It's been a rough patch for Flair Airlines, but the airline says things should get back to normal today. The low-cost carrier has cancelled 27 flights since December 7, many of them impacting the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
The trouble began when a Flair plane went off the runway at YKF in late November. There were no injuries, but the plane has been out of service since. Two more planes from Flair's 19-strong fleet have also been grounded for maintenance issues, leaving the carrier down three.
The Region of Waterloo International Airport. (Region of Waterloo International Airport)
"Our ability to cover for the aircraft that was out of service from the overrun was really hampered by the fact that we had two other issues going on at the same time," Flair CEO Stephen Jones told media representatives yesterday.
A second aircraft was out of service for two weeks of scheduled maintenance, while a third had an issue with its auxiliary power unit.
"So losing three from the fleet for a series of different issues has meant that we've had real struggles to cover the flying that we've got on the schedule," the Flair CEO stated.
With three planes causing this level of service disruption, Jones was asked by reporters whether Flair had enough resources to handle these situations.
"I don't think that we need any extra resources. I think we've got a very strong maintenance system. It's just an unfortunate coincidence that these events have to have compounded, and we apologize for that."
All three planes are back in service as of today. With Flair being the major operator from Waterloo International, Jones says he hopes the airline can rebuilt its reputation.
"It's just a real shame that this has dented some confidence," he said. "But I believe that people will soon realize that the Kitchener-Waterloo is a fabulous place to fly through and from."
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