One #random occurrence about the #tension between the US and Canada that has popped up locally...

There are (and have been for a few months) billboards around my city announcing United Airlines' new direct flights between #Regina (#YQR) and #Denver (#DEN). The billboards announce that flights start May 15. This has almost certainly been in the planning stages for at least a year; it takes time to negotiate with #airport authorities, obtain clearance from a foreign government, figure out how to schedule planes and crews and ground services without screwing up any existing routes, and on and on.

This is a big deal for my city; it's a small city, with lousy connectivity to, well, everywhere. You pretty much have to connect to #flights in Calgary or other bigger cities to get anywhere by #plane from here. Direct flights from Regina to USA destinations come and go over time as airlines try it, abandon it, rinse and repeat with a different airline.

And in the last couple of months, because of Orange Donny's decision to light #Canadian goodwill for the #USA on fire while dancing naked in the glow [1], air travel numbers from #Canada to the USA are down ... 70% from a year ago, at last report.

I don't think there is any air route which can be operated #profitably at 30% #occupancy.

I'm guessing those direct flights are not going to stick around long this time, either.

[1] I probably should have bought stock in a brain #bleach company before saying this.

#UnitedAir