Canada's regional airlines are showing little enthusiasm for the expansion opportunities likely to accompany a merger of Canadian Airlines and Air Canada.
Ottawa's hopes of retaining a competitive airline industry after a merger could hinge on the expansion of services by regional and charter carriers, which could take over the two majors' regional subsidiaries. Canada's smaller carriers are unsure of their ability to fill the gaps, however, and are unclear about whether they even want to.
Calgary-based WestJet Airlines, which operates short haul routes in Western Canada, says it has no interest in expanding faster than its fleet will allow, or of flying east of Thunder Bay.
Charter airlines Canada 3000 and Royal Aviation are monitoring the Air Canada-Canadian situation for opportunities, although analysts are doubtful that they can fill any void.
Source: Flight International
