Red Deer Airport CEO Graham Ingham issued a statement today regarding Air Canada’s decision to discontinue flights between Red Deer and Calgary starting on Nov. 1.

Ingham says Air Canada’s service will be missed.

“We would like to assure you that this in no way influences our future of development, and expansion. As you may be aware, the Red Deer Airport is currently actively pursuing the Ultra Low-Cost Carrier Market and has already been actively in talks with organizations such as Canada Jetlines, and Enerjet (FlyToo) Airlines,” that statement reads.

“Also, in the works at the Red Deer Airport is our recently launched land development plan. The new road access to the community of Springbrook will allow the Red Deer Airport to utilize an additional 200 acres of prime real estate, allowing aviation business to expand and further drive the airport’s economic development on the region.”

The Red Deer Airport hosts 19 aviation-related businesses, including two flight schools, employing about 250 full-time staff in total.