Flair Airlines says it has added extra flights between Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton beginning this weekend, in case the threatened strike by WestJet pilots becomes a reality.

The airline says it hopes to help Canadians impacted by the potential walkout to embark on their planned travels with minimal disruption.

The first of the additional flights departs May 19. Flair adds that it is creating contingency plans to service more destinations with flight frequencies should the WestJet pilots' strike continue for an extended period. The pilots can walk out as of 3 am Friday morning if a deal is not reached.

"Flair Airlines stands ready, willing, and able to add additional flights. We hope this measure will help WestJet passengers who otherwise could not travel due to the pilots' strike," said Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines.

"Our teams are eager to help and the first of the extra flights went out for sale last night with a starting fare of $99."

Flair says it has seen an increase in flight bookings since news of the strike was first reported in the news media and began preparing contingency plans before the strike announcement. The airline says its flights are increasingly full, with load factors in April 2023 reaching 90.3%.

The added flights include additional frequencies between Calgary and Vancouver, as well as an additional flight between Edmonton and Vancouver.