It had a turbulent start, with an aborted launch date due to licensing issues.

But the NewLeaf Travel Company has now taken off. The Winnipeg-based discount air service finally flew its first flights today.

The low cost air travel company is no longer just a sky high dream, it's now reality.

"It was fun, everybody was charming," said passenger Caroline Newton. "It was exciting."

And it was cheap, say passengers. Dennis Velasco says his family saved hundreds booking with NewLeaf.

"It was more expensive with the other airlines. So this was a lot cheaper and there are things you can choose to pay for, and not right."

NewLeaf says it has sold out two flights this week, and is very well funded for all operations.

This is thanks in part to what is being called a substantial investment by the group of Manitoba First Nations that own the South Beach Casino.

"Any business is a risk," said Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Jim Bear. "But we see this as an excellent opportunity, and something that Canada really wants."

And needs, according to Winnipeg Airports Authority President and CEO Barry Rempel, "Ultra-low cost carriers are a part of virtually every market in the globe. Certainly part of the g20 markets."

With the exception of Canada, until now.

Still there's some turbulence the Winnipeg-based discount air service has to navigate.

NewLeaf is currently in court to see if it should be required to hold an operating license, or if it can rely on its partners Flair Airlines.

"We'll be responding to it with our attorneys as the court requires on their timeline," said NewLeaf President and CEO Jim Young.

"In the meantime we're moving ahead."

And so are its customers, drawn to the promise of lower priced air travel.