Flair Airlines took delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 that was originally intended to join the fleet of the new Australian carrier Bonza. The aircraft, owned by 777 Partners, will operate for the Canadian low-cost, currently owned by the private investment firm.
In mid-March, lessor Airbone Capital seized four Flair Airlines aircraft and initiated a dispute with the operator, which claimed the action was “extreme and unusual”.
See also: Flair Airlines sues Airborne Capital over seizure of its aircraft
After recovering seized aircraft, Flair Airlines adds a new 737 MAX 8
Initially, the aircraft was to be part of Bonza’s fleet with the Australian registration VH-UDV, although the company never took delivery of it. However, its spokespersons assured that this will not affect its growth plans.
Bonza’s main investor is 777 Partners. During 2021, the Miami-based company placed four separate orders for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft; initially, eight would be destined for Bonza’s fleet.
The startup completed its first flight on 31 January and plans to gradually increase its fleet in the near future.
The Flair Airlines fleet
Flair Airlines operates a total of 22 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, all of which are leased.
It currently leases thirteen aircraft to 777 Partners, six to Airborne Capital, two to Zephyrus Aviation Capital and one to an unknown company. The airline expects to continue to take delivery of 737 MAX aircraft progressively as part of the fourteen-unit deal with 777 Partners, announced at the end of 2021.
Flair Airlines expects to have 27 aircraft in operation by the middle of this year to boost its route and seat offerings during the summer season.
