SASKATOON – Getting to Denver from Saskatchewan will be little harder for passengers in March. Citing fleet replacement issues and the lower Canadian dollar as a few reasons, United Airlines announced Tuesday it is ending its twice daily service from Regina and Saskatoon airports to Denver, Colo. on Feb. 28.
“Often smaller markets such as Regina and Saskatoon fall victim to corporate decisions that are, of necessity, focused to increase profits to the airline,” said Jim Hunter, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority.
Both airport authorities’ CEOs express disappointment at the decision and say they will join forces to promote the cities and Saskatchewan’s strong economy to other carriers in efforts to fill the gap.
“Our diverse Saskatchewan economy continues to be strong and there is opportunity for airlines to be successful and sustainable in our market,” said Stephen Maybury, CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority.
“We will promote our economic profile as we present the benefits to airlines serving our trans-border market and thereby improving air travel connectivity in Saskatchewan.”
Last fall, United ended direct flights between Saskatoon and Chicago, saying flights between the cities did not meet expectations.
The move will leave Saskatoon only one direct route to the United States – a twice-daily flight run by Delta to Minneapolis.
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John G. Diefenbaker International Airport reported a 6.7 per cent increase in passenger traffic in 2014 with over 1,480,000 passengers. A $53-million expansion at the airport is scheduled to be completed this year.
With files from Shawn Knox
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