WATCH ABOVE: Saskatchewan air travellers are still digesting the news that United Airlines is ending its direct service to Denver
REGINA – The Cossar family was headed to Disneyland on Wednesday, by way of Denver – a route that won’t exist in another month.
“It’d be disappointing if we can’t go to places because of this,” said Connie Cossar, one of several travellers still digesting the news that United Airlines was ending its twice-daily flights between Regina and the major U.S. hub.
“The biggest thing is probably the time,” said Michael Carter, a southern Saskatchewan resident en route to Denver and ultimately, San Francisco. “It’s nice having those options. Direct flights are always a bonus.”
The news was surprising to the Regina Airport Authority, since usually the flights to Denver were three-quarters full.
“(United) thinks they can probably get a higher yield using the airplanes elsewhere,” said airport CEO Jim Hunter. “It’s a blow, it’s a setback for us.”
It follows the loss of nonstop flights to Chicago in October. So, what gives?
After expansion in recent years, two major American routes will now be grounded. You can still fly direct to Las Vegas or Phoenix, but the only daily service remaining to a U.S. city is Minneapolis.
Analysts believe the Canadian dollar is playing a part.
“Canadians are buying their tickets in Canadian dollars,” said Dwight Heinrichs, a University of Regina marketing instructor. “If the Canadian dollar is considerably lower (than U.S. dollars), the Americans have to match that price.”
“Then it brings them to a point where it’s not profitable for them.”
The number of people flying out of Regina is expected to rise in 2015, similar to the 2.9 per cent increase in 2014. That’s why Hunter said losing two major routes isn’t a sign of things to come.
“It’s hard to lose a route like (Denver) that was such a facilitator for travel throughout the continent, but at the same time it doesn’t affect the economy here,” Hunter said.
“We’re still going to grow.”
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