Edmonton-based Flair Airlines has named Julia Haywood as chair of the company’s board of directors.
Haywood, whose election made her the first woman to chair a Canadian airline, according to Flair, succeeds the late Bill Hardy, the former chief operating officer who passed away in early 2023 after having a "lasting impact" on the carrier.
Haywood has worked in aviation for two decades and joined Flair's board in 2021. She previously was chief commercial officer and executive vice-president at United Airlines, and before that was a partner at Boston Consulting Group.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be elected as chair of the board of directors of Flair Airlines, whose mission is to bring the lowest fares on offer in Canada,” said Haywood.
“Julia was a powerhouse addition to our board in 2021, and we are thrilled to have her lead the board as chair. She believes in our vision and will
bring her strong business experience to bear as chair," said chief executive Stephen Jones.