Photo courtesy NewLeaf Travel

Get ready, Canada, there’s a new low-fare airline in town. NewLeaf Travel has announced it will begin non-stop service from several regional airports around Canada, starting Feb. 12, 2016.

“It’s a New Year, and we are happy to say 2016 is the year we officially bring affordable travel back to Canada,” said Jim Young, President and CEO, NewLeaf Travel Company. “Our business model, introductory fares and routes are all about making air travel possible for a greater number of Canadians seeking alternatives to the status quo. It’s great news for those who want to dive right into the ski season, visit loved ones or discover new destinations in an affordable way.”

Introductory fares, including taxes and fees, start at C$89, one way, for many of the new flights. For a cross-country flight between Hamilton and Kelowna, the introductory one-way fare is just C$149. Passengers should note that all extras, including priority boarding passes, in-flight snacks and checked and carry-on bags will incur extra fees.

The airline, which is operating in partnership with Flair Airlines, will operate Boeing 737-400 aircraft; its plan to offer lower fares includes such cost-saving measures as providing service from smaller airports. It will initially offer flights from seven regional airports throughout Canada, including Hamilton, Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna and Abbotsford.

“[The} announcement by NewLeaf introduces a new segment of service into the Canadian market and is a game-changer for regional airports like Hamilton International,” said Frank Scremin, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Low-cost service will stimulate air travel demand, and create new choices for Hamilton International passengers.”

Hamilton International is located about an hour from Toronto and Niagara Falls, providing easy access to two of Ontario’s primary visitor destinations, as well as convenient airport access for one of the largest population bases in the country.

“We regularly hear from our passengers, that they love flying from Hamilton but wish they could get to more destinations; we’re thrilled that with NewLeaf’s announcement today more people will be able to do so,” said Scremin.

NewLeaf is a new, privately-held, Canadian company headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba

"Manitoba is a world class destination whether you're coming for business or entertainment-- with incredible sport events, musical acts, festivals and attractions," said Manitoba Jobs and Economy Minister Kevin Chief. "NewLeaf is helping welcome the rest of Canada to our province. We are so proud to see their headquarters open here where there is a talented workforce to help them succeed."

The airline’s winter schedule runs through Mar. 13 and it is considering new routes and destinations beyond that date. In addition to basic air transportation, NewLeaf has announced that it plans to offer customers vacation packages that will include flights, hotel accommodations, rental vehicles and even entertainment.

NewLeaf flights can be booked at www.flynewleaf.ca or by calling 1-204-888-BOOK.

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