The Canadian ULCC claims the seizure of its aircraft was “unlawful”.

Canadian-based Flair Airlines has announced it has filed a lawsuit against Airborne Capital with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The action reported via CBC in Canada to be for around $50m CAD, was born out of what Flair claim was an “unlawful” seizure of four of its aircraft, alleged to be over non-payment.

In a statement published on its website, Flair said: “Airborne Capital’s unlawful and immeasurably destructive actions were taken on the first weekend of many of our customers’ school breaks. This is profiteering on the backs of Canadians and was entirely unexpected and unwarranted.”

The airline continued: “Airborne Capital’s actions have caused enormous disruption to the customers Flair serves. We have implemented every recovery measure possible to help our customers. We have deployed a dedicated team who have taken steps to ensure affected passengers can conclude their journeys with minimal disruption, rebooking hundreds of travellers on flights with Flair Airlines, or another airline, at no additional cost. Additionally, customers can rebook their own travel and receive a reimbursement within seven days.”

Flair reiterated its commitment to flying its schedule, and say it has brought four additional aircraft into service.

The carrier operates a fleet of three Boeing 737-86Js and 19 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.