Non-stop international air service to Toronto will soon be available twice a week all year for travelers flying out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, a development that marks the first time the airport could offer service to Canada any month of the year. Air Canada on Tuesday announced new Sarasota flights, starting in May, as part of a long-term expansion strategy for the airline.

Flights between SRQ Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will kick off May 2, when the airline will begin twice-weekly non-stop flights, on Thursdays and Saturdays. Right now, non-stop service to Canada is only available seasonally. 

“Sarasota Bradenton is a popular destination for Canadians, so we look forward to welcoming our northern neighbors the entire year,” said Fredrick Piccolo, SRQ Airport president. “Local residents can now also enjoy non-stop service to beautiful Toronto during the summer or connect conveniently in Toronto and visit other worldwide destinations using Air Canada’s extensive network.” Rouge is a subsidiary of Air Canada that conducts regional flights.

Air Canada made its announcement about SRQ service as part of a major strategic initiative to boost its North American flight network. The Montreal-based airline also announced year-round service between Toronto and Austin, Texas, as well as seasonal travel between Fort Lauderdale and Ottawa and between Mexico City and Montreal. “The expansion of Air Canada Rouge inNorth America including on key domestic markets with high leisure demand... remains a fundamental element of our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth,” said Benjamin Smith, Air Canada president for Passenger Airlines.

According to Sandrina McCloud, marketing and air service director for SRQ Airport, this is the first time non-stop flights to Canada have been available outside tourist season. Travelers have always been able to get to Canada via connecting flights through other airlines, but Air Canada is the only airline offering direct flights from Southwest Florida to Canada. Since 2006, Air Canada has offered seasonal flights between November and April.

From Dec. 14 through April 30, Air Canada is offering daily service to Toronto, with YYZ-SRQ flights each morning 8:40am to 11:47am and SRQ-YYZ flights each afternoon 12:30pm to 3:25pm.

Starting May 2, the twice weekly flights will happen each Thursday and Saturday, YYZ-SRQ each afternoon 2:55pm to 5:52pm and SRQ-YYZ 6:35pm to 9:23pm.

Passengers on Air Canada will fly on Embraer-190 aircraft. These aircraft are configured with nine business class, 24 preferred and 64 economy seats.