Canadian budget carrier Lynx Air is continuing its expansion in the United States with the addition of Boston and San Francisco as its newest destinations. The airline, which commenced operations in April 2022, will operate flights to both cities from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Vijay Bathija, Lynx’s chief commercial officer, described the inclusion of Boston and San Francisco in their network as a significant milestone for the airline. This expansion will allow Lynx to offer its ultra-low-cost model to more travelers, targeting primarily Canadian passengers seeking affordable options to travel to the United States. However, Americans traveling to Canada will also benefit from the new services.
The flights from Toronto to Boston will commence on March 28, initially operating four times a week. The frequency will increase to six flights a week, excluding Saturdays, from April 22. On the other hand, Lynx will begin its Toronto flights to San Francisco on May 3, initially operating four flights a week. The service will transition to daily flights from June 11.
Lynx’s strategy is to focus on destinations where airfares have historically been high and affordable options are limited. By offering ultra-affordable fares, the airline aims to inspire more Canadians to travel and explore their favorite destinations. This approach is similar to that of US carriers Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, which also operate under the ultra-low-cost model.
However, Lynx will face significant competition on both the Boston and San Francisco routes. Air Canada already provides nonstop flights between Boston and Toronto Pearson, while Porter Airlines, another Canadian rival, operates flights from Boston to Toronto-Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ), conveniently located near downtown Toronto. In San Francisco, Lynx will compete with Air Canada, Porter, and United Airlines on its route to Toronto Pearson.
With the addition of Boston and San Francisco, Lynx now serves a total of eight destinations in the United States. The airline already operates flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa, and Fort Myers, Florida.
In conclusion, Lynx Air’s expansion into Boston and San Francisco marks a significant milestone for the Canadian budget carrier. By offering ultra-affordable fares and targeting routes with historically high airfares, Lynx aims to provide more travel options for Canadian passengers and inspire them to explore their desired destinations. However, competition from other airlines, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines, will pose a challenge for Lynx in these new markets.