REGINA, Oct. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada Jazz CRJ-705 jets departed for Toronto from Regina Monday as part of planned schedule improvements featuring more non-stop service with the delivery of next-generation, made-in-Canada aircraft.

"We know our customers appreciate the choice and convenience of more non-stop flights," said Ben Smith, Air Canada's vice president responsible for network planning at Air Canada and Jazz. "The addition of new jet aircraft to the Air Canada Jazz fleet allows us to deploy the right aircraft to meet travel demand, while offering more frequency and superior comfort for our customers in Saskatchewan."

Three daily non-stop flights will operate Regina-Toronto this winter, an additional frequency from last year, providing convenient international, transborder and domestic connections at Air Canada's largest hub. Shared circle flights requiring a stop in Saskatoon going to or returning from Toronto have been eliminated, resulting in considerably shorter travel time.

The renewal of Air Canada's North American fleet enabled Air Canada Jazz to significantly boost regional jet service in Saskatchewan this past summer, resulting in shorter elapsed flying time. Twice daily non-stop flights from Regina to Vancouver were reintroduced, and all flights from Regina to Calgary and Winnipeg were converted to CRJ-200 jet service, shaving up to 52 minutes off previous flight times. New non-stop, twice daily Dash 8 flights to Edmonton were also launched in August.

"I'm pleased to congratulate Air Canada Jazz on its new service to Regina," said Mayor Fiacco. "The new super-sized regional jet with increased Toronto-direct route frequency is a welcome addition to the Regina region's International Airport."

"The Regina Airport Authority is more than pleased with Jazz and their ability to provide a dedicated and convenient service between Regina and Toronto," added Murray Westerlund, Regina Airport Authority Chair.

The CRJ-705 aircraft feature all-leather seating and are configured in two classes of service with 10 window or aisle seats in Executive Class offering 37 inches of legroom, and 65 window or aisle seats in Hospitality Class. This aircraft also offers an industry leading 34 inches of legroom (two inches more than other carriers in Canada). In-seat audio and personal television systems will be installed in late fall. The Bombardier CRJ-705 aircraft has a cruising speed of 880 km/h and a range of more than 3,500 km with a total payload of 7,778 kg including a cargo payload of 700 kg. Air Canada Jazz will operate a fleet of 15 CRJ-705s by December 2005.

The CRJ-200 aircraft are configured to provide a single Hospitality class of service with 50 all-leather seats. The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft has a cruising speed of 860 km/h and a range of up to 3,657 km with a total payload of 5,942 kg. Air Canada Jazz operates a fleet of 31 CRJ -100/200s.

Air Canada Jazz serves Regina with 14 daily scheduled flights to Toronto, Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver.