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IKPIARJUK/ARCTIC BAY
With only three passengers requesting service, Canadian North has dropped a trial flight schedule that was set to run this Easter between Iglulik, Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet, MLA Ron Elliott told Arctic Bay hamlet council March 22.

"We are very sorry to report that due to an underwhelming response to our offering, we have decided not to operate these flights," Canadian North president Tracy Medve said in an e-mail that Elliott forwarded to the media. "With only three passenger bookings we could not operate the trial schedule as we had planned, as it would have cost tens of thousands of dollars to do so."

The trial failed despite a price war with First Air, which will transport passengers affected by the cancellation, Medve said.

"The cancellation of the trail flight is disappointing as this would have provided some competition," Elliott said in an e-mail response. "I would encourage you to go to the First Air website as they are offering a flight schedule similar to what Canadian North was to offer."

He suggested the failed trial proved the route could be profitable.

"It is obvious from First Air's response that competition does push prices down and affect scheduling," he said, praising First Air's commitment to the region. "It is nice to know that there is one airline that is willing to listen to our community concerns and needs."

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