WestJet is considering expanding to smaller Canadian cities and officials in Brandon are hopeful their city will be part of the airline's plans.
The airline said it's looking at launching a new short-haul regional airline using a fleet of 40 smaller, turboprop aircraft.
Brandon Mayor Shari Decter Hirst said city officials have been in contact with the airline.
She said airline service is something people in the community have wanted for a long time.
Decter Hirst said Brandon is capable of accommodating the airline.
"WestJet is familiar with the advantages and economic opportunities of locating a regional service out of Brandon so again we've pushing hard and we'll continue to lobby very aggressively," said Decter Hirst.
WestJet ran trial flights in Brandon in 2001. City officials said the response was good and added that since that time, the local economy has grown, creating even more demand for service.
Brandon's business community also voiced support Monday.
"It is something that is crucial to us both from a quality of life aspect but most importantly from a business conductivity point," said Sandy Trudel from Brandon Economic Development.
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce said having the added air service would make the city more appealing.
"We've seen situations in the past where there (have) been attempts - we hope that this one is a much better business with smaller types that will feed into the other hubs that WestJet has," said Cam Clark from the chamber.
Brandon resident Kenny Choy drives about once every two months to catch a flight in Winnipeg. He said having WestJet flying out of Brandon would make things more convenient.
"That would be a blessing for Brandon," he said.
WestJet said it's talking with its employees before making any final decisions on expansion.
A company spokesperson said employees will vote on the proposal and that should happen sometime in early February.
- with a report from CTV's Josh Crabb
