating and branded as jetlines, was a Canadian airline headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. It operated scheduled and charter flights in the Americas and the Caribbean. The airline launched its inaugural flight on September 22, 2022, from Toronto Pearson to Calgary.

Key Information

In August 2024, it ceased operations and said that it would seek creditor protection. It was declared bankrupt on September 11, 2024.[5]

History

[edit]

In June 2016, the airline announced that it had asked the Canadian government to relax its legal requirement for Canadian airlines to have no more than 25% foreign ownership, allowing Canada Jetlines to seek foreign investment up to the level of 49% ownership.[6] On November 3, 2016, Transport Minister Marc Garneau approved Jetlines' request for exemption from the current foreign ownership rules, which allowed the airline to access necessary capital in order to begin operations.[7] The airline has one minority owner from Europe and a board made up of aviation industry members from Europe and the United States.

On November 4, 2016, Canada Jetlines announced that it was planning to launch operations on strong primary and secondary routes by operating scheduled point-to-point jet air service. Jetlines planned to operate flights throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. On September 11, 2017, Canada Jetlines released a map of cities to which it intended to fly by April 2019.[8] On May 8, 2018, Canada Jetlines announced that it would not be leasing two Boeing 737-800 aircraft as initially planned due to the lessor being unable to confirm a delivery date. Jetlines concluded a term sheet on April 23, 2018, to lease two Airbus A320 aircraft instead, and made a deposit payment of US$876,000.[9][10] On June 13, 2018, Jetlines announced that it had partnered with AerCap, an aircraft leasing and aviation finance company, to sign a Definitive Lease Agreement for two Airbus A320 aircraft. Delivery of the two aircraft was expected by the first half of 2019.[11] On April 4, 2019, Jetlines announced that it intended to launch operations in December 2019 and had subsequently withdrawn from its leasing agreement with AerCap dated April 23, 2018. Jetlines intended to lease its initial aircraft with its partner, SmartLynx Airlines, with delivery of the aircraft occurring in Q4 2019.[12]

On February 28, 2017, Canada Jetlines completed a merger with Jet Metal Corp. Until then, Canada Jetlines was a private company that had raised money over three years with the goal of becoming an ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC). Jet Metal Corp. was a publicly listed company that was previously involved in mineral exploration, but had ceased active operations in 2017. Jet Metal Corp became publicly listed in 2014 as a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC). As an initial public offering (IPO) process is quite lengthy and expensive, it is easier for private corporations to obtain a public listing through a corporate transaction with an inactive listed company or SPAC. A public listing was sought as it provided greater access to capital given the increased liquidity compared to a private corporation. The common shares of Canada Jetlines trades on the NEO Stock Exchange – with the ticker symbol "CJET".

On April 3, 2019, Jetlines announced its anticipated launch of commercial service to be December 17, 2019 with Toronto Pearson International Airport acting as Jetlines' home base. Because of the company's progress, Jetlines and AerCap mutually agreed to cancel their agreement for two A320 leases. In place of that agreement, Jetlines signed a letter of intent with SmartLynx Airlines for two alternate Airbus A320s available for delivery in Q4 2019, which was in line with the planned commencement of the company's operations.[13]

On February 28, 2022, Jetlines' first Airbus A320, C-GCJL, which formerly flew for Avianca and Pegasus Airlines,[citation needed] touched down at Region of Waterloo International Airport. The aircraft was flown from Shannon Airport in Ireland after completing interior refurbishment and repainting.[14] In April 2022, the company announced plans to begin operations in the summer of 2022 with no firm announcement of which destinations would be served first.[15] Toronto Pearson International Airport was later announced as the primary travel hub for the airline.[16] Additional airport confirmations include Montréal's Saint-Hubert Airport,[17] Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun,[18] Dominican Republic,[19] Winnipeg, Kelowna,[20] and Québec City.[21] On July 19, 2022, the airline announced that it would begin service from Toronto's Pearson Airport to both Moncton and Winnipeg starting on August 15, 2022,[22] however on August 4, 2022, the airline announced that the launch would be postponed by two weeks to August 29, 2022.[23] The airline postponed its launch again to September 22, 2022, by then adjusting its network to instead launch services to Calgary International Airport from Toronto Pearson instead of Moncton and Winnipeg.[24][25]

In October 2022, Canada Jetlines negotiated the acquisition of its second aircraft for delivery on November 30, 2022, expecting to expand to a fleet of 15 aircraft by the end of 2025.[26] In November 2022, the airline announced its first destinations in the United States, consisting of Las Vegas and Melbourne, which were planned to launch in February 2023,[27][28] but had later been postponed.[29] On December 19, 2022, the airline announced that it had received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin operations to the country.[30]

In January 2023, Canada Jetlines halted domestic flights to focus on its foreign travel routes and plane leasing. In June 2024, Eddy Doyle stepped down as CEO. On August 12, 2024, four directors on the board, including chair and CEO Brigitte Goersch, resigned. On August 15, the company paused all operations and said it would seek creditor protection.[31]

Destinations

[edit]

Canada Jetlines operated scheduled flights to the following destinations at the time operations ceased in August 2024.[3] Destinations operated to solely with charter flights are not listed.

Country City Airport Start date End date Notes Refs
Canada Calgary Calgary International Airport September 22, 2022 January 19, 2023 Terminated [32][33]
Halifax Halifax Stanfield International Airport June 2, 2024 August 15th 2024 Seasonal [34]
Toronto Toronto Pearson International Airport September 22, 2022 August 15th 2024 Base [32]
Vancouver Vancouver International Airport December 9, 2022 January 9, 2023 Terminated [35][36]
Guyana Georgetown Cheddi Jagan International Airport October 8, 2023 August 15th 2024 [37]
Jamaica Montego Bay Sangster International Airport December 9, 2023 August 15th 2024 [38]
Mexico Cancún Cancún International Airport March 3, 2023 August 15th 2024 [39]
United States Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport February 16, 2023 August 15th 2024 [27]
Miami Miami International Airport June 29, 2024 August 15th 2024 [40]
Orlando Orlando International Airport October 30, 2023 August 15th 2024 [41]

Fleet

[edit]

As of March 2024, the Canada Jetlines fleet consisted of the following aircraft:[2]

Canada Jetlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
Airbus A320-200 4 — 174[42]
Total 4 —

References

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Canada Jetlines

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from Grokipedia
Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. was a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier that conducted scheduled passenger flights and charters using a small fleet of A320-200 aircraft from September 2022 until suspending all operations in August 2024. The airline, conceived in 2013 with initial plans for a base, faced repeated delays before launching amid post-pandemic travel demand but ultimately succumbed to chronic cash shortages and inability to obtain further financing. Headquartered near , Jetlines targeted leisure routes to sun destinations and transcontinental services, operating from hubs including and while providing ACMI wet-leases to other operators and charters for sports teams. Despite generating over C$43 million in revenue in its final full year, the carrier recorded minimal gross profits and never achieved net profitability, burdened by high Canadian aviation costs such as fuel, airport charges, and crew expenses that eroded the low-fare model's viability. On August 15, 2024, Jetlines grounded its four-aircraft fleet and ceased operations after depleting liquidity, prompting passengers to seek refunds through issuers or travel insurers as the pursued . It filed for on September 11, 2024, listing debts of about C$11.8 million to unsecured including lessors and fuel suppliers, marking it as the latest failed attempt at disrupting Canada's concentrated sector dominated by incumbents with scale advantages. In 2025, regulatory scrutiny continued, with the Securities Commission securing a C$100,000 settlement from the and a former executive for disclosure lapses.

Corporate Profile

Founding and Ownership

Canada Jetlines Ltd. was established in 2013 by entrepreneurs David Solloway, Jim Scott, and Dix Lawson, who envisioned an ultra-low-cost leisure airline offering affordable flights from Canadian cities to sun destinations and underserved domestic routes. The initiative drew on the founders' aim to disrupt the market dominated by higher-fare incumbents, with early efforts focused on securing regulatory approvals and aircraft leasing partnerships. Initially operating as a private entity, the company pursued public listing through a reverse takeover and mergers. In June 2020, Canada Jetlines completed a business combination with Global Crossing Airlines, Inc., integrating operations and resources under the Canada Jetlines name while retaining focus on Canadian leisure services. This arrangement positioned Global Crossing as a key stakeholder initially. In April 2021, Global Crossing Airlines executed a spin-out of Canada Jetlines via an arrangement agreement, distributing 75% of the airline's ownership to GlobalX shareholders and retaining 25% for the parent entity, enabling independent development of the Canadian-focused operations. Ownership evolved further through subsequent equity raises; by October 2023, Jetstream Aviation Inc., a Canadian investment entity, had committed to acquiring roughly 50% of shares across multiple tranches totaling CAD 13.5 million, solidifying its position as the largest shareholder. As of August 2024, Jetstream held 49.65% (78,431,287 shares), with Global Crossing Airlines Group retaining 7.05%.

