VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V) (JETMF: OTCQB) (the “ Company ” or “ Jetlines ”) is pleased to announce that it intends to offer direct flights from Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil (“ Montreal Saint Hubert Airport ” or the “ airport ”) to several cities in Canada including cities in Quebec, as well as US destinations including Florida and New York.

Montreal Saint Hubert Airport is being expanded as part of a plan to position itself as a low-cost airport serving the Montérégie region of Quebec and Montréal. The airport’s location is closer to Montréal’s business and leisure core than Montréal’s main airport, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Montreal Saint Hubert Airport is expected to be able to support ULCC airlines like Jetlines as early as the end of next year. The airport recently upgraded its runway, a project that received support from the federal government, who injected $13 million into the project. Montreal Saint-Hubert also has plans to build a new passenger terminal building.

Javier Suarez, CEO, stated “we are thrilled to announce routes we plan to fly in the future. We fully support the airport’s vision of building a low-cost secondary airport for the Montréal region, and we are looking forward to delivering ultra-low fares to our passengers. Our low fares should encourage people from Montréal and the surrounding areas to travel more often. Driven by these low fares, Montréal should experience an increase in the number of tourists and visitors it receives. Our relationship with the airport is important for us to be able to extend Jetlines’ reach in Eastern Canada, and we are pleased to have them as a partner.” 

“Jetlines is committed to becoming Canada’s first true ultra-low cost carrier. It’s not fair for Canadians to have to consistently overpay for their air travel, whether be it to travel for leisure, or to visit their friends and family. Jetlines is here to put an end to this. Our partnership with Montreal Saint-Hubert airport is a crucial milestone in our vision for air travel in Canada, as well as for our long-term plans”, added Mark Morabito, Executive Chairman.

“We are particularly pleased with Jetlines’ announcement today. Offering a low cost alternative for air service to other cities in Quebec, Canada and the United States is in direct alignment with our vision for the development of the airport. Florida is a favourite destination for Quebecers and this new service will help us repatriate the exodus of Canadians flying to the United States from border airports such as those in Plattsburgh and Burlington. And, this announcement certainly validates our request to Minister Garneau for assistance regarding Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) services and the need to re-examine government agreements signed decades ago that currently limit our access to these markets. We are currently examining the use of a temporary facility so that we may accelerate this service offering”, said Jane Foyle, General Manager of DASH-L, the non-profit organization that manages the airport.

The Company’s ability to service this airport is subject to the completion of the airline licensing process and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

About Canada Jetlines Ltd.

Canada Jetlines is set to become Canada’s first true Ultra-Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) airline, with plans to operate flights across Canada and provide non-stop service from Canada to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Company plans to commence operations with the Airbus A320 fleet, the most widely used aircraft for ultra-low cost carriers worldwide. Jetlines is led by a board and management team with extensive experience and expertise in low-cost airlines, start-ups and capital markets. The Company was granted an unprecedented exemption from the Government of Canada that will permit it to conduct domestic air services while having up to 49% foreign voting interests.

For more information on Jetlines, please visit our website at www.jetlines.ca .

About Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil

Strategically located 15 minutes from downtown Montreal, Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil has a robust airside infrastructure, a control tower and a wide offering of aviation services. DASH-L, a non-profit agency, has operated and managed the airport since September 2004. DASH-L’s objective is to develop the airport in a manner that will make air travel accessible and affordable to all.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Mark J. Morabito" Executive Chairman

Canada Jetlines is part of the King & Bay group of companies. King & Bay is a merchant bank that specializes in identifying, funding, developing and supporting growth opportunities in the resource, aviation, and technology sectors.

For more information, please contact: Toll Free: 1-833-226-5387 Email: investor.relations@jetlines.ca

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" concerning anticipated developments and events that may occur in the future. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the countries and airports that Jetlines intends to service, Jetlines ability to operate from these airports successfully, the commencement of operations and the success of expected future operations of the Company.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or " or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things the receipt of financing to commence airline operations, the accuracy, reliability and success of the Jetlines’ business model; the timely receipt of governmental approvals; the timely commencement of operations by Jetlines and the success of such operations; the legislative and regulatory environments of the jurisdictions where the Jetlines will carry on business or have operations; the impact of competition and the competitive response to the Jetlines’ business strategy; and the availability of aircraft. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks related to, the ability to obtain financing at acceptable terms and in a timely manner to meet aircraft lease, regulatory and other financial commitments required for start-up, the impact of general economic conditions, domestic and international airline industry conditions, future relations with SmartLynx, volatility of fuel prices, increases in operating costs, terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters, currency fluctuations, interest rates, risks specific to the airline industry, the ability of management to implement Jetlines’ operational strategy, the ability to attract qualified management and staff, labour disputes, regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits; risks related to disputes under the agreement with Boeing to acquire 737-Max aircraft, and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.