The town of Fort Frances and the city of Dryden are working together to find a new air carrier that will provide air passenger service to the two communities.

The two communities have enlisted aviation consultants, the Loomex Group, to work on a feasibility study.

It is in response to Bearskin Airlines’ decision to end its service on May 11.

According to an administration report to Fort Frances town council, requests for a expression of interest will be sought to find a new carrier to the area.

Some initial work has already started in Fort Frances.

A recent online survey targeted local stakeholders to determine their needs was conducted.

Historical data on flight and passenger numbers is also being gathered.

The pending loss of air passenger service has also forced the town to shelve indefinitely plans to resurface the airport’s airfield and runway.

Without air passenger service, the Fort Frances airport becomes ineligible for federal grant money.

The money the town had set aside for the project is now being directed to pay for the feasibility study.

The city of Kenora is also losing Bearskin service but has decided to go it alone in the search of a new air carrier for its residents.