Business Model

Canada Jetlines operated as a leisure-oriented with a hybrid low-cost model, emphasizing affordable point-to-point flights to vacation destinations such as the and from major Canadian cities including and . The carrier targeted price-sensitive travelers seeking sun destinations, utilizing a fleet of leased A320 for operational efficiency and fuel savings, while generating revenue through base fares supplemented by ancillary fees for baggage, seats, and onboard services typical of low-cost carriers. Differentiating from pure ultra-low-cost carriers like , Jetlines courted travel agents by paying commissions and positioned itself to attract both leisure passengers and limited corporate clients, allowing indirect distribution channels alongside direct bookings. This hybrid approach aimed to broaden market reach in a competitive dominated by and , but it incurred higher distribution costs compared to direct-only models. The strategy initially sought to capitalize on rising fares in the Canadian market by introducing ULCC elements, such as unbundled services to keep base fares low, but was hampered by federal taxes on discounted tickets that eroded margins and fare flexibility. By 2023, the airline had shifted away from a strict low-fare focus due to these regulatory and competitive pressures, incorporating more operations and aircraft leasing to diversify revenue amid persistent losses exceeding C$14 million in the year to May 2024.

Operational History

Launch and Initial Routes (2021–2022)

Canada Jetlines, a low-cost , began planning scheduled operations in 2021 following delays from its original founding ambitions dating back to 2013, with initial announcements targeting charter services from (YYZ) to destinations such as (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) starting in March 2022. These early efforts positioned the carrier as a virtual operator chartering A320-200 aircraft, reflecting a phased approach amid regulatory approvals from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). However, full commercial passenger services were postponed multiple times, shifting from an initial summer 2022 target to later dates due to operational and certification hurdles. The airline received Stage 1 licensing approval from the CTA in March 2022, enabling progression toward air service operations with large aircraft, though actual flights remained deferred. By August 2022, cleared Jetlines for initial scheduled routes linking YYZ to Moncton International Airport (YQM) and Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), with a provisional launch date of August 29. These plans evolved, and on August 4, the carrier announced a further delay to August 15, only to push the debut to September 22 amid ongoing preparations. Commercial operations officially commenced on September 22, 2022, with the inaugural passenger flight operating from YYZ to Calgary International Airport (YYC) aboard an Airbus A320 painted in the airline's orange, white, and blue livery. This route marked the start of Jetlines' domestic network, emphasizing point-to-point leisure travel with fares positioned competitively against incumbents like WestJet and Air Canada. Initial frequencies on the YYZ-YYC service were twice weekly, aligning with the carrier's strategy to build load factors gradually post-launch. By late 2022, the airline had introduced additional domestic connections from YYZ, including to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), though these expansions faced capacity constraints from a limited fleet of leased A320s.

Expansion and Restructuring (2023)

In January 2023, Canada Jetlines suspended its domestic scheduled services between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), as well as YYZ and Calgary International Airport (YYC), which had launched in late 2022. This restructuring prioritized leisure-focused sun destinations and aircraft wet-leasing operations during the winter period, with intentions to resume domestic routes in the fall pending improved load factors and financing. The move reflected efforts to address operational inefficiencies amid competitive pressures in Canada's domestic market, where low-cost carriers faced challenges from established incumbents. To offset the domestic pause, the airline expanded its international leisure network by inaugurating twice-weekly flights from YYZ to in (LAS) on January 19, 2023, using A320 aircraft. This marked Jetlines' first U.S. route and built on existing sun services to (CUN), aiming to capture demand for warm-weather escapes from . By August 2023, the carrier reported strong operational metrics with three A320s in service, including high on-time performance and load factors exceeding 80% on key routes, while targeting a fleet expansion to 15 aircraft by 2025 through additional leases. Further expansion announcements in mid-2023 included new seasonal services from YYZ to (MCO) starting October 30, 2023, and to in , (MBJ), from November 5, 2023, both operated twice weekly. The MBJ route commenced as scheduled on December 9, 2023, enhancing Jetlines' offerings. On August 15, 2023, the airline outlined plans for additional autumn and winter destinations to be revealed by month's end, signaling continued growth in transborder and leisure segments despite financing constraints. By December 2023, Jetlines characterized the year as operationally robust, with a fleet of three supporting expanded sun routes and leasing revenue streams. The emphasized via leasing—such as partnerships for A320 deployments—and route optimization for higher-yield markets, though domestic resumption remained deferred into 2024 amid capital-raising efforts. This phase positioned the carrier for projected 2024 growth, including at least six and three new destinations, though ultimate viability hinged on securing investment in a capital-intensive sector.

