Canada Jetlines (AU, Toronto Pearson) has confirmed it is now on Phase III of its AOC certification drive with Transport Canada having submitted its operating manuals for inspection.

The ULCC start-up expects to secure its licence during the first half of 2019, around the time that its first aircraft, two A320-200s currently in service with Air New Zealand, are expected to arrive on lease from AerCap (March and April of next year). Once operational, Jetlines plans to lease and/or acquire further aircraft at an average incremental rate of approximately four per year.

Management has warned, however, that the timing of the launch of flight operations remains subject to not only Transport Canada's certification but also to the completion of a financing round.

According to a statement, upon receipt of all requisite Canadian licences, Jetlines intends to apply for a foreign air carrier permit or an exemption from the US Department of Transportation which would allow for the launch of flights to the United States. It also intends to concurrently apply for similar approvals from authorities in Mexico and select Caribbean islands.