Transportation and Works
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
January 28, 2016

Enhancing Transportation Infrastructure to Support Communities and the Economy

Runway Upgrades and New Instrumentation System Benefits Travellers

A ceremony was held today involving representatives of the provincial and federal governments and the St. John’s International Airport Authority to officially mark the conclusion of the Airfield Accessibility and Safety Initiative. The initiative includes the completion of a new runway extension and implementation of a category III instrument landing system in St. John’s.

“The St. John’s International Airport contributes greatly to the economic growth and expansion of the tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. The expansion of the primary runway at the airport and the commissioning of a category III instrument landing system provides an increase in capacity and enhances the reliability of flights for travellers. These initiatives are critical as our government works to ensure we have a system of transportation that meets the needs of citizens and visitors alike.”
- The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works contributed approximately $13.8 million of the total $37.3 million cost for the project. Construction on the runway extension and installation of the new landing system concluded in the fall of 2015. Since then, testing has occurred and NAV CANADA compliance has been reached.

“The province is extremely pleased to see the completion of the category III instrument landing system project here at St. John's International Airport. This new system will significantly improve the reliability ‎for aircraft landing in St. John's during poor visibility conditions. Efficient transportation options, especially reliable and predictable air services, are vital to maintaining a successful business and tourism climate in our province. I congratulate the St. John’s Airport Authority for its initiative in pursuing this project and delivering it early and on budget.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The St. John’s International Airport serves approximately 1.6 million passengers annually. According to the airport authority, approximately 70 per cent of all non-resident visitors who travel by air to and from the province do so through this airport.

More information about the St. John’s International Airport can be found at www.stjohnsairport.com .

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joined representatives from the Federal Government and the St. John’s International Airport Authority today to officially unveil a new runway extension and a category III instrument landing system as part of an Airfield Accessibility and Safety Initiative.
• The initiative was originally announced in 2011 and construction was completed in the fall of 2015.
• The upgraded runway and category III instrument landing system in particular will significantly benefit travellers and help support economic development and the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@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

2016 01 28                              10:55 a.m.