Charter and Leasing Activities

Canada Jetlines engaged in charter services and aircraft leasing to diversify revenue beyond scheduled flights, including ad-hoc charters for sports teams and businesses as well as ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) wet-lease agreements. By early 2023, the airline had completed approximately 50 charter and ACMI flights since the start of the year, with additional charters anticipated. In March 2023, Canada Jetlines signed a five-month ACMI contract for daily operations commencing at the end of March and extending until early September. This agreement complemented the carrier's scheduled services and reflected growing demand for its and ACMI capabilities. The also reported significant activity during December 2022 and January 2023, including flights completed in November 2022. In 2024, Canada Jetlines expanded its leasing activities to European operators. It wet-leased A320 aircraft to for the northern summer season, supporting routes from Dutch airports. Additionally, the carrier entered an ACMI agreement with , providing two A320s from mid-June to mid-September for scheduled services between and . These arrangements utilized excess fleet capacity during seasonal lulls in Canada Jetlines' domestic operations.

Fleet and Infrastructure

Aircraft Composition

Canada Jetlines standardized its fleet on the , utilizing leased for its ultra-low-cost operations. The airline selected A320-200 and A320-214 variants, both equipped with winglets for improved efficiency, and fitted them with wheels and carbon brakes to support high utilization rates. All featured a single-class configuration with 174 seats, optimized for point-to-point routes. The fleet grew from one in late 2022 to four by March 2024, with lease agreements signed for two additional A320s expected in 2024. Management projected expansion to 15 by the end of 2025 to accommodate scheduled and services. Operations ceased on August 15, 2024, grounding the active fleet of four amid financial difficulties.
Aircraft TypeActive (pre-cessation)ConfigurationNotes
A320-200/2144174 economyLeased; winglet-equipped

Maintenance and Basing

Canada Jetlines established its primary operational base at (YYZ), from which the majority of its scheduled flights departed following the airline's commercial launch in September 2021. Initial planning in 2019 identified (YVR) as the intended primary base due to its strategic position for West Coast leisure routes, though operations ultimately concentrated at YYZ amid shifts in route focus and regulatory approvals. In April 2024, the airline designated (YXX) as its main West Coast hub to support expanded regional services. Aircraft maintenance for Canada Jetlines' A320 fleet relied on a combination of in-house line maintenance and outsourced heavy checks. The airline employed Engineers to conduct routine inspections and upkeep at its bases. For comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, Jetlines contracted third-party providers early in development; in March 2019, it selected FMS, an established international facility with over 20 years of experience, to perform overhauls and ensure operational readiness. Maintenance-related issues occasionally disrupted schedules, including cancellations attributed to unanticipated delays within the airline's control, though these were justified as necessary for safety compliance. No maintenance facilities were developed by Jetlines, reflecting its low-cost model and limited scale prior to ceasing operations in August 2024.

