CALGARY — Canadian North and First Air have reached an agreement to codeshare on selected flights operated by both airlines.
Introducing this codeshare will significantly improve flight schedules and provide greater choice for customers said the carriers. This agreement is less complex than a merger agreement, however many of the benefits envisioned previously in a merger scenario will be realized with it. Unlike a merger though, where a single merged firm sets prices post-merger, under this codeshare agreement each party will continue to independently set prices and compete for business.
“Our airline operates in one of the most challenging geographical and economic environments anywhere in the world,” says Canadian North President Steve Hankirk. “With escalating costs, shrinking travel budgets and increasing competition, we must always be looking for new, more efficient ways of offering our scheduled service to northerners. This codeshare agreement is a breakthrough that brings even more choice to our northern customers and ensures our long term sustainability.”
In mid-July Canadian North will publish a new flight schedule in its reservation system allowing customers to make reservations through all booking channels. The first codeshare flight will take to the skies in late July. The following are highlights of the enhancements being made to the current flight schedule as a result of the codeshare agreement:
Iqaluit – Ottawa: The flight schedule will be enhanced by separating current flight times, delivering additional choices for our customers, with early morning and early afternoon departure times.
Cambridge Bay and the Kitikmeot: Daily Boeing jet flights between Yellowknife and Cambridge Bay will be implemented, replacing the existing Dash-8 turboprop flights.
Edmonton, Yellowknife and the Mackenzie Valley: Daily jet service up and down the Mackenzie Valley will continue, and a Monday and Friday nonstop flight will be added between Yellowknife and Inuvik. A Monday morning flight will be introduced from Yellowknife to Edmonton.
Trans Arctic: Combined service will continue with three days per week service.
