The Government of Canada is investing in storage capacity at the Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen Canada’s supply chains

GANDER, NL, March 1, 2023 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to making life more affordable for Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains support Canada’s economic growth and create good jobs for middle-class Canadians, while maintaining their resiliency and ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.  

Today, the Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, and the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced an investment of up to $4.6 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for the construction of a specialized seafood storage facility project at the Gander International Airport.

This close to $9.7 million total project will allow the Gander International Airport Authority Inc. to build a seafood storage facility that will be equipped with water treatment systems, sea water storage tanks, cold/chilled storage, and blast freezers. It will be able to store up to 75 tonnes of fresh or live seafood and will allow for rapid offloading of delivered cargo from shippers and producers.

This investment will have significant economic benefits for the region and will address supply chain bottlenecks, speed up the movement of goods, and facilitate air shipments to international markets.

The Government of Canada continues to make investments to strengthen the country’s supply chain, promote economic growth and enhance the opportunities for our businesses to expand into global markets. This investment represents another long-term commitment to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion along Canada’s trade corridors.

Quotes

“Today’s investment in Gander International Airport will help the region reduce supply chain congestion while creating good jobs for middle-class Canadians. By investing in a seafood storage facility, we can increase the efficiency of delivering goods from shippers and producers, thereby strengthening our supply chains. Making these investments now will have lasting economic benefits for the Gander region and Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
Minister of Transport 

“Today’s investment from our government is great news for the Gander Airport and our rural communities. The new seafood facility will help strengthen Gander’s connection to global markets and will create reliable trade flows between Canada and the world. The benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry and local economy will be felt for many years to come.”

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings 
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Gander International Airport is a beacon of welcome to Canada to visitors coming from away and for Newfoundlanders returning home. This new facility will further showcase and share Canada with the world. With this investment, we are strengthening our supply chains and ensuring that local businesses and communities are now more accessible to partners and investors from Canada and around the globe.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault  
Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“We are excited to play an enabling role in bringing premium Newfoundland and Labrador seafood to diners and families worldwide. The Federal Government’s investment in this facility has transformative potential for the airport and its industry partners.”

Reg Wright 
President and CEO, GIAA

Quick Facts 

• The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada’s supply chains.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.7 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
• Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.

Related Product 

National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder 

Lounging around: New foundation looks to make Gander airport space a community hub

Web News • Click to view 🔗 a new window (or tab) will open to an external site reporting on Canadian aviation news

Sunwing marks its return to Atlantic Canada with winter schedule announcement for six airports

Tour operator offering convenient weekly flights from Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander starting in January

TORONTO, Oct. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid the Canadian government’s removal of all border and travel measures, Sunwing is pleased to announce its return to Atlantic Canada this winter season, with convenient weekly flights from six airports beginning in January until May. Sunwing’s resumption of winter flights from airports in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland comes after a difficult two years brought on by the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, and is a signal of the tour operator’s ongoing commitment to eastern Canada and offering its residents seamless travel options from their local airport of choice.

“It’s been a difficult few years for the entire travel industry, particularly in New Brunswick and Newfoundland where long-lasting travel restrictions have unfortunately prevented us from offering our winter flight program since March 2020, much to our disappointment,” said Deana Murphy, Vice President of Retail Sales for Sunwing. “Now that all travel measures have been lifted as of October 1, 2022, we are excited to be back and doubling down on our commitment to the regions with weekly winter flights to a variety of popular sun destinations.”

Sunwing’s winter schedule announcement for Halifax in Nova Scotia, Moncton and Fredericton in New Brunswick, and St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander in Newfoundland comes on the heels of the tour operator’s recent winter schedule announcement for four larger airports across the country, and amid increasing customer demand for winter travel that is seeing capacity growing by more than 140% over last year.
 
“We are thrilled to return to Atlantic Canada and share our winter flight lineup, which will help make it easier for our customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland to head to the tropics this winter season,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “We have a longstanding commitment in eastern Canada and are proud of being able to connect residents across the region with flights to a wide selection of destinations, including customer favourites such as Cancun, Punta Cana and Varadero, plus newer destinations being offered out of Halifax this year, including Cayo Largo, Cuba and Melbourne, Florida. With travel rebounding and demand for all inclusive travel continuing to rise, we encourage our customers to book early to save more under our wing during the peak winter travel months.”

