GERALDTON — Bearskin Airlines is preparing for takeoff for its first time in Geraldton.
The airline, which already serves a number of municipalities in northwestern Ontario, will begin its service between Thunder Bay and Geraldton on Tuesday.
To mark the first flight, the airline is holding a launch and ribbon cutting ceremony at the Greenstone Regional Airport in the afternoon, welcoming travellers and community members to meet with pilots, board the plane and celebrate the inaugural flight.
At the time of this announcement Bearskin Air was offering their introductory one-way fare at a special rate, that included first bag free for travellers.
Mayor Renald Beaulieu, who will be present for the afternoon festivities, said the new flights will be a service that benefits not only local residents, but also industry in the region.
“I am very excited about this service for Greenstone. We have two airports that service Greenstone, with one in Nakina and one in Geraldton,” Beaulieu said. "The Nakina airport is a very busy airport with it being used more so by our Indigenous communities, and of course for mining activities.”
He said the route between Thunder Bay and Greenstone also provides connection to Toronto.
“The airport in Geraldton typically is used for the Ring of Fire mining industry, and the [Ministry of Natural Resources]. But now, with this scheduled airline service, this is definitely going to be a plus,” Beaulieu said.
The mayor expects to have other staff members at the ribbon cutting ceremony with representatives from Greenstone Gold, and other industry service providers.
"This is going to be exciting for the industries in Greenstone and the region,” Beaulieu said.
At the time of the announcement last month, Bearskin Airlines was offering an introductory one-way fare at a special rate, that included first bag free for travellers.
