Bearskin Airlines Doubles Saturday Service Between Waterloo Region and Ottawa

Effective January 29, 2011, Bearskin Airlines will double its Saturday service between the Region of Waterloo International Airport and Ottawa International Airport. Flights will now depart Waterloo Region twice every Saturday, at 10:15am and 2:45pm.

"This increased service is due to increasing demand from students and leisure travelers," commented Ron Hell, Director of Marketing & Sales for Bearskin.

Bearskin Airlines launched nonstop service between Ottawa and Waterloo Region on October 1, 2007 initially offering three flights each weekday and a single Sunday flight catering to the business community. Service has since increased to five flights each weekday and three flights on Sundays. Saturday service has been limited to a single flight since mid 2008.

"Bearskin Airlines now offer 30 weekly departures from Waterloo Region to Ottawa" noted Chris Wood, the Airport General Manager. "I am impressed with their slow and steady growth in our market. This latest announcement is another example of Bearskin taking advantage of the growing popularity of our airport, and we hope to see them continue to grow and offer passengers additional air service options."

Nonstop flights are just 70 minutes verses two to three hours when compared to the use of Toronto's Pearson Terminal and associated drive to/from Waterloo Region. Bearskin's service can save business traveler's as much as four or five hours on a same day return trip.

"We're very pleased with the support shown by Waterloo Region for our service," commented Cliff Friesen, Executive Vice President of the airline. "Support from the business community was immediate, and support from leisure travelers has been growing over time. Seems everyone is starting to value how much time can be saved by using the Region of Waterloo Airport."

Introductory fares can be purchased for a limited time starting as low as $109 each way on new Saturday flights departing Waterloo Region or Ottawa at 2:45pm.

Founded in 1963, Bearskin Airlines is one of Canada's oldest commuter airlines offering over 100 scheduled flights daily to 17 destinations from Winnipeg in the west to Ottawa in the east. Waterloo Region is the southernmost destination served. Named after the Northern Ontario community of Bearskin Lake, the company maintains major bases of operation in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout and employs over 250 people. Bearskin Airlines has provided a direct link between Ottawa and Northern Ontario since 1993.

Following are the details of additional weekday service (Beginning January 29, 2011):

Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF) to Ottawa (YOW)

 Ottawa (YOW) to Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)

For more information, please contact: