Flair CEO Stephen Jones to retire, search for replacement underway

President and CEO of Flair Airlines, Stephen Jones, has announced that he will retire this summer.

According to a press release, a recruitment process for a permanent replacement is underway and industry veteran and Flair COO Maciej Wilk will be named Interim president and CEO until the permanent replacement is selected by the Board of Directors. 

As one who has arguably been the face of ultra-low-cost flying in Canada, Jones was “instrumental in the growth of Flair” said Julia Haywood, Chair of the Board at Flair Airlines, in a statement.

“We thank him for his tireless efforts growing Flair and empowering more Canadians to travel. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Haywood. "The Board of Directors is overseeing a rigorous recruitment process for the next President and CEO. This is well underway, and we are pleased and impressed by the number of exceptional candidates under consideration.”

Stephen Jones ready for retirement  

In a statement, Jones said he is “grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of Flair – it’s a truly outstanding organization with the best people in the industry.”

“If there’s one thing during my tenure that I’m most proud of, it’s the opportunities we helped create so that more Canadians could experience and enjoy travel. The Flair Effect makes a real difference in people’s lives. Given what we’ve achieved, I’m even more confident in the company and what’s ahead for Flair,” Jones said.

Flair will continue operating normally during the transition, the airline said. 

“Customers can expect the same low fares and reliable service that they have come to know and love. Flair’s operations will continue normally during the CEO transition,” the airline said.

As Flair’s COO, Maciej Wilk is also “incredibly well-positioned to lead the company forward as Interim president and CEO,” the airline added.

“He is already involved in all areas of the business and possessives extensive operational, business and financial expertise.”

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