Regional air service in New Brunswick will see improvements in September as Saint John Airport adds new weekday flights to Halifax, reinstating a route that was canceled due to the pandemic. PASCAN Aviation, based in Quebec, will provide two daily return flights between Saint John and Halifax from Monday to Friday, as well as one return flight between Bathurst and Saint John every weekday. The airline will use 30-passenger SAAB 340B planes for these routes, starting on September 9th. Prior to the pandemic, 24,000 passengers traveled between Saint John and Halifax annually, highlighting the demand for this route.
Currently, Saint John Airport offers flights to Toronto and Montreal, along with service to Orlando for the past year. Saint John Airport President and CEO, Alexander Ross, referred to the additional routes as a way of “getting back to business.” The drive between Saint John and Halifax takes about four hours, while the distance between Saint John and Bathurst is approximately three and a half hours by car. With the addition of these new flights, passengers will have more convenient and efficient travel options to and from these destinations in New Brunswick.
The decision to introduce new routes comes as a response to the surge in demand for regional air travel in New Brunswick. The pandemic had disrupted flights, leading to cancellations and changes in service. By reinstating the Saint John-Halifax route and offering additional flights to Bathurst, PASCAN Aviation aims to accommodate the needs of travelers in the region and provide reliable air service for business and leisure purposes. The use of 30-passenger planes indicates a commitment to offering sufficient capacity while maintaining comfort and safety for passengers.
The announcement of these new flights signifies a positive step towards recovery and growth for the aviation industry in New Brunswick. With the resumption of the Saint John-Halifax route and the introduction of flights to Bathurst, Saint John Airport is expanding its network and enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling within the province and beyond. This development also reflects the gradual return to normalcy in air travel following the challenges posed by the pandemic, as airlines and airports work to adapt to changing circumstances and meet the evolving needs of travelers.
Overall, the addition of new weekday flights between Saint John, Halifax, and Bathurst demonstrates a commitment to enhancing regional air service in New Brunswick and meeting the demand for convenient and reliable transportation options. The use of 30-passenger planes by PASCAN Aviation showcases a focus on efficiency and safety, ensuring that passengers can travel comfortably while adhering to necessary health and safety protocols. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, initiatives like these play a vital role in rebuilding and expanding air travel networks for the benefit of passengers and communities in the region.
