Waterloo region inks deal with Pivot Airlines to fly out of airport

Region of Waterloo council has authorized a deal that will bring Pivot Airlines to the region's airport.

The regional and charter airline plans to fly between Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Windsor. It is owned by Binder Capital Corporation, a private equity firm based in Calgary.

The region says the start of service for the airline remains "contingent upon a loosening of COVID-19 travel-related restrictions" and the "receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals."

"We've been putting in a lot of time and effort into the airport," Regional Coun. Tom Galloway said Tuesday morning during a special council meeting.

"They are an airline that I think we can do a lot of business with over the long term, and I think they're going to serve our community very, very well."

Coun. Sean Strickland warned the airline will only want to stay if people in the community support it.

"While it's fantastic to have a corporate partner like Pivot Airlines, it really is up to our community to use the services. If this is to be a success, business travellers, recreational travellers have to fly out of YKF," Strickland said, using the airport code.