In February, it was said the introduction of passenger flights at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport was a matter of time.
Now, it’s a matter of more time – and pilots.
Quebec-based Pascan Aviation wants to expand its services to the Oro-Medonte airport, so a survey was created to gauge the demand from the public.
The survey results came in, and they were “promising,” according to Mike Drumm, the airport’s general manager.
Flights to Ottawa and Montreal were seen as the most favourable options, he said.
However, it’s difficult to take off without pilots at the helm.
“There is, in general, a shortage of pilots in North America,” Drumm explained. “It’s a little bit of an epidemic. Like all things, they do come in waves. The pendulum has swung and there’s a requirement for pilots.”
Drumm remains hopeful the plan will come together.
“We’re actively expressing our interest to the airline,” he said. “The minute they’re ready to provide the service, we’re ready to do our part.”
Calls to Yani Gagnon, executive vice-president and co-owner of Pascan Aviation, were not returned.
