Flair Airlines has announced the election of Julia Haywood as chair of the company's board of directors, making her the first female airline board chair in Canadian history.

Haywood succeeds Bill Hardy, long-time chair of Flair’s board of directors and former Chief Operating Officer, who passed away in early 2023.

Haywood joined Flair's board in July 2021. Her 20-year career includes roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of United Airlines, Partner at The Boston Consulting Group, and in various capacities at other start-up travel companies.

Haywood spent her childhood in Arnprior, Ontario. She studied business at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, and earned her MBA from Melbourne University in Australia and UCLA in California.

"It's an honour and privilege to be elected as chair of the board of directors of Flair Airlines, whose mission is to bring the lowest fares on offer in Canada," said Haywood. "I've grown to know the airline and its more than 1,000 employees across Canada, who are proud of their work and the service they provide to Canadians. I'm excited to serve with my fellow directors at this transformational point in Canada's airline industry."

Flair Airlines CEO Stephen Jones says Haywood “was a powerhouse addition” to the airline’s board in 2021.

“She believes in our vision and will bring her strong business experience to bear as chair. We are proud she is the first female board chair of a major Canadian airline. She succeeds Bill Hardy, who had a lasting impact on Flair Airlines. I worked closely with Bill and look forward to the same working relationship with Julia."

Despite recent troubles that saw four of its planes seized in a financial dispute with lessors, Flair says that it saved Canadians over $252M in 2022, offering a nearly 60% reduction to the market average of the same routes prior to the pandemic.

“With more than 80% of Canadians deeming lower-cost flights as an important contributor to the national interest, our founding mission remains resolute: we proudly serve as Canada’s leading low-fare airline,” Jones said.