Kelowna-based airline finds new CEO

Flair Airlines is taking the Canadian aviation world by storm and now the Kelowna-based company has a new CEO.

On Tuesday, the company announced that Jim Scott will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Jerry Presley joins him as Executive Board Chairman (EBC).

The announcement comes six months after the airline purchased NewLeaf Travel Company’s in the summer of 2017.

Flair Airlines founder and former president, Jim Rogers, has sold his shares in the company, but will remain on board in an advisory role until 2019.

“Flair is fortunate to have a talented executive like Jim Scott as its next leader,” Rogers said of his replacement.

“With significant plans to expand their route network and offering a premium ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) service; there is simply no one better to take-on this challenge.”

Scott is a former pilot with extensive experience in the industry as both an operator and in an entrepreneurial role.

He was formerly the CEO of Canada Jetlines after helping found the company back in 2012.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the transformation of how and what Canadians should expect from a premium ULCC,” Scott said.

“We will drive forward significant improvements in customer experience, operate with reliability and execute with an impressive team in a competitive market.”

Flair Airlines currently provides service from seven Canadian cities; Kelowna, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Hamilton.

Fares can get as low as $39 for shorter flights and $99 for cross country trips like Kelowna to Toronto.

The airline has plans to expand its route network and fleet, with announcement regarding that expansion expected to be made in the near future.

Nearly one million passengers are expected to fly with Flair Airlines in 2018.