Transportation and Works
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Business
February 21, 2007

 

Government Welcomes Provider of Direct Trans-Atlantic Flights
to Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador feels a little closer to Europe today with news that Astraeus Airlines � one of the United Kingdom�s leading independent charter airlines � will provide direct, year-round service from St. John�s International Airport to London�s Gatwick Airport.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, joined Hugh Parry, managing director of Astraeus Airlines and Keith Collins, president and CEO of the St. John�s International Airport Authority, for the announcement at a news conference this morning at St. John�s International Airport.

"Our government worked closely with the St. John�s International Airport Authority in an aggressive campaign to attract a new supplier for this service and it is obvious today that this effort paid off," said Minister Hickey. "I applaud Astraeus Airlines for joining a growing list of organizations that view our province as a good place to do business. I also appreciate Astraeus� expression of confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador and welcome them to this unique part of the world. I�m sure this will become a successful relationship."

"This announcement today and Astraeus� presence in this market will add greatly to the image, and indeed the reality, that this province is an accessible, affordable and desirable place to visit and do business," added Minister Hickey.

The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Business, says having transatlantic flight service is vital to the business community and the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. 
 
"During a time of increased global competition, it is very important for Newfoundland and Labrador to have a direct link to European markets," said Minister O'Brien. "This new service will be of great benefit to both local companies conducting work oversees, as well as foreign businesses interested in our province as a place to do business. I am
very pleased to welcome Astraeus Airlines to Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says the Astraeus service will have a profound impact on the provincial tourism industry.

"Our ongoing tourism research indicates that air travel is playing a larger role in encouraging people to visit Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Hedderson. "By providing more opportunities for international travel, today�s announcement is a big boost to an already growing part of our tourism sector."

Minister Hickey also pointed out this service will be embraced by students and faculty attending Memorial University�s Harlow Campus in England and the College of the North Atlantic campus in Qatar.   

Astraeus flights will depart St. John�s for London on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays beginning in May. 

Direct transatlantic flights from Newfoundland were terminated in September 2006.
 

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Photo #1: The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, talks with Hugh Parry, Managing Director of Astraeus Airlines, during a news conference to introduce Astraeus' new year-round trans-atlantic service from St. John's to London, England.

Media contacts:

David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca 
Jennifer Dalton
Director of Communications
Department of Business
709-729-7628, 693-2655
jenniferdalton@gov.nl.ca
 

2007 02 21                                                    11:10 a.m.

 


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