The operator of Port Hawkesbury’s airport says there are real opportunities following repeated service reductions by the major players.
Air Canada reps suspended all commercial flights to the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport Monday; WestJet reps suspended operations in November.
David Morgan, the president of Celtic Air Services which operates the Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport, says the air industry is changing, and airports have a new role to play.
Morgan tells The Hawk that includes working will smaller players to support the development of regional carriers.
“I think that there’s a great opportunity right now for a right-sized approach to providing commuter service within the Atlantic provinces.”
Morgan says Celtic Air isn’t in the position to take the lead on that enterprise- they’re too small- but they still have a role to play.
He says they can partner with a company that wants to create an Atlantic regional carrier to provide service between Sydney and Halifax.
“We’re looking to be a part of solving the problem in Cape Breton first.”
Morgan says they can decide what else is possible after that.
He says the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for the industry.
Morgan says many companies, including Celtic Air and their recently acquired AxAir Aviation Inc. charter operation, are cash poor, but there are still opportunities.
“As a small operator, we’re only going to get an audience with (airports) while the big guys are gone away.”
Morgan says there hasn’t been an Atlantic regional carrier in a long time, and a return to that is the way forward out of the pandemic.
