Jetlines Announces Anticipated Launch Timing


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada Jetlines Ltd. (JET: TSX-V; JETMF: OTCQB) (the “Company” or “Jetlines”) provides an update on recent corporate developments related to its planned launch of airline operations in 2019. Jetlines has made significant progress with respect to the airport agreements, commercial agreements and personnel additions required to launch operations. It has also announced financing transactions with SmartLynx Airlines SIA for up to $15 million and a Korean special purpose fund led and established by InHarv Partners Ltd. for up to $14 million. As a result of the Company’s progress as well as the current status of financing initiatives, Jetlines has set a launch of commercial service targeted for December 17, 2019 using Vancouver (YVR) as Jetlines’ home airport.

As a result of this determination, Jetlines and AerCap have mutually agreed to terminate the leases for two Airbus A320 aircraft, and Jetlines has entered into a letter of intent with its partner, SmartLynx Airlines SIA, for the lease of two alternate Airbus A320 that will be available for delivery in Q4 2019 in line with the expected commencement of Jetlines’ operations. The two aircraft will have the same configuration as the AerCap aircraft, with 180 ACRO seats. The letter of intent is subject to executing a definitive lease agreement and other conditions customary to a transaction of this nature.

Executive Chairman, Mark Morabito commented, “I am pleased with the Jetlines strategy of launching for the winter peak, in time for the holidays. The leased aircraft are on favorable terms as a result of our partnership with SmartLynx and this decision is expected to help Jetlines deliver better results than originally anticipated. In addition to our financing announcements with SmartLynx and InHarv, the Company continues to work with other groups in effort to secure the rest of the capital required for our start-up.”

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.

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 (i) the commencement of operations and the success of expected future operations of the Company; (ii) the completion a definitive lease aircraft lease agreement; (iii) the completion of additional financing; (iv) the projected start of airline operations; or (v) the airports and routes that Jetlines intends to service.

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 satisfaction of the conditions to closing of the Offering, the satisfaction of the escrow release conditions, the terms contained in the executed agreements to be entered into by the Company or its subsidiaries with the SPV, 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,  the impact of general economic conditions, domestic and international airline industry conditions, future relations with the SPV, 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. There is no assurance that the closing of the Offering will occur. 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.