Air Canada under fire for Heathrow flight cuts

Air Canada's decision to cut some of its flights between St. John'sand London, England, is drawing heavy fire from the city's business community and afederal cabinet minister.

Two months ago, Air Canada announced that in September, it would drop its daily, non-stop service between St. John's and London's Heathrow airport.

However, after widespread protest— including a threat from St. John's city council to boycott the airline— Air Canada announced Thursday that it will begin offering three flights a week in April 2007, five flights a week in May 2007, and daily flights between June and September.

Company spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur said the move makes economic sense for the airline.

"During the summer, we can operate this route and it is viable," said Arthur.

"Unfortunately, the economic conditions and market demands during the wintertime do not enable us to offer the service at that time."

St. John's Board of Trade president Ray Dillon denounced Air Canada's decision to provide a reduced service.

"The flight will be less frequent and the aircraft won't be large enough to handle our regular cargo needs," said Dillon.

Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn, theMP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl,also criticized the airline's decision.

He said the reduced service is not an adequate response to the public outcry over the initial announcement that the flights would be cancelled.

"I don't see anything about what will happen between now and April," said Hearn.

"Nor am I enthused with the company coming in saying, 'We'll provide the service during the peak tourism time and make money and, you know, who cares what's going to happen to the people who are interested in commuting during the rest of the year.' To me, this is not at all satisfactory."

Hearn said if Air Canada is no longer interested in providing regular service, another carrier can be found.