The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a total of $1 million in funding for three provincial airport authorities at an event in Deer Lake today. Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for the announcement.
Air transportation is critical for connections to global and domestic markets, and delivery of essential goods, health and emergency services. It is an important source of employment and is essential for tourism and economic development in the province. This support announced today will assist these airports to reestablish routes that were canceled or reduced due to the events of the past two years.
To support near term air access activities, St. John’s Airport Authority will receive $500,000, while both Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority and the Gander International Airport Authority will each receive $250,000.
While airlines have the primary influence and responsibility on access to flights and diverse routes, this funding will allow the authorities to mitigate risk and further engage in partnerships with individual airlines. Airport authorities are responsible for the infrastructure and business operation of airports to support them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted air travel and airports in a significant way. Many airports continue to navigate financial challenges and impacts on air routes.
Quotes
“We recognize that air access is a priority for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Airports in Deer Lake, Gander and St. John’s are important for air transportation throughout the province. Supporting activities led by these airports is a strategic investment for economic development.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Air access is a lifeline for the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. A significant portion of travel to this province is by air and this contributes to the economy in a myriad of ways. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador values our strong relationships with both airport and airline partners and we remain committed to nurturing those relationships and aligning air access priorities.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“As an island, maintaining strong air service is critical for Newfoundland and Labrador and our capital airport. This funding demonstrates a commitment from our Provincial Government to air service recovery and development. Attracting new routes and encouraging the return of lost ones is now extremely competitive and time-sensitive and this step is key to our province’s economic recovery. Robust air service is vital to leisure and business travellers, rotational workers, the hospitality sector, the transportation of essential goods and services and so much more.”
Peter Avery
CEO, St. John’s International Airport Authority
“Air access is a critical lifeline to our economy and quality of life. The announcement today will allow us to work with our airline partners to rebuild and recover from this crippling pandemic. Deer Lake Regional Airport aims to connect communities, support economic activity and attract and retain local businesses. This funding of $250,000 allows us to continue that, as well as safeguard essential access to medical services and education, and support rotational workers, businesses, family and leisure travel.”
Tammy Priddle
CEO, Deer Lake Airport Authority
“Air access is the connective tissue that gives our province strength. The pandemic has strained the travel industry, and we are now taking tentative steps toward recovery. We thank the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for their leadership and for partnering to restore, revitalize and grow routes in our province.”
Reg Wright
President and CEO, Gander Airport Authority
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca
Lisa Bragg
St. John’s International Airport Authority
lbragg@stjohnsairport.com
709-758-8564
Tammy Priddle
Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority
tammypriddle@deerlakeairport.com
Reg Wright
Gander Airport Authority
709-256-6668
wrightr@giaa.nf.ca