Airline Chronological History
Canaryfly was founded in 2008 as a regional airline created specifically to address the structural mobility needs of the Canary Islands, an archipelago where air transport plays a critical role in economic cohesion and social connectivity. The airline was established by a group of Canarian investors under the corporate name Canaryfly, S.L., with its headquarters in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its creation was closely linked to the Canary Islands government’s public service obligation framework, which sought to improve inter-island connectivity, ensure frequent schedules, and maintain affordable fares for residents. Canaryfly began operations at a time when the regional aviation market was dominated by a small number of operators, and there was political and economic interest in fostering competition to stabilize prices and improve service quality.
Flight operations commenced in 2010 after a preparatory phase that included regulatory certification, route planning, and fleet acquisition. From the outset, Canaryfly positioned itself as a pure inter-island carrier, focusing exclusively on domestic routes within the Canary Islands rather than international or mainland Spain services. Its initial network connected Gran Canaria with Tenerife North, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, and El Hierro, using a Fairchild-Swearingen SA226-AT Metro II.
Canaryfly positioned itself as a pure inter-island carrier using at the beginning in 2008 a single Fairchild-Swearingen SA226-AT Metro II. (Photo: planespotters.net) The fleet selected for the official launch consisted of ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, a type well suited to short sectors, relatively short runways, and the high cycle utilization typical of island operations. Canaryfly initially operated leased ATR 72-200 and later ATR 72-500 variants.
Throughout the early 2010s, Canaryfly steadily consolidated its presence across the archipelago. The airline gradually increased frequencies on core routes such as Gran Canaria–Tenerife North, one of Spain’s busiest domestic air corridors, while also strengthening links to smaller islands like La Gomera and El Hierro,
From 2011, the airline operated the ATR 42-320 giving a more comfortable experience to passengers as well as offering bigger capacity. (Photo: planespotters.net) Fleet modernization and standardization became a priority as the airline matured. By the mid-2010s, Canaryfly began transitioning toward newer ATR 72-500 aircraft, improving passenger comfort and operational reliability. Cabin configurations were optimized for short-haul travel, with a focus on quick turnaround times and punctuality rather than onboard frills. The airline’s growth remained measured, reflecting its role as a regional utility carrier rather than an aggressive expansionist airline.
The airline counts with 5 ATR-72 in its fleet. (Photo:airliners.net) 
Canaryfly selected the ATR-72-500 for all its operations.(Photo:planespotters.net) A major turning point in Canaryfly’s corporate development occurred in 2017, when the airline was acquired by the ALSA Group, one of Spain’s largest transport companies, primarily known for long-distance bus operations. This acquisition provided Canaryfly with greater financial stability, access to broader transport expertise, and the possibility of integrated mobility solutions combining air and ground transport. Under ALSA ownership, Canaryfly retained its brand identity and regional focus while benefiting from improved governance structures and long-term investment planning.
In 2018 and 2019 following the acquisition, Canaryfly continued to expand frequencies and refine its network rather than adding entirely new types of routes.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 represented the most significant challenge in Canaryfly’s history. Like all airlines, it faced a sudden collapse in demand due to travel restrictions and public health measures. However, Canaryfly’s role in maintaining essential inter-island connectivity meant that it continued operating a reduced schedule throughout the crisis, transporting residents, essential workers, and medical passengers.
As travel demand recovered from 2021 onward, Canaryfly gradually restored and, in some cases, increased frequencies across its network. The airline continued investing in fleet reliability and operational resilience rather than rapid expansion. By the early 2020s, its fleet consisted of multiple ATR 72-500 aircraft, all configured to serve short, high-frequency routes efficiently.
In July 2024, the Spanish regional airline introduced a new livery and an updated brand identity.
The refresh features a new aircraft Livery. The first aircraft to display the new design was an ATR 72 (registration EC-LAD). The updated look moves away from previous color schemes toward a modernized aesthetic.
In July 2024, Canaryfly introduced a new livery and an updated brand identity. (Photo: planespotters.net) Up to the present day, Canaryfly remains a niche but strategically important airline within Spain’s domestic aviation system. Its history since formation is characterized less by dramatic route expansion or international growth and more by steady consolidation, public service commitment, and adaptation to the unique geographic and socio-economic conditions of the Canary Islands. The airline’s evolution reflects the broader challenges of regional aviation in island territories, where reliability, affordability, and frequency are often more critical than scale or brand visibility.
Airline Factual Information
The airline has it's main operating base in Gran Canaria Island (LPA) and operates to 6 domestic destinations on the islands.
Updated February 2026
The airline has only used the Franco-Italian turboprop for all its services with the type operating the intra-island services only for now.
Updated February 2026
Reviews and comments ⭐
What Stands Out 😀👍 | Needs Improvement 🫤👎 |
✅ Affordability: Frequently cited as the most budget-friendly option for inter-island hops, especially with "Superprecio" promotions. | 👎 Flight Disruptions: Passengers frequently report sudden cancellations and rescheduling, sometimes with very short notice. |
✅ Quick & Efficient: The "bus-in-the-sky" style service is praised for its short flight times (often under 30 mins) and fast boarding. | 👎 Communication Gaps: Many reviews highlight a lack of real-time updates regarding gate changes or delay reasons at the airport. |
✅ Generous Luggage Policy: Unlike many low-cost carriers, standard tickets often include both a cabin bag and a 20kg checked suitcase. | 👎 Website Issues: The booking site is often criticized for being glitchy, and many users find the lack of English language support frustrating. |
✅ Friendly Crew: Flight attendants are consistently described as polite, professional, and welcoming despite the short flight durations. | 👎 Aged Aircraft: Some passengers note that the ATR 72-500 fleet feels dated, with noisy cabins and visible wear on the seats. |
✅ Unexpected Perks: Many passengers are pleasantly surprised to receive free water and a small snack (like nuts) on such short flights. | 👎 Unassigned Seating: The "free seating" policy can lead to a "mad dash" for window seats, which some families find stressful. |
*Reviews are collected from independent sites and compelled by the most representative reviews and comments. Planet Airlines Ltd remains impartial to any airlines.