Domestic travel from Gander (Newfoundland & Labrador) has been buoyant in 2012 on the heels of 19 per cent year to date growth in 2011, says airport authority president and CEO Gary Vey. Last year, the airport posted its highest passenger totals since 1989.
“We are pleased with the continued passenger growth we’ve experienced,” Mr. Vey said. “The market has really responded to new services we’ve been able to introduce.”
Mr. Vey said Air Canada’s second daily flight to Labrador has performed well since it was introduced in early February, as has the airline’s twice-daily jet service to Halifax. Sunwing’s seasonal service to the Caribbean also fared strongly, he added.
Mr. Vey said the airport continues work to introduce new capacity and air travel options for the Central Newfoundland and Labrador market.
“The airport authority is forecasting continued passenger increases in the years to come behind a strong Central Newfoundland and Labrador economy, and gains in our regional tourism industry,” Mr. Vey said. “We recognize there is significant room for growth and that is encouraging.”
Last week, (June 21) Air Canada resumed its nonstop seasonal Toronto service with a 93-seat Embraer aircraft.
The flight departs at 6:30 a.m., which officials said provides timely connections to major cities across Canada and internationally.
“When you can depart Gander in the morning and arrive in Alberta, British Columbia and a number of American cities before noon, it provides strong connectivity and convenience,” Mr. Vey said. “The majority of our passengers are headed to destinations Toronto and west, so securing this service year-round tops our priority list.”
Sunwing Airlines is also offering charter service to Toronto with Tuesday and Friday departures throughout the summer.
The Beacon
