Leasing companies allege Flair failed to make rent payments, ignored default notices
The allegations were detailed in a statement of defence and counterclaim for US$30.9 million filed in Ontario Superior Court on June 26.
In March 2023, Flair Airlines filed a $50-million lawsuit against Irish-based Airborne Capital Inc. and a trio of affiliated leasing corporations, alleging they 'secretly' found a better deal for the Boeing 737 Max aircraft with a third party and then set up Flair for default.
Flair said at the time it received no notice over the 'unlawful' seizures, precluding the airline from alerting or rebooking customers.
The lessors deny any breach of contract or duty to act in good faith, saying the seizures were necessary to protect the value of the aircraft and were timed to avoid stranding passengers overseas.
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None of the allegations in Flair's lawsuit or the countersuit have been tested in court.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2025.
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