Shirak Avia
A former Canadian leisure airline that operated scheduled and charter flights from major Canadian cities to sun destinations before ceasing operations in 2010.
About Shirak Avia
Skyservice Airlines was a privately owned Canadian leisure carrier founded in 1986 and based in the Toronto area. Although the supplied airline name is Shirak Avia, the IATA code 5G, ICAO code SSV, legal name and website identify the former Canadian operator Skyservice Airlines. It should not be confused with the present-day Armenian carrier using the Shirak Avia name. Skyservice Airlines ceased operations and entered receivership in March 2010.
Toronto Pearson International Airport was the airline’s principal operating base, supported by departures from other Canadian cities including Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. Its network focused largely on leisure travel between Canada and warmer destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida and Central America. Much of its flying was conducted for tour operators, so routes and frequencies often varied according to seasonal holiday demand rather than following a stable year-round schedule.
The airline operated a mixed jet fleet during its history, including Airbus A320-family and Airbus A330 aircraft, as well as Boeing 757s. Narrow-body aircraft generally served short- and medium-haul holiday routes, while larger wide-body equipment was used where passenger demand or route length warranted it. Cabin products depended on the aircraft and tour package, but the operation was primarily designed for leisure travellers rather than for a broad network of premium business passengers.
Skyservice Airlines was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It also did not maintain a widely established standalone frequent-flyer programme comparable with those of Canada’s major network airlines. Because many seats were sold through holiday companies as part of package trips, booking conditions, inclusions and customer support could depend as much on the contracting tour operator as on the operating airline itself.
The carrier’s principal strength was its ability to provide direct holiday flying from several Canadian departure points, reducing the need for connections through foreign hubs. Its seasonal model also matched capacity with winter demand for Caribbean, Mexican and Florida destinations. However, Skyservice Airlines is no longer operating, so its former website, schedules and service policies should be treated as historical information rather than resources for booking present-day flights.
Good to know
Flying with Shirak Avia — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operating
Skyservice Airlines ceased operations in March 2010. Any current listing using its former 5G or SSV identifiers should be checked carefully before making travel plans.
Leisure-Focused Network
The airline primarily connected Canadian cities with holiday destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida and Central America. Many routes operated seasonally.
Tour Operator Bookings
A significant portion of its capacity was sold through tour operators, sometimes as part of complete holiday packages. Fare conditions and included services could therefore vary by seller.
Historical Baggage Rules
Baggage allowances depended on the tour operator, fare and destination. Former Skyservice policies are no longer applicable, so travellers should follow the rules of the airline actually operating their flight.
Toronto Main Base
Toronto Pearson was the carrier’s principal base, with additional departures offered from several major Canadian airports. Availability outside Toronto was often seasonal.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Shirak Avia
Notable destinations on Shirak Avia's network.
5GTorontodirect5GMontrealdirect5GOttawadirect5GCalgarydirect5GVancouverdirect5GCancúndirect5GPunta Canadirect5GVaraderodirect5GMontego Baydirect5GOrlandodirect5GFort LauderdaledirectDestination list is indicative of Shirak Avia's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Canada
Other airlines based in Canada
FAQ
Shirak Avia — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Toronto Pearson was the main departure airport for the former Canadian airline. It also operated leisure services from airports including Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver.
- Tickets cannot currently be purchased from the former Canadian Skyservice Airlines. For comparable leisure routes, fares are often lower outside school holidays and peak winter travel periods, although prices vary with demand.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because this Canadian carrier is defunct, any displayed result should be checked to confirm the identity of the operating airline.
- There is no current destination count because the Canadian carrier ceased operating in 2010. Its historical network changed by season and according to tour-operator contracts.
- Skyservice Airlines formerly flew from Canadian cities to leisure destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida and Central America. Its schedules varied seasonally, and it no longer operates flights.
- No dependable single longest route can be stated because Skyservice Airlines operated a changing seasonal and charter network. Its longer services used wide-body aircraft on selected leisure routes from Canada.
- Skyservice Airlines has no current carry-on allowance because it is no longer operating. For any itinerary displaying a similar airline name or code, check the baggage rules published by the actual operating carrier.
- The Canadian airline identified by the 5G and SSV codes used Toronto Pearson International Airport as its principal base. It ceased operations in March 2010.