Destinations and Routes

Scheduled Services

Canada Jetlines commenced scheduled passenger services on September 22, 2022, operating as an ultra-low-cost carrier focused on leisure routes from its base at (YYZ). Initial operations featured twice-weekly flights to (MCO) starting October 30, 2022, followed by services to (MBJ) in , , from November 5, 2022, utilizing leased A320-200 aircraft configured for 180 economy seats. The airline expanded its network in 2023, adding routes to (CUN) in and (MIA) in the United States, alongside brief domestic services from to (YYC) and (YVR), which were discontinued to prioritize international leisure demand. to (LAS) in was also introduced as a seasonal offering. Frequencies varied seasonally, with sun destinations like Orlando and operating up to four times weekly during peak winter periods to capitalize on Canadian demand for warm-weather escapes. In early 2024, Canada Jetlines announced additional domestic connectivity with twice-weekly flights from to (YHZ) starting June 20, and from Halifax to Orlando beginning June 27, aiming to serve eastern Canadian markets underserved by larger carriers. Other destinations included Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and (PUJ) in the , though operations remained concentrated on point-to-point routes without codeshares or hub connections. All scheduled services were grounded on August 15, 2024, amid financial difficulties, leaving routes to , Orlando, Montego Bay, and contested by competitors.

Charter Operations

Canada Jetlines supplemented its scheduled services with charter operations, including ad-hoc flights and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) agreements that facilitated wet-leasing for third-party carriers. These activities targeted , cruise, and regional connectivity markets, often involving leisure destinations in the , , and transatlantic routes. In November 2022, the airline executed 18 flights for multiple new clients, demonstrating early diversification beyond its Toronto-Calgary scheduled route. Specific client details were not disclosed, but these operations aligned with Jetlines' strategy to build revenue through flexible, non-scheduled flying amid initial fleet constraints. By mid-2023, Jetlines secured a two-month with an undisclosed leading cruise operator, providing dedicated flights in and to support cruise itineraries, likely involving Canadian or U.S. departure points to ports in the Atlantic or regions. The agreement complemented ongoing ACMI deals and underscored the carrier's pivot toward seasonal, high-yield demand as scheduled operations faced challenges. Charter routes included weekly services from to , under a six-month agreement with Caribbean carrier , operating from approximately mid-2023 to bridge regional gaps during the partner's fleet transition. Plans for additional charter expansion to destinations like were announced but lacked confirmation of execution. ![Canada Jetlines Airbus A320 at Maastricht Aachen Airport][float-right] In 2023 and 2024, ACMI contracts enabled Jetlines aircraft to serve European and North African routes on behalf of partners, including a five-month daily flying arrangement ending September 2023 and a subsequent deal with for two A320s on Africa- sectors starting March 2024. One aircraft commenced six-month operations in from 2024, highlighting Jetlines' role in supporting seasonal leisure charters for foreign operators amid its domestic struggles.

Financial Performance

Revenue Streams and Losses

Canada Jetlines generated revenue primarily from fares on its scheduled ultra-low-cost carrier routes, and aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) services to third parties, and ancillary income via Jetlines Vacations, which bundled flight packages with hotels, land transfers, cruises, insurance, and destination partnerships. Ancillary revenues from Jetlines Vacations were positioned as a diversification strategy to supplement core flight-related income, though they represented a smaller portion compared to and operations. Operating revenues expanded rapidly post-launch, totaling $3.3 million for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2022), rising to $37.2 million for fiscal year 2023 amid route additions and increased capacity. Quarterly figures reflected this trajectory: $5.1 million in Q1 fiscal 2023 (ended June 30, 2022), $8.8 million in Q2 (up 72.8% sequentially), and $13.4 million in Q3 (up 52.1% from Q2). In Q1 fiscal 2024 (ended June 30, 2023), revenues reached $11.5 million, supported by 1,802 flying hours versus 571 the prior year, with further growth to an estimated $43.6 million for the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Persistent net losses eroded viability despite revenue gains, driven by high fixed costs including aircraft leasing, fuel, and crew expenses in a competitive market. The company reported a $14.2 million net loss for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, on $37.2 million in revenue. A similar $14.2 million loss occurred for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, even as revenues increased, with quarterly examples including a $0.94 million loss in Q2 fiscal 2023 and elevated losses in Q1 fiscal 2024 due to fleet expansion. Accumulated deficits reached $38.3 million by March 31, 2024, alongside negative of $14.9 million, culminating in operational suspension on , 2024, from liquidity shortfalls. Gross margins remained thin, at approximately 2.5% for the period with $43.6 million revenue and $42.5 million .

