Start-ups: How are they fairing and what lessons have been learned?

More than 25 new airlines have started operations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Americas proving particularly fertile ground for new airlines looking to take advantage of a disrupted market. In the US Breeze and Avelo – both launched in 2021 - have their own distinct business models that avoid direct competition with larger US operators. Meanwhile, Northern Pacific plans to launch later this year and believes Alaska is an attractive destination for travelers from North Asia, as well as a viable transit point. In Canada, Flair and Lynx Air are pursuing ultra low cost models and competing more directly with Air Canada and WestJet. How are these upstarts fairing in their respective markets, and what lessons have been learnt in their startup phases?