While it may seem like a strange time to start a new airline, we are seeing some amazing new airline companies in the US, including Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways. These airlines have unique value propositions aimed at holidaymakers and will serve markets that have not been served before.
Well, these are not the only airlines in North America – Connect Airlines is another new concept that has just been unveiled, but unlike the others, I leave it to myself.
The basics of Connect Airlines
Connect Airlines is a new North American airline that has just been announced, and plans to launch this year:
- The airline intends to start in October 2021
- The airline plans to connect Billy Bishop City Airport in Toronto with airports in the Northeast and Midwest US
- The airline will use Q400 turboprop aircraft for these routes, which were acquired from Flybe, the British airline that went out of service last year (the name of the airline is a funny coincidence, or something – Connect Airways was the name of the consortium. it’s going to save Flybe, and now start Connect Airlines, which is an unrelated airline that will take over Flybe’s aircraft.
Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport
Who’s behind Connect Airlines?
Connect Airlines is a new concept of Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA), a Boston-based FAA Part 135 aircraft charter operator that has now begun applying for an FAA Part 121 airline operator certificate. And yes, this is apparently where the company got its name.
Interestingly, it will be a U.S. airline that will have its only hub in Canada, and that the airline will hire pilots and flight attendants in Toronto.
Waltzing Matilda Aviation CEO John Thomas, who has been in the aviation industry for 35 years, is a former CEO of Virgin Australia. As Thomas describes the plans for this airline:
“We are passionate about how aviation brings people, cultures and businesses together. Especially in these challenging times, we are committed to providing the world’s most popular travel experience with safety, service, convenience and reliability. ”
Does this business model sound familiar?
Look, I have to say, Connect Airlines has a very smart business model. I can not believe no one has ever thought of the idea of using Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport as a hub for cross-border flights with turboprop aircraft, while providing an excellent experience.
Oh wait, that’s exactly what Porter Airlines’ business model is. The airline operates from the same airport, with the same aircraft, to the same destinations and offers the same kind of experience.
To be honest, Porter Airlines suspended operations in March 2020 due to travel restrictions. Does Connect Airlines rely on Porter Airlines no longer doing business, or does the airline think there is room for a second airline to offer the same business model?
Porter Airlines Q400 cabin
Is it time to start a business airline?
Let’s pretend for a moment that the US-Canada border is reopening, and let’s forget even for a moment about Porter Airlines. Virtually all airlines nowadays are leisure oriented. Connect Airlines is not it; rather, the airline directs a ‘day-trip business traveler’ between the US and Canada. Maybe I just have a different view, but I do not see the “day-tripping business traveler” segment returning to pre-coronavirus levels any time soon.
It seems to me like a real uphill battle. No matter, Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport is limited to the slots, so the airline will not even be able to compete with Porter’s full network, even if it wants to.
Bottom line
Connect Airlines is a new airline that hopes to launch in October 2021, with flights between Billy Bishop City Airport in Toronto and with the Q400 aircraft departing for the US.
The best I can see: the airline hopes to essentially repeat the business model of Porter Airlines, hoping to soften the ‘day-going business traveler’ market, which is questionable.
Color me confused in …
What do you make of Connect Airlines?