Edson service to Calgary: From go to no.
The air service from Edson to Calgary which would have operated by Integra Air that was only announced at the back end of April is on the shelf again. “Integra Air has been pleased in their dealings with the Town of Edson and its municipal partners. They’re hopeful they can bring back the option when the economics work better and the support from residents is there,” said Town of Edson communications coordinator Steve Bethge in a statement. “The delay is unfortunate, but the Town of Edson is confident there will be more opportunities for our airport in the near future,” said Bethge.
Apparently Integra has indicated that low ticket sales had forced the company to hold back on flights right now. I recall that it was positive feedback from visitors to the Edson Trade Show that prompted Integra’s move to open up the service. Sadly, from long experience at such events it’s often the case that people will, “Talk the talk but not walk the walk.”
This has got to be embarrassing for the airline and the town to have to effect and announce a cancellation in little more than a month and before the first trip was even made. The economy is not what it was and even executives are tightening their belts.
For the ordinary Joe, of which I count myself one, I must admit that I would have to think long and hard before shelling out around $300 for a trip to Calgary and $600 or so for a round trip. When I have gone to Calgary and back in my truck, bearing in mind that it seated five, the gas cost me about $150 and excluding doing what I have to it’s a ten-hour drive plus stops. I just couldn’t afford to pay $1,200 for my wife and I to fly let alone take the kids.
I accept that the running costs of Integra may be higher than a regular airline but just out of curiosity I checked the carrier I usually use to go to the UK. I found that in June my wife and I could fly from Calgary to Gatwick, London and back, a total of 19 hours in the air, for $931.32 including taxes. How does that compare with two hours in the air from Edson to Calgary and back for $1,200? Just asking that’s all.
If I was going to fly to Calgary I might have more tempted to do it in the fall, winter or spring when the roads are nastier. I guess if any service is going to fly viably from Edson either the economy has to get a heck of a lot better or the fare has to come down.