Halifax, NS flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	11-Jan-2023	26-Apr-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	08-Jan-2023	30-Apr-2023
Cayo Largo	1x weekly	10-Jan-2023	25-Apr-2023
Holguin	1x weekly	08-Jan-2023	30-Apr-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	09-Jan-2023	01-May-2023
Melbourne	1x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Puerto Plata	1x weekly	10-Jan-2023	25-Apr-2023
Punta Cana	2x weekly	06-Jan-2023	29-Apr-2023
Santa Clara	1x weekly	05-Jan-2023	27-Apr-2023
Varadero	2x weekly	05-Jan-2023	29-Apr-2023
Moncton, NB flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	11-Feb-2023	29-Apr-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	09-Feb-2023	27-Apr-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	12-Feb-2023	30-Apr-2023
Puerto Plata	1x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	11-Feb-2023	29-Apr-2023
Varadero	2x weekly	10-Feb-2023	28-Apr-2023
Fredericton, NB flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	14-Feb-2023	02-May-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	13-Feb-2023	01-May-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	08-Feb-2023	26-Apr-2023
Santa Clara	1x weekly	14-Feb-2023	02-May-2023
St. John’s, NL flight schedule
Destination	Day	From	To
Cayo Coco	1x weekly	16-Mar-2023	04-May-2023
Cancun	1x weekly	17-Mar-2023	05-May-2023
Montego Bay	1x weekly	19-Mar-2023	07-May-2023
Punta Cana	1x weekly	20-Mar-2023	08-May-2023
Varadero	1x weekly	18-Mar-2023	06-May-2023
Deer Lake and Gander, NL flight schedule
Destination	Peak Frequency	From	To
Punta Cana	1x weekly	22-Mar-2023	03-May-2023
Varadero	1x weekly	21-Mar-2023	02-May-2023

Residents of Atlantic Canada can take advantage of limited-time savings of up to 40% on select all inclusive vacation packages during Sunwing’s Save More Event, on now. For a reimagined boutique vacation experience, Halifax customers can visit Memories Cayo Largo, a new family-friendly resort in Cayo Largo nestled along Cuba’s southern coast and known for warmer temperatures year-round. Atlantic Canada customers planning a couples retreat or adults only escape will enjoy visiting Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort Adults Only. Located on a pristine beach on the shores of Costa Mujeres in Mexico, the resort offers plenty of opportunities to lounge in the sun and savour the international cuisine at the a la carte restaurants, before enjoying the star-worthy entertainment in the evenings. Meanwhile, for a sun and sand getaway the whole family will love, Be Live Collection Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic offers plenty of water activities, amenities including an on-site kids club and butler service, and spacious accommodations including swim-out suites.

Savings apply to select vacation packages when booked by November 6, 2022 for travel between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023*. For even more value, customers can purchase one of Sunwing’s Worry Free insurance plans and enjoy added peace of mind on their next getaway to the tropics.

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Sunwing
The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

Gander airport closed after Cormorant helicopter crash

From CBC News 🔗 link to source story

6 crew members were taken to hospital, 2 are still there

CBC News · March 10, 2022

Emergency crews respond to a Cormorant helicopter crash at 9 Wing Gander on Thursday. (David Newell/CBC)

A Cormorant helicopter has crashed during a training flight at the 9 Wing air force base in Gander. 

The Royal Canadian Air Force says a crew was conducting hovering manoeuvres at the Gander airport when the helicopter crashed around 3:40 p.m. Thursday,  near the intersection of runways 13-31 and 03-21.

There were six crew members aboard the CH-149 aircraft, and all of them were taken to hospital.

The RCAF says two of the crew members are still in the hospital receiving treatment, while the other four have been released and are with their squad members. 

Gander airport CEO Reg Wright says the airport is closed to operations, with an update coming at 10 a.m. NT Friday.

