Air Canada has expanded its innovative Landline programme with the launch of new ground transportation connections from Sarnia and Muskoka to Toronto Pearson International Airport, offering travellers a seamless way to access the airline’s global network without boarding a regional flight.
The new services, operated by The Landline Company, began this week and will provide twice-daily return trips from both communities to Toronto Pearson. Passengers can check in locally, receive boarding passes and travel as Air Canada customers throughout the journey.
New connection for Sarnia travellers
Residents of Sarnia can now begin their Air Canada journey at Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport before boarding a luxury motor coach to Toronto Pearson. The route includes a brief stop at Region of Waterloo International Airport before continuing to Toronto.
According to Air Canada, the service is designed to improve access to its domestic, transborder and international network while supporting economic development in southwestern Ontario.
“Air Canada is always looking to connect Canadian communities. We are delighted to begin Landline service to Sarnia, making it very easy for local residents to access our extensive national, transborder and international networks through our Toronto Pearson global hub,” said Ranbir Singh, Director, Regional Airlines and Markets at Air Canada.
Kelly Provost, Director of Economic Development for the City of Sarnia, described the launch as an important step in strengthening the role of Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport and improving connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors.
Muskoka gains direct access to Air Canada network
At the same time, Air Canada has also launched twice-daily Landline services from Muskoka Airport to Toronto Pearson, providing northern Ontario travellers with a more convenient alternative to driving directly to the airport.
All departures have been scheduled to connect with Air Canada’s extensive flight network, which currently includes around 90 European destinations, 11 destinations in Asia, seven destinations in North America and one destination in Australia.
“The launch of Air Canada Landline is a significant milestone for Muskoka Airport and our region,” said Maciej Habrych, Chief Executive Officer of Muskoka Airport. “This service provides residents, businesses, and visitors with seamless access to Air Canada’s global network while strengthening Muskoka’s connectivity, tourism economy, and transportation options.”
A growing alternative to regional flights
The Landline model allows passengers to complete the first stage of their journey by coach while maintaining a single Air Canada booking. Checked baggage, flight connections and customer service remain integrated into the airline’s reservation system.
Nick Johnson, Vice President of Commercial at Landline, said the service eliminates many of the challenges associated with driving to Toronto Pearson, including long travel times, parking costs and navigating one of Canada’s busiest airports.
Passengers travelling from both Sarnia and Muskoka can park free of charge at their local airports, check in close to home and arrive at Pearson already connected to their onward Air Canada itinerary.
The launch reflects Air Canada’s continued efforts to improve regional connectivity through alternative transportation solutions, extending access to its global network while reducing the need for short-haul feeder flights.
