Those looking to get out of Regina for a hot destination this winter may need to take a bit of a detour.
WestJet is cancelling direct flights to Orlando and Phoenix between November and early January, while Cancun flights will be cancelled in November and brought back in December. Puerto Vallerta flights will also be cancelled in December.
YQR President and CEO James Bogusz said he is disappointed by WestJet’s decision, but he understands the circumstances.
“WestJet, much like all of the mainline airlines here in Canada are struggling with capacity with the grounding of the (Boeing) 737 Max, but the impacts are very specific here in YQR.”
Bogusz said what this means for the airport is frustrated customers and lost revenue.
“If people don’t fly, they’re not going to buy a sandwich, they’re not going to rent a car, they’re not going to of course provide us the airport improvement fee, but it’s really less about us and it’s more about the customers,” Bogusz said. “We certainly hope that not just WestJet, but all of the major airlines, we really hope that (Boeing) 737 Max is hopefully back in the air next year to start seeing some of these things reversed.”
Bogusz said the airport doesn’t see these cancellations as a positive.
“From the airport’s perspective, and certainly from the communities perspective, the more options you have to fly non-stop to various destinations, the better,” Bogusz said. “I’m confident that the community can be looking forward to seeing these flights fully reestablished.”
Responding to the matter via statement, WestJet said they are working with customers to ensure their travel plans are only slightly impacted.
Uber to expand service to Regina International Airport
Rideshare service Uber is now able to pick up and drop off passengers at Regina International Airport.
YQR made the announcement yesterday (MON), which comes after a deal was reached between the airport and the rideshare company.
YQR President and CEO James Bogusz said there’s now multiple options to get to and from the airport.
“You can still drop off your friend or Mom and Dad at no charge, there’s never a charge for that if you’re just using our front curb,” Bogusz said. “With any commercial operator, there is of course a fee structure because we are a not-for-profit operator.”
Bogusz said those using an Uber or other transportation other than Capital Cabs must use the commercial vehicle lane.
“Simply put, when you walk out of the front doors of the airport where the cab line is today, you simply walk across the crosswalk and it’s right in front of you,” Bogusz said. “You’ll see designated stalls for people like Uber (drivers) and also for other cab companies who are not Capital who will come pick you up.”
Bogusz said to further expand accessibility, YQR is offering the city $100,000 a year for three years to help bring city transit to the airport.
“We’re offering that money to help incentivize them, but we also recognize that they (Regina City Council) have a lot of priorities, and we have to –I don’t want to say wait in line, but– certainly wait patiently to see how their budget deliberations end up for next year.”
The rideshare service has been able to drop off passengers at the airport since the launch of Uber in the Queen City in May, but was unable to pick passengers up until this deal was made.
