Northern Band Bans Pronto Airways From Airport

Northern Band Bans Pronto Airways From Airport

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 15:26

 

 

The chief of the Fond du Lac First Nation says his community doesn’t need another air carrier operating in its territory.

 

Chief Napoleon Mercredi says his community already has a solid relationship with Transwest Airlines, and doesn’t want Pronto Airways to move in.

 

Mercredi says his band could potentially lose valuable revenue if Pronto begins operations.

 

The chief adds the terminal building at Fond du Lac is owned and operated by the band and Transwest Airlines.

 

He says Pronto will not be given access to the airport or the main road.

 

However, Pronto Airways vice-president and general manager Dennis Baranieski says his company will be setting up its own terminal on Crown land beside the airstrip.

 

He says they can provide service to the community without utilizing First Nations property.

 

Baranieski adds 200 people from Fond du Lac signed a petition wanting an alternative in air service.

 

He says Pronto Airways will continue with plans to begin serving the community on November 1st.

 

Saskatchewan Highways spokesman Doug Wakabayashi says the provincial government owns the airport and anyone is free to use it.