Capital Raising Efforts

Canada Jetlines pursued capital through non-brokered s and loans to fund startup costs, aircraft acquisitions, and amid persistent operational losses. In July 2021, prior to commencing flights, the company announced a non-brokered targeting up to $5 million in units, though specific closure details for this offering remain limited in public disclosures. By April 2022, as it prepared for inaugural services, Jetlines closed a $3.35 million non-brokered private placement, issuing over 9.5 million units to support initial expansion. In September 2022, it upsized and closed another non-brokered private placement for approximately $1.89 million, supplemented by loan proceeds, earmarked for aircraft and general corporate purposes. A smaller $575,002 non-brokered private placement followed in April 2023. Jetlines also secured a CA$1.5 million loan tranche in February 2023, bearing interest tied to prime rates. The largest equity infusion occurred in late 2023, with a $13.5 million non-brokered to Jetstream Aviation Inc., an arm's-length investor, priced at $0.1721252 per common share; tranches closed on October 5, December 29, 2023, and January 24, 2024, including a final $7.47 million . Proceeds funded needs and operations. In June 2024, Jetlines announced a short-term in $200,000 s up to an unspecified total by early July, as a bridge amid liquidity strains. Despite these raises, Jetlines explored further options in 2024, including a potential listing announced in April and various debt, equity, and strategic transactions, but failed to secure sufficient funds. By August 12, 2024, the board acknowledged the need for additional capital to sustain operations, yet efforts collapsed, prompting flight suspensions on August 15 and creditor protection filings.

Controversies and Criticisms

Insider Trading Settlement

In August 2025, Global Crossing Airlines Group Inc., formerly Canada Jetlines Ltd., and Mark Morabito, the company's former executive chairman and director based in British Columbia, settled with the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) over a failure to timely disclose a material change affecting operations. The settlement addressed a contravention of section 85 of the B.C. Securities Act, which requires immediate public disclosure of material changes, and resolved related director liability under section 168.2(1). As part of the agreement, the parties admitted the violations and made a joint and several voluntary payment of $100,000 to the BCSC, with no additional public interest orders imposed. The underlying events stemmed from a September 6, 2017, (LOI) signed by Canada Jetlines to lease two A320 aircraft from a , announced publicly the next day with plans for commercial operations starting in summer 2018. The LOI was terminated by the vendor on December 12, 2017, constituting a material change that delayed flight operations to the end of 2018. Canada Jetlines notified Transportation Agency of the delay on February 22, 2018, but did not issue a public news release until March 13, 2018, breaching the immediate disclosure requirement. Morabito, as executive chairman, authorized, permitted, or acquiesced in this nondisclosure. The BCSC initiated enforcement proceedings alleging the disclosure failure alongside an insider trading violation, but dropped the latter allegation in the settlement, focusing solely on the admitted breach. By the time of the August 22, 2025, settlement, Canada Jetlines had rebranded and relocated its domicile to under new management, though the violation pertained to its prior Canadian operations. The parties waived rights to a hearing or , closing the matter without further sanctions or findings on intent beyond the admissions.

Management and Strategic Shortcomings

Canada Jetlines suffered from chronic leadership instability, with multiple high-level departures exacerbating operational and financial pressures. Eddy Doyle retired as CEO in May 2024, prompting Brigitte Goersch to assume the dual role of CEO and board chair. However, on August 12, 2024, Goersch resigned alongside directors Ryan Goepel, Beth Horowitz, and Shawn Klerer, mere days before the carrier grounded flights on August 15. Prior transitions included the exit of Duncan Bureau earlier in 2024, contributing to a pattern of executive churn that hindered consistent decision-making. The airline's strategic framework emphasized leisure-oriented routes and charter services, diverging from pure low-cost models by prioritizing travel agent partnerships and global distribution systems for bookings. Yet this approach faltered amid ambitious scaling targets, such as expanding to 15 aircraft by summer 2025 from an initial six, without securing stable long-term capital. paused domestic services in April 2023 and deferred expansions like flights to , reflecting reactive adjustments to faltering demand rather than proactive niche focus. In a market controlled by (55% share) and (35%), Jetlines entered oversaturated leisure paths where incumbents undercut fares below cost, eroding viability without differentiation. Financing missteps compounded these issues, as repeated efforts to raise funds via , equity, and partnerships yielded only short-term relief, including a $1.5 million in 2023. Aviation analyst John Gradek criticized management for pursuing high-competition routes over sustainable, lower-density opportunities, alongside governance lapses that warranted earlier regulatory intervention by . This internal fragility, rather than solely external market pressures like post-pandemic demand softening, accelerated after less than two years of scheduled operations launched in September 2022.

