Jazz voted off the Island

Jazz airlines, the commuter subsidiary of Air Canada, has lost its bid to keep flying from the Toronto Island Airport.

Ontario Superior Court has ruled that the airline must cancel its downtown flight plans and land elsewhere. Instead of using the city centre facility, Jazz will immediately operate out of Pearson airport.

The ruling primarily affects travelers who commute between Ottawa and downtown Toronto.

The move to move Jazz was begun by airline entrepeneur Robert Deluce, who plans to launch a new company, Porter Airlines. Deluce once owned the regional carrier Air Ontario, which was one of many smaller airlines eventually bought up by Air Canada.

"It clears the way for a competitive alternative for travellers," Deluce told Canadian Press upon learning that Jazz had to move.

"Our entire purpose at Porter is to provide competition and choice in an industry dominated by one carrier," Deluce said.

Jazz had sought an injunction against the eviction after City Centre Aviation, also controlled by Deluce, gave the airline 30-days notice to move out on January 31. City Centre Aviation provides hangars, lounges, meteorology and refueling facilities at the Island airport.