Customers are currently enjoying the benefits of a domestic price war among airlines
Now may be the best time for Canadians to buy airline tickets because fares are set to soar this summer, according to an industry expert.
John Gradek, faculty lecturer, supply networks, at Montreal’s McGill University, says Canada’s domestic fares will be significantly higher in July and August than they are today.
Article content
“Deals are now,” he said in a recent interview with the Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn. “They won’t be there in the summer.”
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O’Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world’s leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O’Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world’s leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Article content
Gradek said Canadians are currently enjoying the benefits of a domestic price war as airlines try to generate business in what’s typically a quiet quarter for air travel.
He said Canada’s two ultra-low cost carriers, Flair Airlines and Lynx Air, are leading the price cuts with other airlines following not too far behind.
“Flair and Lynx are the price leaders in Canada,” said Gradek. “Air Canada, WestJet, Porter are kind of playing along.”
The problem is that’s not likely to be sustainable.
Gradek said the ultra-low cost airlines are not making any profit off the current fares and it’s likely one of them will be subject to either bankruptcy or takeover.
Fuel pricing could also impact air fares. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a new fuel that’s being developed to reduce the industry’s emissions. Gradek said the industry is looking at different ways to minimize their costs, including hedging and advanced purchases of fuel.
“Fuel pricing will in fact very much impact the price of air fares,” he said.
Recommended from Editorial
The strong demand for travel and profitability for carriers seen last summer should repeat itself this year, said Gradek, with the only possible dampers being a recession and lower disposable income.
“It’s going to be busy,” Gradek said. “Fares will definitely be up there.”
• Email: novid@postmedia.com
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the business news you need to know — add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
Article content