CALGARY- Lynx Air (Y9) has announced that its final flights will occur on Sunday (Feb 26, 2024), as airline files for creditor protection, marking a conclusion less than two years after the commencement of operations as a low-cost carrier.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Calgary-based company revealed that it has applied for and received an initial order of protection from creditors through the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, utilizing the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Lynx Air Cease Operations
Effective from 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, Feb. 26, Lynx Air has announced the cessation of its operations, with scheduled flights to continue until that specified time.
The company cited various challenges over the past year, including heightened operating costs, soaring fuel prices, fluctuations in exchange rates, escalating airport charges, and a challenging economic and regulatory landscape, collectively contributing to what it termed as “significant headwinds.”
In the statement, the company highlights its achievements of expanding its fleet, increasing the number of destinations, and doubling passenger volume in the past two years. Despite this growth and attempts to explore a sale or merger, Lynx Air expressed that the challenges confronting the company’s business have become insurmountable.
The company emphasized ongoing efforts to aid affected passengers, advising those with existing bookings to reach out to their credit card companies to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.
What Next for Passengers?
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has issued guidance for Lynx Air passengers, providing contact information for government agencies in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia that can assist in obtaining refunds from travel agencies registered in those provinces.
The CTA suggested that stranded passengers or those with future travel plans with Lynx should contact their travel agents or providers for alternative travel arrangements. However, it noted that these passengers might need to make such arrangements independently.
Nonetheless, Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez expressed in a statement his anticipation that Lynx Air will promptly repatriate stranded passengers and issue refunds if fares cannot be honored.
Rodriguez mentioned ongoing communication with other airlines to explore avenues for assistance, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of passengers.
In his statement, Rodriguez conveyed his thoughts for the Canadian travelers and workers affected by this development, extending concern to their families and the broader communities across Canada that will experience the repercussions of this situation.
Union to Protect Legal Right of Its Members
According to the Air Line Pilots Association union, the airline employs 160 pilots and flight crew members.
Lou Arab, spokesperson for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), expressed the union’s profound dismay for their members affected by Thursday’s announcement but affirmed their commitment to advocating for them.
Further, in an interview with Global News, Arab stated, “We’ll ensure our members receive everything the company is legally obligated to provide, which might include severance and back pay on a case-by-case basis. We will strive to guarantee that employees receive all they are legally entitled to.”
CUPE represents 240 flight attendants at Lynx, Arab noted.
The final flight scheduled for Sunday marks the end less than two years after the company’s inaugural flight on April 7, 2022, making it the late
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