Shutdown and Aftermath

Cessation of Operations (2024)

On August 15, 2024, Canada Jetlines announced it was temporarily ceasing all airline operations effective immediately, grounding its fleet of four A320 aircraft amid a severe cash shortage and failure to secure emergency financing. The carrier cited ongoing challenges in raising capital as the primary reason, following multiple unsuccessful attempts to attract investors or lenders to sustain operations. This halt disrupted scheduled and services, stranding passengers and leaving future flights uncertain. The decision came shortly after the resignation of interim CEO Justin M. Faulconer and three board members on , 2024, exacerbating leadership instability at the ultra-low-cost carrier. At the time of the announcement, Jetlines intended to pursue restructuring under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) to protect assets and negotiate with creditors while seeking a financial lifeline. However, no viable funding materialized, rendering the operational pause effectively permanent and positioning Jetlines as the third Canadian low-cost airline to collapse within a year, after and Swoop.

Bankruptcy Proceedings

On August 20, 2024, Canada Jetlines Ltd. filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal under Section 50.4 of Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, initiating the first stage of a potential restructuring process following the cessation of operations on August 15, 2024. This filing, overseen by BDO Canada Limited as proposal trustee, imposed an automatic stay of proceedings to shield the company and its assets from creditor actions, lawsuits, and enforcement efforts while it sought financing or a viable restructuring plan. The move came amid acute liquidity shortages, with the airline unable to secure the capital necessary to resume flights despite prior efforts to attract investors. Despite the Notice of Intention providing a temporary lifeline, Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd., the operational subsidiary, was unable to obtain additional funding or achieve a successful restructuring. On September 11, 2024, CJO filed an Assignment in Bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, formally entering insolvency proceedings after determining that further viability was unattainable. BDO Canada was appointed as the licensed insolvency trustee, tasked with administering the estate, realizing assets, and distributing proceeds to creditors according to statutory priorities. The bankruptcy estate reported unsecured claims totaling approximately C$11.8 million, encompassing trade debts, employee wages, and obligations to lessors and suppliers. The proceedings unfolded without a viable sale or recapitalization, leading to the of remaining assets, including leased subject to by lessors. No court-approved plan of arrangement or consumer proposal was ultimately filed, marking the end of attempts and confirming the airline's dissolution. Creditors were notified to file proofs of claim with BDO, with statutory deadlines set for submission to facilitate orderly distribution.

Creditor Impacts and Aircraft Disposition

On September 11, 2024, Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. made a voluntary assignment into under Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, assigning its assets for the benefit of creditors after failing to secure financing. BDO Canada Limited was appointed as trustee in , with a first meeting of creditors scheduled for October 1, 2024, via to discuss claims and asset distribution. The filing revealed unsecured claims totaling CAD 11.8 million (USD 8.7 million) from 225 creditors with claims of at least CAD 250, primarily related to unpaid operational expenses, leases, and services following the cessation of flights on August 15, 2024. Major creditors included aviation service providers and lessors, such as Corendon Dutch Airlines BV (CAD 900,000), Aviation Capital Group (CAD 623,932), and FTAI Aviation (CAD 444,330), reflecting defaults on wet-lease arrangements, maintenance, and lease payments. Other significant claims arose from training firms like CAE (CAD 638,524) and booking platforms like Future Bookings (CAD 1,190,730), highlighting operational dependencies left unresolved. Creditors faced limited recovery prospects, as the airline's assets—primarily residual cash and minor equipment—were insufficient to cover claims, with no secured creditor details disclosed in the filing; passengers holding direct tickets were advised to seek refunds via credit cards or insurance rather than creditor distributions. Canada Jetlines operated a fleet of four leased A320-200 , with no outright ownership reported. Post-shutdown, the were repossessed by lessors including Aviation Capital Group, CCB Financial Leasing, FTAI Aviation, and Jackson Square Aviation, and placed in storage at locations such as / (), Kitchener (), (), and Amsterdam Schiphol (). These lessors, as unsecured creditors for unpaid obligations, initiated recovery actions separately from the estate, which lacked the as realizable assets; no subleasing or sale arrangements were pursued by the , aligning with standard termination protocols in insolvencies.

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