YQR’s direct flights to Minneapolis gets support from provincial government [Video]

The provincial government recently finalized a funding agreement for Regina International Airport’s direct WestJet flights between Regina and Minneapolis.

According to an order-in-council document from June 12, the province would pay up to $1.5 million to WestJet over the next three years if the airline doesn’t meet its sales target over that period.

“Simply put, this is essentially a top up, almost like an insurance policy to ensure that if the flight does not meet with revenue targets set by WestJet, then we will be able to provide them additional subsidy to ensure those are met. If the flight stands on its own. Nothing is paid out,” James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, explained.

The direct flight between YQR and WestJet began on April 28, but Bogusz said the airport has been after a U.S. service since 2018.

“The deal with WestJet specifically, this is well over three years of discussion, …