A Canadian Forces spokesperson says it’s too early to speculate about what may have caused the crash and they are still waiting for more information from the RCAF.

Weather conditions have been favourable in the area, with mostly blue skies and light winds through the afternoon.

The tail of the helicopter appears to be missing, and the aircraft is lying on its side.

About 12 emergency vehicles were at the scene around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, including fire and rescue vehicles.

The RCAF says the Directorate of Flight Safety is investigating.

According to the RCAF website, the office “fosters the safe execution of Canadian Forces aerospace operations through independent investigation of matters concerning aerospace safety, active participation in the airworthiness program and leadership of the Canadian Forces flight safety program.”

UPDATE: Six aircrew were onboard the CH-149 as it was conducting hovering maneuvers at the Gander airport prior to the accident. Two members are currently in hospital receiving treatment. Four members have been released and are with their Squadron members at this time. pic.twitter.com/YzXli9WKXP

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) March 10, 2022

This afternoon a @RCAF_ARC CH-149 Cormorant #SAR helicopter was involved in an accident at 9 Wing Gander, N.L. First responders are on scene. Updates will be provided as information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/BSM8mXqIeQ

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) March 10, 2022

Government of Canada invests in safety at airports in Newfoundland and Labrador

STEPHENVILLE, NL, Feb. 23, 2022 /CNW/ – Canadians rely on safe and well-maintained local and regional airports to support vibrant communities. These airports also support essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, and forest fire response.  

The Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at local and regional airports in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, three airports in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $1.4 million for safety-related projects and equipment that will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews and airport workers. The airports receiving funding are:

Deer Lake

• $205,000 to purchase a grader

Gander

• $863,625 to purchase a loader, a snowplow and a sweeper

Stephenville

• $376,000 to purchase a runway surface friction tester and a 4×4 snowplow

This funding is in addition to the more than $8 million announced under the program in May 2021 to support safety-related projects at the Churchill Falls, Deer Lake, Gander, and Stephenville airports.

Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.2 billion for 1,215 projects at 199 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country. Funded projects include runway and taxiway repairs/rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife control fencing. 

Quotes

“Local and regional airports play an integral role in Canada’s transportation system and are important hubs for the communities they serve. This funding will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for residents, many of whom depend on their local airport not only for personal and business travel, but also for community resupply of essential goods as well as access to routine and emergency medical care in larger centres.”

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings 
Minister of Rural Economic Development 

“The pandemic highlighted the important role Canada’s local and regional airports play in our country’s economy, and in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. In addition to supporting personal travel, local and regional airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our commitment to build safer, healthier and stronger communities as Canada recovers from the pandemic.” 

The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
Minister of Transport 

Quick Facts 

• As announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Airports Capital Assistance Program received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years. 
• The Fall Economic Statement 2020 also announced the temporary expansion of eligibility for the Airports Capital Assistance Program to allow National Airports System airports with less than one million annual passengers in 2019 to apply for funding under the Program in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. 
• The eligible National Airports System airports are: Gander; Charlottetown; Saint John; Fredericton; Moncton; Thunder Bay; London; and Prince George. 

Associated Link

• Airports Capital Assistance Program  

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

Air Canada Affirms Market Leadership by Expanding its North American Network this Summer as Recovery Accelerates

• Seven New Routes launching from three Canadian hubs
• Restoration of 41 North American routes, return to 11 North American cities
• Air Canada offers the most seats, frequencies of any Canadian carrier with 90% of its pre-pandemic North American capacity this summer
• Air Canada’s leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry

MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced an expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier’s recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes, Air Canada will operate to 51 Canadian and 46 U.S airports this summer and offer customers the largest network and most travel options of any Canadian carrier.

New services will be launching to the U.S. from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, Toronto to Salt Lake City, and Vancouver to Austin. Within Canada, three new routes will begin between Montreal and Gander, Calgary and Fort St John, and Vancouver and Halifax. Additionally, service will be restored on 41 North American routes, including: 13 routes from Toronto, nine from Montreal, five from Ottawa, five from Vancouver, four from Calgary, three from Halifax, and two from Edmonton. The routes are timed to connect with Air Canada’s domestic, U.S. and international network at the airline’s global hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.  

