Starting April 1, local residents will have the opportunity to take commercial flights from Bonnyville to Calgary.
Flights will be offered five days a week with four flights leaving on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will also be a Friday flight, which is scheduled to have passengers arrive in Calgary by 2 p.m. The full schedule of regular flights has not yet been finalized.
Doug Geier of Integra Air confirmed the airline's plans to venture into Bonnyville late last week, saying that the company is expected to make an official announcement by mid-March.
“Bonnyville fits right into our culture,” said Geier. “In our opinion it was the logical place to go, where there was a demand and a requirement from the citizens.”
Geier added, “By creating regular scheduled flights we feel it will be an opportunity to help the oil companies, because they won't have to charter their own flights. They can just put their people on our flight and do it a lot more cost effective.”
Integra Air is the hometown airline for Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The company is based out of Lethbridge and has no connection to any major airline.
Geier says the company plans on bringing eight aircrafts to Bonnyville, which will consist of three different sized aircrafts: the 34-seat Saab 340B, 16-seat Jet Stream 31, and seven-seat King Air 200.
“I am extremely excited,” said Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski. “There have been other (airlines) that have come and gone, but the approach that this particular company is taking has been refreshing. They seem to have a wider business plan. They are looking at not only providing service, but also catering to the needs of individuals.”
Part of Integra Air's initial business plan is to offer special destination trips. Regularly scheduled ski and golf trips to Kalispell, Montana and Kelowna, BC will leave from Calgary on Friday and return on Sunday.
According to Geier, the exact seating capacity for the aircrafts will vary as it all depends on weight and the type of luggage being brought aboard the plane. The 34-seat aircraft would only be able to carry approximately 25 skiers or golfers and their equipment.
“We are anticipating a lot of the Friday flights to be full of people wanting to travel recreationally,” said Geier. “I am extremely optimistic towards the weekend travelers for our golf and ski trips.”
A golf package from Calgary to Kelowna, which would include flights, two nights hotel and two rounds of golf would run at around $950.
On top of that fee would be the cost of the flight from Bonnyville to Calgary, which Geier says will work on a scaled system.
“Prices go on a scale and all depend on the flight,” said Geier. “If you take a lighter flight, in the afternoon it will be cheaper. Our average price will run right around $300 one-way.”
The company also feels the flight from the Bonnyville area into the Calgary International Airport will offer local travelers a lot more options in terms of connecting flights. This is an aspect that Sobolewski feels will be a big benefit for the region.
“I know if there is one issue that crops up time and time again it is the access to destinations and the inconvenience of the Edmonton International Airport,” said Sobolewski. “With this service they are looking to make it very convenient and are offering other excursions and escapes. I find that very refreshing.”
Geier and Integra Air only reached out to Town of Bonnyville representatives about a month ago, and are scheduled to start offering commercial air service out of the Bonnyville airport by months end. The entire process came quite quickly for local representatives.
“They aren't pulling any punches,” said Sobolewski. “They are doing their math. They are doing their homework.
Geier added, “Bonnyville is a market that has shown a lot of growth and industry and we believe strategically that it is best suited to be served by an airline for both the residents of Bonnyville, Cold Lake and the surrounding area, as well as supported through the oil and gas industry.”
Full details, schedules and price guidelines are expected to be listed on Integra Air's website by mid-March.
