Mayor Al McDonald says Air Canada will be back at the Jack Garland Airport after the pandemic.
In a tweet this evening, McDonald says there is no timeline but is "great news" for the City.
"Regional air service will be restored to North Bay as part of the federal agreement to assist Air Canada. They are returning to other regional airports as well."
See: Air Canada, Ottawa agree to aid package worth up to $5.9 billion
"City Council/City Staff from day 1 has both publicly and financially supported keeping our Airport open as part of our growth agenda. We wanted our aviation companies employing over 500 workers to know we had their backs."
The City has bailed out the North Bay airport during the pandemic, as other tenants continue to use the facility and reopening after closing could take years and be expensive.
See: Jack Garland Airport running on fumes while seeking new partnerships
And: Air Canada announcement 'devastating' news for Jack Garland Airport and local economy
"This sets the table for further growth in our city in this sector but also for our local businesses and industry that depend on travel for their business," stated McDonald.
Air Canada and the federal government have agreed to loans and equity financing that would allow the airline to access as much as $5.9 billion.
Great news for our business & industry @cityofnorthbay pic.twitter.com/jL4VIjDlpJ
— Al McDonald (@MayorAlMcDonald) April 13, 2021