“Canadians are ready to travel, and we’re excited to be offering a very significant growth in our schedule this summer. With our recovery accelerating and North American flying reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels this summer, we are offering more options across the continent, including seven new city pairs from our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, and the resumption of 41 suspended or previously announced new routes. These changes will also grow and cement our position as the leading carrier of choice in the transborder market, with the most non-stop flying between Canada and the U.S. and as the foreign carrier with the most service to the U.S. Moreover, our revitalized North American network, designed to connect easily with our global network, gives customers by far the widest choice of routings and destinations of any Canadian carrier this summer,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

“To match our unrivalled network, we are also enhancing our award-winning airport and onboard services. All 23 of our Maple Leaf Lounges are now open, with new features such as ordering from your seat for safety and greater convenience, and we have introduced a range of touchless airport services that make the check-in and boarding process more convenient. Customers can also benefit from our transformed Aeroplan program, which offers members greater value and flexibility when redeeming reward travel. And, of course, all customers will enjoy Air Canada’s industry leading customer service, recognized at the most recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, where our people won for Best Airline Employees in Canada and in North America.”

Award Winning Service

Select routes will feature wide-body aircraft with Air Canada Signature Class, with lie flat seating, and Premium Economy. Seats in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Air Canada’s onboard services on flights greater than two hours feature new Economy Class Bistro selections, including products by Canadian brands and partners, such as meals inspired by celebrated Montreal Chef Jerome Ferrer.

All customers can collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.

New Transborder and Domestic Routes 

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 799	Toronto	Salt Lake City	Thu, Sat, Sun	02 JUN
AC 8567 AC 8569	Montreal	Atlanta	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 8581 AC 8583	Montreal	Detroit	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 1062	Vancouver	Austin	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	01 JUN
AC 7900	Montreal	Gander	Daily	25 JUN
AC 362	Vancouver	Halifax	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8453	Calgary	Fort St. John	Daily	01 MAY

Returning and Previously Announced New Routes

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 8680 AC 8682	Toronto	Baltimore	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 8745 AC 8747	Toronto	Charlotte	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8705AC 8707	Toronto	Cincinnati	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8895AC 8897	Toronto	Indianapolis	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 513	Toronto	Portland	Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri	27 JUN
AC 8795 AC 8797	Toronto	St. Louis	Double Daily	07 MAY
AC 8590	Toronto	Hartford	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8917	Toronto	Milwaukee	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8677	Toronto	New Orleans	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8865	Toronto	Kansas City	Daily	01 JUL
AC 1941	Toronto	Fort McMurray	Tues, Thu, Sat	03 MAY
AC 1975	Toronto	Nanaimo	Mon, Wed, Fri	29 JUN
AC 8410	Toronto	Gander	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8791	Montreal	Pittsburgh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8735	Montreal	Raleigh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8759	Montreal	Baltimore	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8771	Montreal	Nashville	Thu, Fri, Sat	02 JUN
AC 1285	Montreal	Phoenix	Tue, Sat	03 MAY
AC 527	Montreal	San Diego	Wed, Fri, Sun	20 MAY
AC 515	Montreal	Seattle	Daily	31 MAY
AC 1685	Montreal	Victoria	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	03 JUN
AC 8543	Montreal	Regina	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8545	Montreal	Saskatoon	Daily	01 MAY
AC 532	Vancouver	Boston	Daily	04 JUN
AC 8596	Vancouver	Sacramento	Daily	01 JUN
AC 539	Vancouver	Anchorage	Daily	07 MAY
AC 8482	Vancouver	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN
AC 1870	Vancouver	Quebec	Mon, Wed, Fri	02 MAY
AC 8869	Ottawa	Washington-Reagan	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8109	Ottawa	Winnipeg	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8182	Ottawa	Charlottetown	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8098	Ottawa	Quebec City	Daily	01 JUN
AC 7701 AC 7705 AC 7709 AC 7711	Ottawa	Toronto Island	Up to 4 times Daily	01 MAY
AC 8661	Halifax	Boston	Daily	24 JUN
AC 8549	Halifax	Goose Bay	Daily	30 APR
AC 584	Calgary	New York-Newark	Daily	01 MAY
AC 392	Calgary	Halifax	Daily	30 APR
AC 1872	Calgary	Quebec	Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8289	Calgary	Castlegar	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8563	Edmonton	San Francisco	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8113	Edmonton	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN

Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19’s trajectory and the further easing of government travel restrictions.

