In September, regional air service in New Brunswick will see an increase in flights between Saint John and Halifax, as well as between Bathurst and Saint John. Quebec-based PASCAN Aviation will offer two daily return flights between Saint John and Halifax from Monday to Friday, using 30-passenger SAAB 340B planes. The airport currently offers flights to Toronto and Montreal, with service to Orlando added in the past year. Saint John Airport president and CEO, Alexander Ross, stated that these additional routes are a step towards getting back to business, as 24,000 passengers previously flew between Saint John and Halifax before the pandemic disrupted flights.
The new flights between Saint John and Halifax will begin on September 9th, providing a convenient option for travelers who prefer air travel over the four-hour drive between the two cities. Similarly, the one return flight between Bathurst and Saint John every weekday will offer residents of Bathurst a quicker alternative to the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Saint John. This expansion of air service in the region is seen as a positive step towards reconnecting communities and revitalizing the aviation industry in New Brunswick.
The decision to add new weekday flights between Saint John and Halifax comes as a response to the impact of the pandemic on air travel. With travel restrictions and reduced demand for flights, many routes were cancelled or scaled back, leading to disruptions in connectivity between various cities. By reintroducing these flights, PASCAN Aviation aims to provide travelers with more options for reaching their destinations efficiently and safely, while also supporting the economic recovery of the aviation sector in the region.
The use of 30-passenger SAAB 340B planes for the new flights between Saint John, Halifax, and Bathurst reflects the need for smaller aircraft to serve regional routes. These planes are well-suited for short-haul flights, offering a cost-effective and comfortable option for passengers traveling within the province. With the introduction of these flights, residents of New Brunswick can look forward to improved connectivity between cities, making it easier to travel for business, leisure, or to visit family and friends.
Overall, the addition of new weekday flights between Saint John, Halifax, and Bathurst is a welcome development for the residents of New Brunswick. With the revival of a key route that was previously cancelled due to the pandemic, travelers will have more options for air travel within the province. This move is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and connections between communities, ultimately contributing to the economic recovery and growth of the aviation industry in New Brunswick.
