The region has been in discussion with all of the new startup airlines, including ultra-low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines. Jetlines announced earlier this week it would fly out of Hamilton when it launches next summer, serving markets in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

"They're aware of the process we're launching," Regier said. "They're certainly interested in our airport."

Waterloo Regional Coun. Tom Galloway said the new policy will give a leg up to new airlines trying to start up "in a very competitive and volatile environment," or any airline that wants to start a new route.

"They see this exclusivity matter as something really attractive to them," Galloway said. "It does give them some stability and certainty."

The evaluation process will favour airlines with proposals for multiple routes, that base aircraft in Breslau, and establish headquarters and other operations or activities in the region.

"We may get some response, we may not," Galloway said.

A number of ultra-low-cost airlines started emerging in the past year, in part due to the Canadian government relaxing foreign ownership restrictions in an effort to encourage the entry of new airlines into the market and create more affordable air options for Canadian travellers. Canada is currently the only country in the G7 that does not have an ultra-low-cost operator.

"They're all jockeying to enter this market and of course the market is ready," Regier said. "It's an opportunity for the Canadian air passenger."

The Breslau airport's primary catchment area, in a 35-kilometre radius, generates about 2.5 million passengers annually, 95 per cent flying through Toronto Pearson, Hamilton, Toronto Billy Bishop, Buffalo, Detroit or London airports.

"We're getting very little of that through our own airport," Regier said.

jweidner@therecord.com , Twitter: @WeidnerRecord