Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 16, 2014
Energizing the Economy Through Advancements in Aerospace
WestJet Launches the Province’s First Direct Flight to Ireland
WestJet kicked off its first transatlantic service last night with its inaugural flight to Dublin, Ireland. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and the Honorable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, participated in a ceremony marking the maiden flight at St. John’s International Airport. Ministers Sullivan and Collins were joined by officials with WestJet and the Airport Authority.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased that WestJet is expanding its international presence with direct flights from St. John’s to Dublin. We are delighted to support the St. John’s International Airport Authority to help market this new service and I am confident this flight will strengthen our access to European markets, positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination of choice for business.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
A significant goal of the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development is to enhance air access to, from and within Newfoundland and Labrador by proactively promoting the province as a strategic destination for business, while also positioning the province as a prime tourism location.
“As the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, I am very pleased to see this additional direct access to Europe. Newfoundland and Labrador has tremendous cultural ties to Ireland and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our province via WestJet’s’ transatlantic service. We welcome all opportunities to improve access to our province, including airline access, which helps in our efforts to promote our province as a unique destination. At the same time, it also supports our distinctive culture and heritage.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
The Provincial Government is focused on developing a diversified economic environment that supports private sector business growth, entrepreneurship and long-term sustainable employment opportunities for the people of the province. Operating daily from June 15 to October 25, WestJet's transatlantic service will fly direct between St. John’s and Dublin.
QUICK FACTS
- WestJet launched its first transatlantic service last night with its inaugural flight from St. John’s to Dublin, Ireland.
- This new service will operate daily, from June 15 until October 25, departing St. John’s at 11:15 p.m. and arriving in Dublin at 7:00 a.m.
- WestJet will offer the daily non-stop flights with the support of the Provincial Government to the Airport Authority for marketing of this service.
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Media contacts:
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
2014 06 16 10:35 a.m.