Affordability and the Future of Ultra Low-Cost Carriers in Canada

FLYHT's JumpSeat

Join Chris Glass from Flight Aerospace in this special edition of "The Jump Seat," recorded at Abbotsford Airport, as he explores the affordability and future of ultra low-cost carriers (ULCCs) in Canada. Chris is joined by a distinguished panel: Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines; David Gillen, Professor Emeritus at UBC; Parm Sidhu, GM of Abbotsford Airport; John Gradek, Professor at McGill University; and Andrew Gibbons, VP of External Affairs at WestJet.

The panel delves into the current state and growth potential of the ULCC market in Canada, highlighting how it lags behind more developed markets in Europe, the US, and Asia. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in making air travel more affordable for Canadians, the impact of regulatory frameworks, and the importance of a competitive aviation ecosystem. The conversation also addresses the risks and barriers faced by ULCCs, including regulatory hurdles and the need for industry reforms.

Tune in to gain insights into the future of affordable air travel in Canada and how ULCCs can reshape the aviation landscape by making it accessible to a broader population.

Chapter

1. Canadian Aviation Industry Affordability Discussion (00:00:00)

2. Assessing Risks in Canadian Aviation Industry (00:11:04)

3. Improving Competition in Canadian Aviation (00:19:58)

4. Airfare Pricing and Consumer Expectations (00:28:11)

5. Canadian Air Travel Status (00:36:51)

6. Aviation Discrepancy in Canadian Communities (00:51:27)

7. Airport Governance and Accountability Discussions (01:01:56)

8. Canadian Aviation Industry Collaboration and Growth (01:07:49)

9. Future Discussions With Flight Aerospace (01:15:06)