Air Canada reduces number of flights out of Medicine Hat; using larger planes

The airline said in a statement that Jazz Aviation now operates all of Air Canada’s regional flights in Western Canada.

“Effective May 1, there are now two Air Canada Express flights daily from Medicine Hat to Calgary operated by Jazz with larger, 50-seat Dash 8-300 aircraft,” a statement from the company reads. “These two flights represent the same total seat capacity on this route as previously flown up to six times daily but with the smaller 18-seat Beech aircraft. The new schedule ensures that all of the primary connections are maintained at our Calgary hub to our North America network including our international flights to London Heathrow and Frankfurt.”

Air Canada adds all of their scheduling decisions are based on commercial factors, including “ demand for services, aircraft availability, matching the capacity (aircraft size) to demand, and ensuring that flights are scheduled to maximize connections to and from the hub airport.”

Logan Boyd, airport operations coordinator for the city, says the changes likely will have advantages for travellers using the Medicine Hat Regional Airport, noting they’re expecting better in-flight services and comfort for their passengers.

“I think people like flying on the larger aircraft,” he said. “Obviously, with the added amenities, you’re going to get a flight attendant, you’re going to get a refreshment, maybe a snack before you land in Calgary, everyone likes that.

“Finally, the connection bank has improved, so our flights meet up better with our connections in Calgary.”

Boyd adds there are no changes coming to the schedule this summer for WestJet Link, which also flies out of the Medicine Hat Regional Airport.

by Charles Lefebvre

Air Canada reduces number of flights out of Medicine Hat; using larger planes

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