Toronto (July 7, 2022) – Beginning Monday, July 18, US-based Connect Airlines is scheduled to commence United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required Proving and Validation flights into and out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). This is one of the last stages of the airline’s certification application process for Part 121 scheduled and non-scheduled service. Connect Airlines plans to offer passengers service between Billy Bishop Airport and Chicago O’Hare and Philadelphia later in 2022. This new service was first announced in April 2021 and was presented to the airport’s Community Liaison Committee in September 2021.
 
As part of the process to prove and validate the flights, a Connect Airlines Dash 8-400 with FAA and company personnel on board will land at Billy Bishop Airport, simulate the unloading, loading and other procedures of an airport stop, before taking off and returning to the United States. This will take place approximately once a day and take place over the course of three weeks.
 
About Connect Airlines
Connect Airlines is an operating brand of Waltzing Matilda Airlines (WMA), a Boston based FAA Part 135 charter operator currently adding FAA Part 121 scheduled and non-scheduled services. WMA identified the need for a "smarter airline" and brought together aviation leaders with over 150 years' experience who share a common passion – to work and fly smarter. With the planes we fly, the technology we use, and the operations we run, Connect Airlines will deliver a quieter, cleaner, and healthier travel experience. Connect Airlines, the future of smarter, greener travel.
 
About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.