CanJet addresses reports, outlines change in summer program

CanJet Airlines and its tour operator arm, CanJet Vacations, have been making headlines over the past few days as reports about lay-offs have raised questions surrounding the company's future.

In an effort to address the news of staff reductions, the company released a statement saying that CanJet aircraft will be positioned in the European market for the coming summer season, as it did in 2014.

This will impact CanJet Vacations' original plan for a summer program that was announced earlier this year, scheduled to offer packages in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic with flights from Toronto on CanJet Airlines' Boeing 737-800.

The reallocation of the aircraft overseas explains the layoffs that were reported yesterday by various Canadian media. Chris Kelly, vice-president of business planning, confirmed to PAX that the company reduced its pilot group by 46, permanent flight attendant group by nine and seasonal flight attendant group by 36, which is a normal seasonal reduction.

CanJet Vacations is now looking to partner with other airlines for the summer program, the statement reads.

"We are hopeful we will be able to offer a summer program as planned," Kelly said.

CanJet Vacations launched in December, offering four- and five-star vacation packages to Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic from YYZ.

According to Kelly, the tour operator's late start into the market had an impact on initial sales performance, but following adjustments to the flight schedule to meet market demands, the company was able achieve target load factors in key markets.