1 week Ago By By Abiola Odutola
The skies over Westman may soon get a little busier, as the possibility of direct flights between Brandon and Toronto returns to the radar. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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The skies over Westman may soon get a little busier, as the possibility of direct flights between Brandon and Toronto returns to the radar. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The skies over Westman may soon get a little busier, as the possibility of direct flights between Brandon and Toronto returns to the radar. While WestJet has stated it has “no new network information to share” at the moment, a recent social media post by Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett was more explicit.
Fawcett, in his post, said Brandon is now being “considered for a direct flight” to Toronto Pearson International Airport and encouraged residents to complete a survey aimed at assessing the travel needs of Westman residents heading east. While WestJet said it had “no new network information to share,” local officials confirm that Brandon is now being considered for a direct flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport. The idea was tried unsuccessfully for a few months in 2016, but stakeholders believe conditions are now more favourable.
(File) The survey, conducted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the city’s economic development office, is a key step in gauging demand and building a case for the potential route. WestJet public relations co-ordinator Julia Brunet said the airline acknowledged the community’s interest and its support for the ongoing service to Calgary. “WestJet is proud to serve the city of Brandon and is pleased with current demand.
WestJet does not have any new network information to share regarding YBR at this time,” she said. Despite the airline’s reserved stance, local officials are working proactively. The survey was prompted by “interest expressed by a carrier,” chamber president Lois Ruston told the Sun.
She said the airline hasn’t shared any specific data but is seeking input from the region to support its internal decision-making process. “We’re gathering information that’s needed for the business case,” Ruston said on Friday. “A direct flight east would be a significant asset for our community.
We have businesses who travel to and through Toronto, and it’s important to note that this isn’t only about Toronto, but also all the destinations beyond that such a connection would unlock.” Having a direct Toronto flight would make doing business in Brandon and western Manitoba that much easier, she said, urging residents to participate in the survey. “We hope that everyone will take a few minutes to fill out that survey this weekend and next.
” Fawcett told the Sun the survey stems from ongoing conversations within the aviation industry, particularly after discussions in Ottawa involving municipal and industry stakeholders. “No airline has confirmed a return of the route, but the interest is strong enough to merit a co-ordinated community effort,” he said. “We’re all working together as a community here to build the story, the need and the case for increased air service.
” The mayor added that the information collected could also be valuable to other carriers evaluating Brandon as a potential destination, not just WestJet. He emphasized the wide-reaching benefits such a route could have for both the business community and individual travellers, noting Brandon’s existing daily service to Calgary often serves as a connector to eastern and international destinations. The idea of a direct Brandon-to-Toronto flight is not without precedent.
In June 2016, WestJet launched the route on a trial basis, flying four times a week. Though the inaugural flight saw promising numbers — 115 of 130 seats filled — the route was quietly discontinued in September that year due to sluggish future bookings. At the time, the airline had initially planned to resume and expand the service in October, but reversed its decision amid poor demand.
This time, stakeholders believe conditions may be different. The local economy has grown, and the pandemic-era shake-up of air travel has renewed focus on regional connectivity, Ruston said. Ruston pointed to the potential for the route to open easier access not just to Toronto, but also “destinations beyond .
.. in Eastern Canada and the rest of the world,” adding that the service could make Brandon more attractive to businesses, professionals and new residents alike.
To access the survey, click: https://brandonchamber.ca/torontodirect/ » [email protected] » X: @AbiolaOdutola Advertisement Advertisement.
