[Hawker]

Delta Air Lines is doubling the number of flights it operates to and from Regina.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files

REGINA — Starting in April, Delta Air Lines will double the number of flights it currently operates between Regina and Minneapolis, the Regina Airport Authority (RAA) and the Atlanta-based airline announced Thursday.

Delta's expanded service will begin April 6, with four daily non-stops from Regina to Minneapolis return. This represents a doubling of the current number of flights, and an increase of 120 seats daily.

"This new service by Delta Air Lines significantly increases Regina's connections to the extensive Delta network," said RAA president and CEO Jim Hunter in a press release. Through its Minneapolis hub, Delta offers 439 peak-day departures to more than 130 destinations in North America and overseas.

"It increases our passengers' abilities to connect all throughout the United States and many international destinations," Hunter said an interview Thursday. "(Minneapolis) is like a mini-Denver. It's certainly not as big as Denver, but it sure does add to the flexibility for folks going out of town.''

Hunter added the expansion by Delta also signals the airline's willingness to compete for business with other airlines, like United, which introduced its Regina-to-Denver service in 2008.

"This reflects a decision by Delta that they're going to compete for the business transborder," he said. "United — these are their words — are very satisfied with the load factors they're getting on the Denver runs.''

Finally, Delta's expansion also signifies confidence in the Regina market and the local economy, Hunter said. "We've telling the story of Regina, a lot, to all of the airlines. That, plus they really want to compete.''

Karen Zachary, general manager of network planning of Delta Air Lines, said the airline decided to increase the number of daily flights from two to four due to the current volume of traffic and prospects for future growth.

"We have enjoyed significant success on our Regina routes, and with the optimistic economic outlook for Regina and southern Saskatchewan, we are looking forward to building on that success in co-operation with the Regina Airport Authority."

Delta will be flying the Regina-to-Minneapolis route using both Comair and SkyWest airlines, flying Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) aircraft, with capacities of 50 to 70 passengers.

Business class service will also be introduced on the first departure and the last arrival daily, effective June 10, when appropriate aircraft have been retrofitted and allocated to the route, the RAA said.

"They will be using the small CRJs on three of the flights, and there will be a business flight in the morning and the evening arrival. That will be a stretch (70 passenger) CRJ,'' Hunter said.

Hunter added there could be more flights to and from Regina, both domestically and internationally, announced in the coming weeks. "Stay tuned for more announcements, one south of the border, and another domestic.''
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