Travel Policy: Book with confidence

Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.

To book your next trip and for most updated schedule, visit aircanada.com.

Travelling internationally? Visit our Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

Sunwing’s domestic summer program kicks off May 17

From Travelweek Canada 🔗 link to source story

Date: Feb 2 2022

By: Travelweek Group

TORONTO — Sunwing has unveiled its domestic summer program, which runs from May to September.

Now in its 17^th year, the program features weekly flights to some of the most sought-after destinations from coast to coast. As an added incentive, Sunwing is also offering customers savings of up to $200 per couple on domestic flights.

“We’re thrilled that our domestic program is making its return this summer,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations at Sunwing. “Our program is well loved by customers who enjoy exploring Canada’s diverse landscapes, and will be of particular interest this year to those looking to reconnect with family and loved ones after extended periods apart. We’re excited to be helping even more customers explore Canada under our wing.”

Convenient daily flights between Toronto and Vancouver will kick off May 17 and run until Sept. 7. Flights between Toronto and St. John’s will run from Monday to Friday starting June 20 until Sept. 7, while Toronto and Gander will depart Tuesdays and Fridays starting June 21 until Sept. 6. Flights between Toronto and Stephenville will fly Wednesdays starting June 22 until Sept. 7.

Air Canada updates from Gander, Goose Bay, Kamloops & Winnipeg

1 July 2021

It’s good to be back in Gander, a city we have served for several decades. It’s time to reconnect communities across Canada and reunite friends and families.

Today was the first day in 156 days that @AirCanada flew to Gander.

There were epic hugs for the ages in the parking lot.

The sun on your shoulders.

Something in the air – new promise, perhaps?

Summer lies ahead, an open road.

This feels like a beginning.

Originally tweeted by Gander Airport (@GanderAirport) on 28 June 2021.

Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 28 June 2021.

---

It's wonderful to return to @C_YYR and we are thrilled to welcome back our customers on board.

Fantastic day in the Big Land as Air Canada and their crew rev their engines once again !!! Good news for our passengers as we launch into the new world 🙂 Bring on the travel!!!

Originally tweeted by Goose Bay Airport (@C_YYR) on 29 June 2021.

Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 29 June 2021.

---

We are thrilled to be back to @KamloopsAirport! We have safely restarted and we look forward to welcoming customers on our flights. ✈️

Welcome Back @AirCanada! Now servicing @FlyYYC & @yvrairport. #flyyka #kamloopsairport

Originally tweeted by Kamloops Airport (@KamloopsAirport) on 29 June 2021.

Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 30 June 2021.

---

Starting out the week with blue skies and added service at #YWG as @AirCanada brings back direct service from Winnipeg to @FlyYYC. As vaccination levels continue to climb, this familiar route will play a vital role in serving our community in the months ahead.

Originally tweeted by Winnipeg Airport (@YWGairport) on 28 June 2021.

WestJet reconnecting Atlantic Canada routes

Airline to restart seven routes across Atlantic Canada by July 2

New non-stop service between Calgary-Charlottetown to launch on July 29

CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ -WestJet is further restoring Atlantic Canada’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of seven routes to and from destinations across Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The airline today also announced it will launch its new non-stop service to Charlottetown from Calgary on July 29. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

“We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

Connecting Prince Edward Island to Alberta non-stop

After being delayed due to the pandemic, WestJet will bridge new domestic connections between the east and the west with the introduction of new twice-weekly non-stop service between Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Calgary beginning July 29. The service connecting the two provinces was previously scheduled to start in June 2020.

WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring Atlantic Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to restore commercial air service to Sydney, N.S., Deer Lake and Gander, Nfld., with the restart of flights from Halifax and Toronto.

