Another Regina organization is disappointed in Air Canada’s decision to suspend direct flights between Regina and Calgary.
In a letter penned to Air Canada, Economic Development Regina (EDR) said the decision was ill-considered.
They join the Regina Airport Authority in calling the decision to suspend flights disappointing.
President and CEO of Economic Development Regina Chris Lane said Air Canada’s decision will now triple the travel time between the two centres.
“As one of Canada’s fastest-growing economies and population areas, the need for connectivity and the opportunity it presents for airlines is as necessary as it is mutually beneficial,” he said in the letter. “As home to some of the most significant players in the Canadian economy – and indeed the world’s – Regina’s influence and importance to other major centres like Calgary is only growing.”
EDR cited companies like Viterra, Farm Credit Canada, Brandt, Harvard Developments, AGT Foods, The Mosaic Company, and Raven Industries, which all have Canadian or international headquarters in Regina, as some of the significant players in the Queen City.
They also called on Air Canada to consider the impact this could have on those looking to get to the Queen City.
“Regina is also home to both Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Show, two of the most important annual events for attracting international investment into Canadian agriculture and requiring connectivity for thousands of international travellers every year,” he said. “As a gateway for all of southern Saskatchewan, service to Regina also connects the day-to-day business and travel needs of an increasingly important global energy industry.”
According to EDR, Regina’s economy is predicted to grow nearly seven per cent this year alone and another three and a half per cent again next year. The population will grow by almost ten per cent in the next five years. Calgary’s numbers are similar, and so are Saskatoon’s.
That the flag carrier airline of Canada would choose to suspend direct connectivity between these regions at this time is more than disappointing; it is ill-considered.
Lane added that EDR stands ready to join in these types of conversations and hopes that Air Canada will reconsider their operational decision and commit to a renewal and eventual expansion of service to Regina.
Calling it is good for Air Canada, it is good for Regina, and it is good for the country.
