Lynx Air, a new low-airfare service, makes Calgary its home base

A new airline headquartered in Calgary promises to bring ultra-affordable services to travellers next year.

Lynx Air, which was formerly Enerjet, announced Tuesday that its low-cost flights will officially take off in 2022.

Merren McArthur, CEO and president of the airline, says its model is similar to air services available in Europe and the United States, offering flexibility and choice.

"We want to be an airline that links Canadians to people and places," she said at a news conference in Calgary.

"Airfares have traditionally been high here in Canada, and we at Lynx believe in meeting Canadians' needs who can't afford to travel or can't afford to travel as often as they'd like."

McArthur says customers will have the option to pick and choose the services they need with the airline's à la carte booking process — which should help drive down costs for passengers.

And according to a release, Lynx Air has already leased 46 new Boeing 737 aircraft, and expect three to arrive in early 2022.

The CEO says the company will create around 450 jobs across Canada, and that COVID-19 protocols, such as vaccine mandates for employees, will be in effect.

"We will have strict safety protocols in place to ensure you feel safe and jump on board a Lynx flight, whether it be to take a vacation or to visit friends and family," she said.

Where the planes will be flying to is still to be determined, but the CEO says the plan is to start with domestic short-haul and long-haul flights.

"As we evolve, we will expand to transport into the United States and ultimately internationally, providing Canadians more connections when they travel," she said.

Calgary mayor responds 

Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the news could not come at a better time for the city

"Calgary's aviation and travel industry has been through so much over the past two years. This was a sector hit the hardest by restrictions placed upon it due to the pandemic," she said.

"As we slowly emerged from what we hope is the worst of the pandemic, we have many reasons for optimism and high hopes for recovery for this important industry."

Gondek adds the announcement also means new and diverse jobs as well as a boost to the tourism industry.

Bob Sartor, CEO and president of the Calgary Airport Authority, says that since May, travel has grown at the airport.

"Clearly, it sends a very important signal. One is people are learning to fly during this pandemic," he said. "And that's why aviation is growing again."

Sartor says he is proud to welcome the airline to YYC and looks forward to seeing its first touchdown.