On Saturday, 16DEC, Flair Airlines will begin service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) three times weekly. To mark the launch of the year-round service to Jamaica, the ULCC held an event at Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen in downtown Toronto on 12DEC, and Open Jaw was there.
With a backdrop of palm trees and the soulful rhythms of Reggae pioneer Bob Marley transforming the event into a Caribbean atmosphere, the celebration included traditional Jamaican cuisine, a special Jamaican-themed drink menu and “Canada’s reggae ambassador,” DJ Hedspin. The packed room hosted media, industry partners and influencers, marking the entrance of the fifth country served by Flair.
Open Jaw’s Natasha Mckenty spoke with Flair’s brand ambassador, Kenny MacIntyre, who shared insights into the airline's vision. According to MacIntyre, the new route offers affordable travel options for Canadians, opening the door to a more personalized Caribbean experience, whether that be a weekend escape with Airbnb or an extended retreat at one of the island’s resorts.
As Open Jaw reported on 06SEP, Flair Airlines announced the new service to Jamaica's capital. Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer of Flair Airlines, expressed the significance of the new route as a bridge between communities.
"This is more than just a new route for us—it's a bridge between communities and an opportunity to create lasting memories. There is a vibrant Jamaican community in Canada who will be able to use this service to reconnect with loved ones more often at an affordable price," said Lund. "We look forward to welcoming travelers onboard as we embark on this exciting journey together."
The route will be operational on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Departure from Toronto is scheduled for 07:50 am (local time), with an expected arrival in Kingston, Jamaica, at 12:10 pm (local time). For travellers returning to Canada, departure from Kingston will be at 1:10 pm (local time), with an estimated arrival in Toronto at 5:40 pm (local time).
On the same day of the Jamaica launch event, Flair announced that it has teamed up with HTS (Hopper Technology Solutions) to offer a Disruption Guarantee akin to flight insurance. In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight by two hours or more, options include booking a new flight on any airline for the same or the next day or receiving a full refund equivalent to the original flight cost.
According to Flair, one-way fares from Toronto to Kingston begin at CAD $149, including taxes and fees. The airline also notes there are limited seats and availability for the fares.
