DOT Authorizes Canada Jetlines To Serve The United States

Canada Jetlines, Canada’s startup Airbus A320 airline, has received a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) foreign air carrier permit so the airline can use US airports. The airline has already established strong domestic services connecting some of Canada’s key cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary.

Significance of a USDOT foreign air carrier permit

Due to the significant regulations involved in operating an airline, foreign airlines need permission in the form of a permit to operate in the United States. As such, for Canada Jetlines to fly into the States, it had to apply for a foreign air carrier permit.

In filing for such a permit, Canada Jetlines described itself as follows;

Created to provide Canadians with value vacation choices and convenient travel options to fly to leisure destinations within Canada, the Caribbean, and the U.S. points. The airline intends to provide exciting vacation packages via strong partnerships with airports, CVBs, tourism entities, hotels, hospitality brands, and attractions; for example, it is developing relationships with Melbourne Orlando and Sarasota Bradenton International Airports for Florida service.

As part of the permit process, Canada Jetlines also had to submit “plans for collecting and transmitting passenger manifest information to the Department of State after an aviation disaster.” Those plans had to include a pledge to collect basic passenger information, details on how that information will be transmitted, and where to contact Canada Jetlines as good contingency planning.

Letters of support

Photo: Canada Jetlines

Canada Jetlines’ application for a USDOT foreign air carrier permit received letters of support from many parties. These included the city government of Melbourne, Florida, and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) Executive Director Greg Donovan, AAE. Donovan wrote USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg a two-page letter laying out the positive impacts of the airport on the regional economy and Canadian tourism in Florida’s Space Coast. He noted,

“With your support, the proposed air service from Canada Jetlines will create three dedicated nonstop routes between Melbourne and Canada. Regular flights will enable thousands of Canadian passengers to visit our area annually creating significant local fiscal benefits. Those dollars, combined with the additional direct revenue the service will contribute to our airport’s dynamic economic engine, will enrich and support our community.”

Fredrick J. Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority which oversees Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), also issued a letter of support. Piccolo’s letter stated most substantially,

“Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. has identified Sarasota Bradenton International Airport as a potential destination in its application for initial passenger service from Toronto, Canada (YYZ) to the United States. Should Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. choose SRQ as a destination, the · competitive fares offered by the Canadian airline would appeal to consumers in our local area as well as attract tourists from Canada.”

The letter went on to note the substantial economic impact of COVID-19 on tourism. Piccolo also stated his region does depend on convenient, competitive air transportation to sustain our vital tourist industry.

What’s next?

A recent webinar disclosed more details about Canada Jetlines, including plans for the airline to acquire a second Airbus A320 before Christmas 2022. Additionally, in a statement celebrating the grant of the permit, Eddy Doyle, President & CEO of Canada Jetlines stated,

It’s evident that the destination will be an airport or perhaps two airports in Florida.

Which airport should Canada Jetlines service – Melbourne or Sarasota, or both? Let us know in the comments.