WestJet scraps Toronto service for local travellers
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/09/2016 (3560 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
WestJet no longer offers flights between Brandon and Toronto, according to a press release from the City of Brandon.
“It’s disappointing and I know that a lot of Westman residents will be disappointed, but these things come down to business decisions and that flight wasn’t performing to the expectations of WestJet,” city manager Scott Hildebrand said.
The flight from Brandon to Toronto, which had been taking off four times a week since the end of June, was originally billed as a seasonal opportunity set to end on Sept. 5.
However, in July, WestJet spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said the company decided to extend the route into the winter despite a slow start.
Instead, the company changed course and as a result, WestJet’s last flight from Brandon to Toronto left earlier this month.
Hildebrand said the summer trial was always going to be a tough time of the year to test the flight. He hopes WestJet gives the flight another test run in the winter months when travellers are shopping for vacations to sun destinations.
With the route cancelled prior to its planned start, individuals who have booked flights on the Brandon-Toronto route will be contacted by WestJet directly to make alternate arrangements, either by rerouting or refunding, according to the release.
Hildebrand said WestJet indicated it remains committed to the partnership it shares with the City of Brandon and the company will continue to operate a midday Brandon-Calgary flight seven days a week. In addition, WestJet will return an early morning departure/late-night return option for the Brandon-Calgary route three times a week, beginning Oct. 23.
The city will continue to make investments at the airport, according to Hildebrand, such as the current renovations in the hope of attracting additional flights in the future.
“We still believe that a regional airport is of vital importance to the economy,” Hildebrand said. “And we want to be prepared if something opens up in the future.”
Renovations at the airport should be completed in early 2017.
Calls to WestJet were not returned at press time.
» ctweed@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @CharlesTweed