Discount NewLeaf Airlines suspends sales and offers refunds while licenses reviewed

NewLeaf, the recently-announced discount airline which was set to begin routes between smaller market Canadian cities, is now temporarily postponing their service while the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) completes a review of their aviation licensing regulations.

The airline is temporarily postponing ticket sales and refunding all credit card transactions for reservations that were set to begin on February 12, 2016.

NewLeaf says that thousands of bookings were made between now and their January 6 launch.

“The reason why we launched on January 6 is because it was confirmed that we were in full compliance of CTA licensing regulations,” says NewLeaf CEO Jim Young. “The CTA gave us an exemption from holding a licence directly while it reviews its legislation.”

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NewLeaf Travel airlines promises to operate discount flights from seven of Canada’s smaller airports, including Abbotsford, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Hamilton, and Halifax. Flights will be significantly cheaper than major airlines, costing as little as $89 one-way – including all airline fees and taxes.

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) in the Lower Mainland will be serviced with regular routes to Regina, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon, running weekly or biweekly.

“As with any success that threatens to change the status quo, there are those that will resist that change and take any measures necessary to maintain the existing playing field, even if it is to the detriment of the vast majority and the benefit of the very few,” added Young.

Young says that as soon as the review is complete, NewLeaf will make any recommended changes and resume sales as soon as possible.

Those who made reservations are guaranteed the opportunity to re‐buy their seat for the price they paid for it when NewLeaf resumes sales.