---

The new Canada 3000 has yet to gain an air operator’s certificate, and the owners are still deciding the AOC’s classification and even ownership. This will affect the airline’s ability to operate scheduled services, but could still leave the airline with a charter license.

A majority of the $25 million initial investment has been raised and “500 emails a week” are received offering to join the backers, says Low. He adds that less investment may be required if the initial AOC is rented.

Low will not currently discuss the ownership of the two 757-200s, although he says they are UK registered aircraft. More details could be available in two weeks.

The airline will begin a recruitment drive in July, adds Low, with the first crew employed by September. The two aircraft will require five crews, consisting of 20 pilots and 50 flight attendants, says the co-founder. Maintenance issues are still being discussed.

These crews will be based in Hamilton, Ontario, and operate nonstop services to the Caribbean, Mexico and the USA, says Low. Cancun, Mexico, Havana, Cuba and Montego Bay, Jamaica will be served twice weekly, while Fort Lauderdale, Florida could get as many a three flights a week. Canada 3000 will use one gate at its Ontario base airport.

---