The Region of Waterloo International Airport’s general manager says the loss of daily flights to and from Chicago represents a “significant” drop in the airport’s financial fortunes.
“There will be definitely a financial hit, if we can’t replace service before October,” Chris Wood said Thursday in an interview.
Wood says finding a replacement is his focus, as he’s in constant talks with airlines, trying to pitch them on the benefits of Waterloo Region.
He says he’s had discussions with a number of new air services looking to get off the ground, as well as NewLeaf – the discount airfare ticket seller starting flights between a number of Canadian destinations, including Hamilton, next month.
“We’re hopeful that something is going to happen (that is) positive for us,” he says.
Wood estimates that American Airlines’ Chicago service brought about $1 million into airport coffers each year.
News of American’s departure from Waterloo Region broke Wednesday night.
In an email to CTV Kitchener, an airline spokesperson said that a number of factors went into the decision.
“We continually evaluate American’s overall network to ensure we are maximizing our fleet and profitability while matching customer demand,” said Matt Miller.
Part of the problem, according to Wood and other local officials, is the low Canadian dollar making it harder for American to justify a route involving this country.
“For an American company, the economics really change when you’re trying to do business in Canada,” Wood said.
“Hopefully if the dollar changes things and the economics start to make sense, it will be a bit of an easier conversation with them in the future.”
For some American passengers flying into Waterloo Region on Thursday, news of the route’s impending demise came as a bit of a shock.
“It’s just so much easier … than travelling to Toronto,” said Maria Garcia.
Other passengers bemoaned not only longer travel times without local flights to Chicago, but also more time spent in the airport.
American’s flights between Waterloo Region and Chicago will come to an end in October.
With reporting by Abigail Bimman
