Air Transat resumes WNY flights Joe Iannarelli Business First Air Transat will continue to test the U.S. market with nonstop flights from Buffalo to Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic later this month and in the new year. Operations begin at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Dec. 21. A total of 17 flights from Buffalo to Cancun are scheduled through April. Nine flights to Punta Cana, starting Feb. 20, are scheduled through April. Air Transat specializes in charter flights from several Canadian and European cities to destinations in the south during the winter and in Europe and Canada during the summer. Based at the Montreal International Airport, its fleet of 17 aircraft serves 90 destinations in 25 countries. "This is our third winter season in Buffalo," said Michel Lemay, Air Transat spokesman. "Two years ago it went really well but last year was tough because of Sept. 11." Air Transat initially offered one flight a week to Punta Cana. Service to Cancun was added last year. "As a charter carrier we are always in a position to change flights but volume was significant enough to add additional service," Lemay said. "It's always a matter of dialogue with tour operators. They truly see the supply and demand effect." Air Transat's market presence appears to be gaining momentum with Western New York travelers. "We've seen our members really embrace this and it's good news for any Western New York traveler looking for warm climates in the winter," said Wally Smith, vice president of AAA Western and Central New York. "It's a good fit for everybody. Air Transat realizes there is an opportunity to market what we have here in Buffalo. They are drawing from markets in Canada. It makes more sense for some Canadians to drive to Buffalo instead of Toronto." "These trips sell out and Air Transat has a diverse portfolio of offerings in terms of high end hotels," said Jean Covelli, president of The Travel Team Inc. "They appeal to a good cross section of travelers. They have dual markets to pull from. Nonstop service stimulates passenger bookings." _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail