9/05/2000: CanJet Commences Operations

‍DALLAS — Today, in 2000, the first incarnation of Canadian low-cost leisure carrier CanJet (C6) commenced operations.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the airline was launched in 1999 as a division of IMP Group. In May 2001, Canada 3000 (2T), then the largest charter airline in the world, purchased C6.

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Canada 3000 collapsed without warning in November 2001. The airline was subsequently relaunched on June 20, 2002, initially flying to three destinations.

Measured Expansion

Management opted for steady expansion, waiting for gaps in the market as other carriers pulled out. This was highlighted when, in April 2004, it launched flights from Toronto's John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM). This followed WestJet's (WS) decision to move its Toronto hub to Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

In 2005, the airline began replacing its aging Boeing 737-200s with second-hand 737-500s sourced from United Airlines (UA). Three years later, these would be replaced by 189-seat Boeing 737-800s.

In May 2006, a marketing deal was signed with fellow Canadian carrier Harmony Airways (HQ). This allowed both airlines to utilize one another's route maps and better compete with larger rivals.

Charter Shift

Scheduled operations ceased in September 2006, and C6 refocused its attention on charter flying. Over 1,000 jobs were slashed, and four Boeing 737-500s were parked.

The airline limped on for a further nine years. Gradually, aircraft were removed from the fleet, and the staff was laid off. Finally, on September 1, 2015, IMP Group announced that the airline would close. At the time, it had a single Boeing 737-800 in operation.

Featured image: Canada-Canjet C-FTCX Boeing 737-800.