Integra Air loss confirmed by County officials

ACalgary company is suspending air service that carried southern Albertans for nearly 20 years. But another airline has confirmed it will be providing a new service here.

Lethbridge County officials who operate Lethbridge Airport say they received notice late last week that Integra Air would close operations here as of Monday.

“It is disappointing to lose a valuable regional service for passengers,” officials said.

Founded as a Lethbridge venture in 1998, Integra was bought by a Calgary operator in 2015. It has provided two executive-style flights to Edmonton on weekdays.

In more recent years, Integra added flights serving Medicine Hat, Cranbrook and Bonnyville. Its website is currently announcing a new service from Vancouver to Tofino.

John Macek, the company’s chief executive officer, was expected to make a statement early this week. It’s believed Integra may restore Lethbridge service in September.

Macek’s group acquired Integra after its 2011 merger with Bar XH Air in Medicine Hat. Both provided air ambulance services as well as charter and commercial flights.

Meanwhile, WestJet’s office in Calgary has confirmed a June 21 startup date for its Lethbridge connector service to Calgary. A smaller operator, Vancouverbased Pacific Coastal Airlines has been contracted to provide WestJet Link flights serving both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat with three daily trips connecting to longer WestJet flights in Calgary. Service is expected to be provided by 34-seat Saab aircraft. It had been advertised to begin in March, but was delayed to meet federal certification requirements.

WestJet Link service will also begin to Cranbrook, Lloydminster and Prince George in late June.

WestJet’s national competitor, Air Canada currently offers six Lethbridge departures on weekdays, connecting with its major routes at Calgary. The flights are operated on contract by Air Georgian, using 19-seat Beechcraft aircraft.