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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Executive Council
April 26, 2012

Investment Helps Market Air Service Between Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Provincial Government is providing $263,625 to Exploits Valley Air Services, Ltd. (EVAS), operating as Air Canada Express to market, promote, and increase the frequency of its daily, non-stop air service between Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This funding, combined with an $89,875 contribution from EVAS, will bring the total cost of the marketing and promotion campaign to $353,500.

“Similar to roads or buildings, air access is a key component to economic and business development,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “The creation and growth of this route is in direct correlation to the industrial and commercial activity ongoing in Labrador. Raising the profile of this service will increase passenger traffic, leading to additional opportunities and spin-off benefits for the airline, the business community and both regional airports.”

EVAS, jointly with Air Canada, will market and promote the flight though traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television advertisements. Targeted online advertising will also be used to market the new route.

“Economic activity in Labrador is expanding at an unprecedented rate,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Opportunities for local businesses are ample and I am pleased to see government partner with EVAS to help enhance air service to Labrador.”

In business for over 20 years, Gander-based EVAS provides a variety of aviation services throughout Atlantic Canada including corporate charters, air cargo transportation and air ambulance services. The airline, a Tier III partner with Air Canada and operating as Air Canada Express, offers several daily flights within Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.

“2012 is Air Canada's 75th anniversary and we take pride in having served the Gander community for 70 of these years,” said Vijay Bathija, Senior Director, Network Planning for Air Canada. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to continue increasing our services by doubling our flights between Gander and Goose Bay. This second daily non-stop year-round flight was made possible by working collaboratively with our commercial partner Exploits Valley Air Services using an 18-seat Beech 1900 aircraft, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Air Canada Express operated by EVAS is the only air carrier offering a direct scheduled flight between Gander and Happy-Valley Goose Bay.

“We are very pleased to be Air Canada’s Tier III Partner operating as Air Canada Express to provide more direct flights between Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay,” said Patrick White, President and Chief Executive Officer for Exploits Valley Air Services. “This new schedule allows greater flexibility and convenience to the passengers travelling between Goose Bay and Gander and more connectivity to other Air Canada flights. Air Canada has been very responsive to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and these additional flights are further evidence of its commitment to provide the best possible service.”

This initiative was funded through the Provincial Government’s Air Access Strategy – Taking Flight: An Air Access Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future allocated $1 million for investment in the strategy which has the goal of enhancing air access to, from and within Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation,
Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570; 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Labrador Affairs
709-729-1674, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca

Isabelle Arthur
Manager, Media Relations and Foundation
Air Canada
514 422-5788
isabelle.arthur@aircanada.ca 

Pat White
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exploits Valley Air Services Ltd.
709-256-7484

2012 04 26             3:35 p.m.

 
 
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