New low-cost airline offers flights to Kelowna, Abbotsford and Hamilton from Regina

Starting in February, a new low-cost airline will be flying out of Regina, non-stop, to three different places in the country.

Flights by NewLeaf will go to Kelowna on Sundays and Hamilton on Thursdays, as of Feb. 12.

On March 14, additional flights to Kelowna will be added on Mondays, along with two flights to Abbotsford on Mondays and Saturdays.

Flights range in price from $89 to $149. Checking a flight to Hamilton from Regina in mid-February, the cost is about $112.

Extra fees will be added on for things like checked bags, larger carry-on bags, seat selection, checking in at airport check-in instead of online, and refreshments.

The CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, Dick Graham, says the addition is going to be positive for Regina.

“Any time we add more destinations or more frequency you do see a lift in the passenger numbers, so it’s a good thing. In this case we’re talking about an ultra-low-cost carrier that’s coming in, and it could stimulate some new parts of the market, so we’re really excited to see how that all flushes out.”

Graham said NewLeaf’s low-cost flights might be able to open up travel to more people.

“We’re confident that the coming months will be an opportunity for them to shine; we’re certainly going to do our part to try and help.”

All the flights are on Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with three seats on either side of a centre aisle.

NewLeaf is also setting up shop in Halifax, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.