Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
January 19, 2015
Additional Air Services Create New Opportunities
Premier Welcomes Expanding WestJet Service and New Routes
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today congratulated WestJet on its expansion of services in the province. WestJet announced it is introducing new flights between Deer Lake, Gander, St. John's, and Halifax and Toronto.
"Efficient transportation options are vital to maintaining a successful business climate and tourism market in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am very pleased with WestJet's news of expansions in our region. These new flights mean a greater number of opportunities for travellers, and increased connections throughout Eastern Canada. By increasing their presence at these airports, WestJet is demonstrating the value it places on investing in our province."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
WestJet will be expanding significantly into Atlantic Canada with its Encore service. New direct flights will be established between Deer Lake and Halifax, and Gander and Halifax.
"This expansion of services by WestJet is welcome by both the business community and tourism operators, and builds on previous successes for the airline in our province. In June of 2014, our government was pleased to take part in WestJet's first transatlantic route with a flight from St. John's to Dublin. Today's announcement is excellent news for the airline, its customers, and this province, and I wish WestJet continued success."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
An increase in daily flights between St. John's and Halifax from one flight per day to three flights per day was also announced, and a new seasonal route will also be introduced between Gander and Toronto.
"I certainly welcome the news of expanded service for our region and congratulate WestJet on their successes. Gander International Airport is an important transportation facility for Central Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada, and I am pleased to see this airline enhancing air services to our region."
- The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Gander
WestJet's news releases about this announcement can be found here //westjet2.mediaroom.com/index.php?year=2015&s=news_releases 
QUICK FACTS
- Premier Davis today congratulated WestJet on its expansion of services and introduction of new routes in the province.
- The airline has announced new direct flights between Deer Lake and Halifax, and Gander and Halifax as part of WestJet Encore's expansion into Atlantic Canada.
- Flights between Gander and Toronto, and increased daily flights between St. John's and Halifax were also announced for the summer season. This expansion of service builds on previous successes in the province, such as the airliner's first transatlantic route, from St. John's to Dublin, launched in June 2014.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
|
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709 729 3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey
Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709 729 3551 Donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
|
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Debbie Kieley Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O'Brien MHA for Gander 709-256-3729 debbiekieley@gov.nl.ca |
2015 01 19 2:45 p.m.