Canadian startup low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines has announced a new date and route for its first flight. On Friday, it said the first flight would be on September 22 between Toronto and Calgary.

On August 4, Canada Jetlines (Jetlines) announced operations would start on August 29, two weeks later than initially advised. The statement also confirmed the inaugural route would be from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to both Winnipeg (YWG) and Moncton (YQM). Friday's announcement does not mention the date change or selection of a new destination city. The airline also announced last week it had received all of the necessary service licenses from Transport Canada, following the granting of its Air Operator Certificate on August 18.

Three weeks to lift off

The debut operations will commence on September 22, with biweekly flights between Toronto (YYZ) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) on Thursdays and Sundays. The website shows flight AU120 departing Toronto at 07:55 for the 4:15 hour flight, landing in Calgary at 10:10. The return leaves Calgary at 11:40, with a quicker flight time of 3:40 hours, to arrive in Toronto at 17:20. It will be operated with Jetlines sole aircraft, a 174 seat all-economy Airbus A320, registration C-GCJL, previously flown by Avianca and Pegasus Airlines. Toronto to Calgary is the only available route, although the airline says it has "more routes to exciting destinations to be announced soon."

Jetlines says the frequency will move to three weekly flights, Thursday through Sunday, starting from October 13. On its website today, Jetlines lists opening one-way fares from C$99 ($76) to C$254 ($195), depending on what's added to the basic ticket. It offers four fare levels; JetLite, JetPlus, JetFlex and JetLines. While some fare types include up to two free bags, generally, the cost of checked bags is C$50 ($38) for the first and C$75 ($57) for the second. The maximum size bag is 62 inches (57cm) in total combined dimensions and a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23kgs).

Time to dust off the speeches

CEO Eddy Doyle said, "Canada Jetlines is proud to launch our initial flights between Toronto and Calgary, two vibrant cities with numerous tourist destinations."

"The two cities represent cultural diversity, economic trade, and significant investment opportunities. We are encouraged to continue expanding our reach, with the goal of serving as Toronto's preferred airline."

Doyle is also confident Jetlines won't endure any of the staffing issues plaguing commercial aviation. He says the airline is fully staffed and ready to fly and that its staffing is one of Jetlines' advantages. "We don't have to worry about bringing back team members, retraining, and so on. We are fully trained, with the full complement of crew and team members."

Whatever the reason behind switching the launch routes from Winnipeg and Moncton, Calgary Airport is delighted to welcome Canada Jetlines. Calgary Airport Authority President and CEO Bob Sartor said that the airline's launch is another milestone in the recovery of travel and tourism. "YYC is eager to welcome Canada Jetlines' guests by showcasing the effortless and memorable experiences that reflect our region and Calgary's legendary hospitality," he added.

Is there room for Canada Jetlines, and please let us know if you are an early passenger.