Enerjet To Launch Charter Service In 2009

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know today's global economic environment probably isn't the best to start a new airline in... but that hasn't stopped some from trying nonetheless.

A new Canadian charter airline is scheduled to begin operations early next year, reports The Financial Post. Spearheaded by WestJet founder Tim Morgan and three other former executives with that carrier, "Enerjet" will initially launch with two Boeing 737-700s to provide service throughout Canada.

"Going forward our new name, Enerjet, symbolizes Canada's strength and the entrepreneurial and dynamic drive of Canadians," Morgan said.

While symbolism, like beauty, is often in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder, we can't argue Enerjet rolls off the tongue a bit easier than the carrier's initial working name, "New Air and Tours." Morgan and his team also considered calling the touring side of the operation "Canadiana"... but Morgan said this week that name is no longer in the running.

Like its name, the airline's business model has also changed. Initially, the fledgling carrier was to fly tour groups between smaller markets in "middle Canada," to sunny destinations like Las Vegas, NV.

Plans are still in the works to launch that service in the second half of next year... but Enerjet will start service earlier with flights across Canada, transporting workers between industrial sites.

"The platform has changed," said Bill Lamberton, Enerjet's head of marketing and sales. "The initial platform now will be a charter operation, which is something that made it a little easier for us to get the operation flying and then roll out the second platform [the tour operator]."

The Calgary-based airline currently has an exemption from Transport Canada to operate, though Enerjet execs expect to have full authority to begin service by the end of November.

FMI: www.enerjet.ca/