Flair Airlines has welcomed Sumanth Rao as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, following an extensive and diligent search. Mr. Rao joins Flair following a 16-year career with Delta Air Lines, where he held a variety of senior financial roles.
On Tuesday (August 22, 2024), Flair Airlines announced the appointment of Sumanth Rao as the carrier’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Rao joins Flair following a 16-year career with Delta Air Lines, where he held a variety of senior finance roles. Since 2022, he has served as CFO of Delta Vacations, where he was instrumental in driving consistent profitable growth. In other roles with Delta, he managed budgets of over $4.0 billion annually, and led the carrier’s airports team through the global COVID-19 pandemic. Sumanth Rao officially joined the Flair team in Canada on Monday, August 19, 2024. He will be based in Vancouver, but will also spend significant time with Flair’s finance team in Edmonton.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Flair Airlines’ CEO, Maciej Wilk, said,
“After a comprehensive recruitment process, I’m pleased to announce that Flair has hired an accomplished senior leader in aviation finance, Sumanth Rao. His wealth of experience and proven track record in the aviation industry marks a significant step in Flair's ongoing journey toward a stronger future for our customers, employees, partners, and shareholders.”
Also commenting on Mr. Rao’s appointment, Flair Airlines’ Board President, Julia Haywood, said,
“We are thrilled to have someone of Sumanth’s calibre join our leadership team. His deep expertise in financial strategy and aviation, combined with his passion for making air travel more accessible, aligns perfectly with Flair’s mission. Sumanth’s vision will be key as we continue to redefine what it means to be a low-cost carrier in Canada.”
Flair’s new Chief Financial Officer, Sumanth Rao, added,
“I’m excited to join Flair Airlines at such a pivotal time. Flair’s dedication to offering affordable, high-quality travel experiences resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working with the talented team further to enhance Flair’s financial performance and operational excellence.”
Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) and the company’s mission is to make travel accessible and affordable for all Canadians. The airline operates a growing fleet of Next Generation Boeing 737-800s and 737-8s, and is growing to serve over 35 destinations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The airline plans on growing their fleet to 50 aircraft by 2025.
Source: Flair Airlines
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