Transwest may cancel expansion in P.A. over airport service

Transwest Air says it will not go ahead with expansion plans at the Prince Albert Airport unless service at the facility improves.

The Airline says the airport is frequently unable to clear the runway and ramp of snow and ice when other airports with the same weather conditions can.

"We'll take off from a location believing that we will be able to get into Prince Albert only to be told en route or on arrival that the runway is no longer suitable for arrival so we have to carry on to another place," said Transwest Air CEO Garrett Lawless.

Lawless also saiddrifts on the runway have damaged three airplane wheels, costing $12,000 each.

He's hoping money from increasing lease rates for airport tenants will go towards improving service.

"If there is not a change at the Prince Albert Airport I will not be able to do any of these expansion plans in Prince Albert," Lawless said. "I'll have to do them either in Saskatoon or La Ronge or at some other location."

Lawless saidhe plans to meet with the Prince Albert City Manager next week to discuss service levels at the airport.