Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, hosted the CEOs of the Regina and Saskatoon Airport Authorities for a Zoom discussion following Air Canada's announcement that it would suspend direct flights between Calgary, Regina, and Saskatoon beginning mid-January.
Media coverage of and business reactions to the news were negative, with many expressing disappointment at the idea of potentially having to fly through Vancouver or Toronto to reach Calgary.
Ramaswamy had reacted to the announcement with a Dec. 8 media advisory in which she said that Saskatchewan has an extremely positive economic growth outlook. She went on to say that despite disagreeing with Air Canada's decision, the Sask Chamber of Commerce would reframe the development as an opportunity.
The Dec. 21 Zoom discussion with James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, and Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority, was intended to provide context on the move for Saskatchewan's business community. The meeting focused on the possible impact, Air Canada's rationale, and what the future might hold for Saskatchewan air travel.
"The news that came out Dec. 7 ... was very disappointing because Calgary is a hub for Saskatchewan businesses," Ramaswamy said as she introduced Bogusz and Maybury. She noted, however, that WestJet still operates six flights a day between Calgary and Saskatoon, and three to five flights per day between Calgary and Regina.
"Just want you to also know that the Air Canada decision did not just single out Saskatchewan. Service was suspended between Calgary and eight cities in total."
Bogusz began the presentation by agreeing that the decision was very disappointing, not only for businesses but for families and friends travelling regularly between Saskatchewan and Alberta.
"I can tell you, we don't like losing air service. Nobody does. However, there is a much broader program ... that Air Canada is rolling out for the country," Bogusz said. "Anytime we lose a connection, especially one as important as Calgary, we want to understand what's going on and what we can hopefully do to convince them to reconsider. But I can tell you, at least in our region, once I learned the context of why they did it, the idea of reconsideration started becoming a much more challenging conversation."
Bogusz pointed out that Air Canada had announced a massive reduction that included even bigger markets such as Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Kelowna.
Maybury agreed, saying that the business fundamentals of the decision were clear and difficult to argue with.
Both airport authority CEOs said that the effects of the pandemic on airports, airlines, and air travel in general had been devastating, and that Air Canada was doing necessary re-building work.
"That stated," Maybury continued, "how we move forward and ensure that those seat numbers grow in the future is vitally important."
"Although I don't view this news as good news by any means," Bogusz said. "What I am viewing ... is a strategy of Air Canada building out Vancouver and Toronto and Montreal. By us working collaboratively with them to see more service in the future, the world is our oyster through those major hubs."
Bogusz characterized Calgary as having always been a relatively low priority for Air Canada, and said he doesn't see any short- or long-term possibility of regaining those routes. To succeed, Saskatoon and Regina will have to join Air Canada in focusing on Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, while trying to attract smaller airlines for regional transportation.
"I do think, again, coming back to sort of a net positive view and being optimistic," Maybury said, "that (smaller airlines) will continue to be a very dynamic market for us."
Bogusz and Maybury repeatedly assured listeners that the airport authorities were always working on their behalf.
