Canadian Airline Adds Seasonal Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Flight

A Canadian connection to the local airport continues to thrive.

CanJet is adding an in-season, nonstop flight between Moncton, New Brunswick, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, the Canadian carrier announced Tuesday.

It's the first flight to eastern Canada, said Fred Piccolo, president and chief executive officer of the airport.

"The Sarasota-Bradenton area has long been a popular destination for our Canadian friends in the maritimes, and this new Canjet service will provide an extremely convenient access to all area resorts as well as the theme parks in Orlando," Piccolo said.

The seasonal service will fly from Feb. 8 to May 3, departing Greater Moncton International Airport on Thursdays at 12:50 p.m. and arriving at SRQ at 3:50 p.m., then departing SRQ on Fridays at 7 a.m. and arriving in Moncton at 11:40 a.m.

CanJet said the cost of a seat on the Boeing 737 airplanes will be $199 one-way.

This winter, CanJet also is bringing back to SRQ its service to Toronto and Ottawa, Piccolo said.

Moncton, in the province of New Brunswick, is a new destination for Sarasota-Bradenton. There are other flights on other airlines from Moncton to Florida, said Rob Robichaud, the managing director, president and CEO of that airport authority.

"We are delighted to have developed this new partnership with CanJet to make this option available to travelers using our facility," Robichaud said in a CanJet press release.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press