Canadian start-up Canada Jetlines has announced its new chief executive officer as well as submitting documents as part of the process to receive its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) ahead of its planned first flight in 2019.
The ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) confirmed it was appointing Javier Suarez as CEO, promoting the experienced executive from his previous position as chief commercial officer. Suarez is replacing the current CEO, Lukas Johnson, who is stepping down for personal and family reasons. Leading up to his planned departure at the end of October, Johnson has shown his support for Jetlines and its new CEO by investing US$700,000 into the company.
Johnson said, “While I need to return to the United States at the end of October 2018 for personal and family reasons, I am very supportive of Javier and Jetlines’ business plan. I understand the need for a true ultra-low cost carrier airline in Canada and that is why I am investing $700,000 into the company. Javier has a great deal of experience and knowledge, and I have absolute confidence in his ability to successfully step into this role. I will be assisting with continued progression of the launch plans for the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Suarez has over 15 years of airline experience. Most recently, he was vice-president, network planning, revenue management and e-commerce with Mexican ULCC VivaAerobus. He has also worked at Vueling Airlines, Qatar Airways and Air Nostrum.
“With years of executive experience growing two of the world’s most successful low-cost carriers, Javier Suarez will take Jetlines through to its first flight,” said executive chairman, Mark Morabito. Suarez only joined Canada Jetlines in July this year, just over a month after Johnson officially started his role as CEO.
The airline also said it had successfully submitted operations manuals to Transport Canada in order to receive its AOC in preparation for its first flight in 2019. Weekly updates have been provided to the Principal Operations Inspector, with Jetlines completing the amendment of required manuals to Airbus A320 operations and providing these documents to the regulatory authority.
The company will now focus on completing the second milestone through the amendment to training programmes and completion of the contracts required for Airbus training. The final milestone will be achieved through conducting interviews, hiring and the training of all staff to prepare for aircraft delivery in the second quarter of 2019, it says.
“With the submission of our manuals to Transport Canada, Jetlines has realised a significant milestone in our operations. We look forward to continuing to work with Transport Canada in order to further our licensing process and satisfying all requirements,” said Suarez.
