| Work Detail |
Integra Air’s new daily service to Edmonton took flight Friday with an official ceremony at Medicine Hat airport. The first scheduled flight will depart Medicine Hat on Monday, Sept. 5 at 6:45 a.m. “We are very pleased with the pre-sales, there has been significant interest,” said John Macek, accountable executive Integra Air. “We look forward to a long and prosperous route.” There has been a lot of interest from military and government officials who fly back and forth, said Macek. Launching a new route takes a lot of work and capital investment, Mayor Ted Clugston said at the ceremony. “Please, you need to use this service or we will lose it,” said Clugston to those present. “A road can only take you so far but a runway can take you to the world.” Having the choice of direct flights to Edmonton is hugely important for Hatters, but it is also exciting for the whole province because of the links it forms, said Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes. There are people operating businesses that could be done anywhere. They often decide where to operate based of the proximity to an airport with appropriate flight options. “Thank you (Integra) for giving us this option,” said Barnes. Integra Air will offer two flights a day Monday to Friday, making it easier to reach Edmonton and return the same day. It will also make better use of time for people coming to Medicine Hat on business. Integra has shown a confidence in the future and a willingness to assume risk in this venture, said Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner. We all have a responsibility to support them. Integra Air’s Jetstream twin-engine turboprop aircraft seats 16 passengers, and a flight will take about an hour and 15 minutes. This is about a third of the travel time required if routing through Calgary. The proposed schedule has been used by Integra between Lethbridge and Edmonton for 18 years. In Edmonton, flights will arrive and depart from the Executive Flight Centre located just north of the Edmonton International Airport Terminal. Integra Air already had a base in Medicine Hat because it has the government contract to provide fixed-wing air ambulance service. Flight Schedule Integra’s flights will depart Medicine Hat each weekday at 6:45 a.m., arriving in Edmonton at 8 a.m., or departing at 4:30 p.m. and arriving at 5:45 p.m. Return flights will depart Edmonton at 8:20 a.m. arriving in Medicine Hat at 9:35 a.m. or departing 6:05 p.m. arriving in Medicine Hat at 7:20 p.m. Cost The cost of a one-way ticket will be between $273.44 and $384.74, including all taxes. It also includes complimentary food and beverage service during the flight. Integra offers a frequent flyer discount for those purchasing 10 one-way tickets in advance, for a total of $2,840.15 that can be used over 12 months. Integra Air’s website and reservation program, with electronic tickets, is already operational. |
