July 5, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Provincial Airlines announces new executive jet charter service

Provincial Airlines announced today that it has established an executive jet charter division based at St. John's International Airport.

Company vice president Roger Mombourquette stated that Provincial has purchased a Cessna Citation SII executive jet. The Citation SII is noted for its outstanding combination of high performance long-range characteristics. The aircraft not only provides luxurious high-speed, long-distance air travel, but also has excellent short airfield take-off and landing capability enabling it to provide jet service to a large number of conveniently located regional airports. The use of strategic regional airports allows travelers to use airports closer to their destination as well as avoid the congestion of major hubs.

With an operational range of 2,000 miles, the Citation SII provides comfortable, convenient non-stop air transportation to destinations in Canada such as Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg and London and to US destinations such as Boston, Washington, Chicago, and New York as well as long-haul service to all destinations in North America. The short-field performance capability means that not only is airtime minimized, but also business travelers can use convenient airports avoiding delays associated with operations in major regional hubs.

At a launch ceremony today at Provincial Airlines Hangar No. 4 facilities Premier Brian Tobin cut the ceremonial ribbon for the official commencement of operations of the new executive jet charter division.

Premier Tobin announced that the company had received Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) status from the Department of Industry Trade and Technology for its long haul executive jet service.

"I am pleased to see that our province�s EDGE program continues to diversify our economy by assisting with the expansion of local businesses like Provincial Airlines," said Premier Tobin. "When we see companies such as this one growing to meet the demands of our dynamic economy, it is a clear indication that our province is on the right track."

The establishment of this new division within Provincial Airlines is projected to lead to the creation of new jobs in the province's aviation industry. Close to 20 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the expansion. The company has already completed training for a number of pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, all of whom are from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Provincial Airlines is a diversified aviation company, 100 per cent Newfoundland-owned, with its headquarters in the province and operations throughout Canada, the US and the Caribbean.

Media contact:

Connie Fillier
Charter Sales Manager
Provincial Airlines Limited - Executive Jet Division
(709) 576-1898

Jackie Simon
Director of Communications
Department of Industry, Trade and Technology
(709) 729-0050

2000 07 05                         2:05 p.m.