“As WestJet leads the restart of travel across the Atlantic region, it is critical that we get clarity and guidance on travel policies from the federal government. The safe return of visitors to and from the region is key to recovery and we thank the Atlantic Premiers and their governments for the work they have done to prioritize the safe restart of travel. WestJet remains committed to affordably connecting Atlantic Canada to the rest of the country and the world,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service to Atlantic Canada from Halifax to six cities, from St. John’s to three cities, from Charlottetown to two cities and from Moncton, Fredericton, Deer Lake, Gander and Sydney to one city.

Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

Atlantic Canada route restarts

Route	Peak Frequency	Route restart date
Charlottetown – Toronto	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Fredericton – Toronto	1x daily	June 26, 2021
Deer Lake – Toronto	4x weekly	June 27, 2021
Halifax – Sydney	1x daily	June 28, 2021
Gander – Halifax	3x weekly	June 30, 2021
Moncton – Toronto	1x daily	July 1, 2021
Halifax – Edmonton	2x weekly	July 2, 2021
Charlottetown – Calgary *	2x weekly	July 29, 2021

*New Route

About WestJet 

In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

Air Canada Supports Economic Recovery as the Country’s Leading Carrier, Serving 50 Cities Across Canada to Enable Canadians to Conveniently Connect

• Most extensive domestic schedule supports Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector
• Includes three new routes, re-established routes plus Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class cabins on select transcontinental routes
• New refund policy gives additional peace of mind

MONTREAL, June 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada’s domestic peak summer schedule beginning at the end of June has been developed to advance the country’s economic recovery and support Canada’s tourism and hospitality businesses during the important summer period.  Three new domestic Canada routes, service to 50 Canadian airports, the re-establishment of select regional routes, and wide-body aircraft featuring Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class on select transcontinental routes are included. Seats with attractive pricing in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and travel agencies.

“With Canada’s ongoing vaccine roll-out acceleration together with various provincial governments’ reopening plans that include travel, this summer is looking brighter. As customers are ready to travel, Air Canada is taking a leadership position to support our partners in Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector with service to 50 destinations from coast to coast, the re-start of regional services and new, non-stop flights,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

“We are especially proud that our new state-of-the-art, Canadian-manufactured Airbus A220 aircraft will be operating across Canada. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ bio-safety protocols, promotional fares including for our premium cabins, compelling Aeroplan opportunities, and our new refund policy offering additional peace of mind, customers can book Air Canada with confidence.  We look forward to welcoming you onboard when you’re ready to fly,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

Air Canada’s new refund policy provides customers an option for a refund to the original form of payment in instances where Air Canada cancels their flight or reschedules the departure time by more than three hours, irrespective of the reason. Air Canada customers will also have the option of accepting an Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.  Normal fare rules will apply when customers make voluntary changes to non-affected flights.

New route details:

Route	Frequency	Aircraft	Effective
Montreal-Deer Lake	Daily	CRJ900	Jul 1, 2021
Montreal-Kelowna	3x Weekly July4x Weekly Aug	Airbus A220	June 26, 2021
Montreal-Saskatoon-Regina	Daily	CRJ900	Aug 1, 2021

Resumption of services:

Airport Station	Route		Effective	Frequency
Gander	Gander – Halifax		Jun 29	3x Weekly
Gander – Toronto		Jul 2	5x Weekly
St. John’s	St. John’s – Toronto		Jun 19	Daily
Goose Bay	Goose Bay – St. John’s		Jun 29	3x Weekly
Deer Lake	Deer Lake – Halifax		Aug 1	5x Weekly
Halifax	Halifax – Calgary		Aug 1	5x Weekly
Sydney	Sydney – Toronto		Jun 26	3x Weekly
Sydney – Montreal		Aug 1	Daily
Charlottetown	Charlottetown – Toronto		Jun 18	4x Weekly
Saint John	Saint John – Montreal		Jun 30	3x Weekly
Saint John – Toronto		Jul 2	4x Weekly
Fredericton	Fredericton – Montreal		Jun 29	Daily
Fredericton – