The new SAAB model took its first flight to the Magdalen Islands this week. For its inaugural flight ("PSC345"), Pascan Aviation's plane departed from Quebec City (YQB) and headed to Îles-de-la-Madeleine (YGR) via Gaspé (YGP).

On the return flight back to Quebec City, local MNA Joël Arseneau was on the flight. He said the flight was enjoyable and he also helped a mother traveling on the same flight by taking care of the baby (Léo), while she attended to her other child.

Joël Arseneau, Member of the National Assembly, prior to boarding a Pascan flight to Quebec City. Photo courtesy of Joël Arseneau's Facebook.

The SAAB 340B is Pascan Aviation's latest model but COVID-19 has prevented others from being launched. Yani Gagnon, co-owner of Pascan Aviation, says the pandemic is delaying the almost complete renewal of its fleet by a few months.

Gagnon, supports the Quebec government's direction to extend the Essential Air Services Support Program with existing carriers until March 31. According to Gagnon, this is the right assessment while waiting to think about the best ways to optimize the region's priority routes, in terms of frequencies and response to passenger and cargo volume, in the long term.

He added that the number of trips is calculated within a range between a minimum number to meet the needs, and a maximum number to qualify for the balancing subsidy of the support program.

Magdalen Island Airport (YGR). Photo by CFIM.

Yani Gagnon, co-owner of Pascan Aviation. Photo by CFIM.

The minimum essential number of trips may vary from region to region depending on the time of year and other contractual factors.

Gagnon also announced the reorganization of ramp and counter services, delegating to Trans-Sol the management of ground services throughout its network.

He confirmed the layoff of about ten Pascan aux Îles employees who will, if necessary, have to be rehired by Trans-Sol, since the same number of employees assigned to the maintenance of ground equipment and counter services should be retained.

Here is Gagnon explaining the layoff's and transfer of service (in French). 

Watch here to see the SAAB 340B's first departure from Quebec City (YQB): https://youtu.be/Bt4YBaVfcxY