NewLeaf Travel Takes Flight from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

WINNIPEG, July 25, 2016 /CNW/ - NewLeaf Travel, Canada's new low-cost travel company, operated its inaugural passenger flights to Kelowna and Hamilton from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport on July 25, 2016. NewLeaf will soon operate 12 times weekly from Winnipeg, flying to Hamilton and Kelowna as well as Abbotsford, Victoria and Edmonton.

"Success in this venture and in this community is about working with partners to deliver the initiatives and services that our travellers desire," said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA). "Today's inaugural flights speak to both NewLeaf's and WAA's dedication to our community."

Headquartered in Winnipeg, NewLeaf Travel will operate from 11 Canadian cities: Halifax, Moncton, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, Kamloops, Abbotsford and Victoria.

Flights booked through NewLeaf will be operated by Flair Airlines, a licensed Canadian airline with experienced crews and pilots flying Boeing 737‐400 passenger jets. In March 2016, the Canadian Transportation Agency's review of licensing regulations determined that as a reseller of air services, NewLeaf Travel Company is not required to hold an airline license.

"Today we have made history in Canada.  There is now an ultra-low-cost air travel option for Canadians," said Jim Young, President and CEO of NewLeaf Travel Company. "The journey to get here hasn't been without challenges, but today is proof that we are a dedicated group that is committed to providing Canadians with a good deal."

Introductory fares from Winnipeg to Hamilton or Kelowna start at $99.00. As part of their low-cost model, NewLeaf Travel passengers are able to customize their journey by purchasing priority boarding, on-board drinks, snacks, carry-on baggage and checked baggage, among other items. Booking is available online at www.GoNewLeaf.ca.           

About Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the Iqaluit International Airport and other affiliated businesses. An array of cargo and passenger services, a regional economic impact of more than 3.6 billion dollars and an unwavering dedication to our community symbolize our commitment to lead transport innovation and growth. Learn more at WAA.ca/About.

About NewLeaf Travel Company Inc.

NewLeaf Travel Company Inc. is a privately-held Canadian company headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba that provides leisure travellers with low fares and travel options that are unbundled and transparent.  See more at www.GoNewLeaf.ca.

SOURCE Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

Michael Badejo, Communications Specialist, Winnipeg Airports Authority, Media line: 204.992.2791, [email protected]; Connect with us on Twitter: @YWGairport; Julie Rempel, Director of Corporate Communications, NewLeaf Travel Company Inc., 204.807.2900, [email protected]