Canada's newest leisure carrier, Canada Jetlines (AU), has revealed its second destination in the US - Orlando. The flight will be operated starting January 2023 with two weekly frequencies. Let's look closely at the details of Jetlines' newest route.
Jetlines to link Toronto with sunny Orlando
The winter season is approaching, and Canadians are already dreaming of sunny and warm holiday destinations. Canada Jetlines, the newest Canadian leisure carrier, is ready to satisfy the increasing winter domestic demand with the launch of its second US destination: Orlando.
The carrier will offer a non-stop flight from its operational hub, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), in the US state of Florida. The flight will initially be operated with two weekly frequencies, which could subsequently be increased depending on the route's success.
The maiden flight should take off on January 19th. However, the operation of the Toronto (YYZ) to Orlando (MLB) route is still subject to the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Nonetheless, tickets are already on sale on the carrier's website and travel agencies for those who cannot wait to fly to one of the sunniest states in the US next winter.
Why Melbourne?
Canada Jetlines will fly from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). The airfield is situated 50 miles southeast of Orlando. But why is the carrier not linking the Canadian city to Orlando's largest airport, Orlando International (MCO), or the city's second-largest airport, Orlando Sanford International (SFB)?
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According to the airline, Melbourne is the perfect solution for Florida-bound holidaymakers. Indeed, the airfield does not only serve the city of Orlando but other relevant touristic destinations such as Central Florida's Space Coast, where Cape Canaveral is located, and Cocoa Beach. The choice of offering a non-stop service from Toronto to Orlando is well explained in the words of Eddy Doyle, Chief Commercial Officer of Canada Jetlines, who stated:
"Canada is one of the top countries for international tourists to Central Florida and we are pleased to connect Canadians to their favorite sun-destinations as they begin to plan winter vacations"
On his side, Melbourne International Executive Director, Greg Donovan, is also enthusiastic about the newest airline to join the roster of air-service partners. According to Donovan, a direct flight to Melbourne will enable Canada Jetlines' customers to easily access the Space Coast and Central Florida, with all the attractions and entertainment they have to offer. Commenting on the new route, Donovan stated:
"Between the added convenience for second homeowners or quick accessibility for our beloved ‘snowbirds’, the new service is well timed and appreciated"
Donovan also has another reason to be enthusiastic about the new service. Indeed, a $72 million renovation and expansion work at Orlando Melbourne airport is coming to an end. The investment will ensure enhanced comfort and convenience to Melbourne passengers, including the addition of 86,000 square meters of new facilities. The announcement of a new international airline flying to the airport cannot be more positively welcomed by the airfield's executive director.
An expanding international network
Orlando will be the second destination offered by the Canadian carrier in the US. Indeed, on November 8th, the airline announced the launch of the first US destination, Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS).
The flight is also scheduled for January 19th, 2023, with tickets already on sale. As for Orlando, the Toronto to Las Vegas route still needs the approval of the FAA. The choice of Las Vegas as the first US destination mirrors the travel mix mainly targeted by the carrier, i.e., leisure travelers. When commenting on the opening of the first US destination, Mr. Doyle stated:
"We are incredibly excited to launch Canada Jetlines’ international services with a route to the entertainment capital of the world".
With a non-stop service to Las Vegas, however, Canada Jetlines also target the business mix of travel, given that the city is a prime convention destination.
Both Las Vegas and Orlando will be served by the carrier's growing fleet of Airbus 320s. According to ch-aviation, the airline operates a ten-year-old Airbus 320, leased from Jackson Square Aviation. However, a second Airbus 320 should be delivered to the airline by the end of 2022.
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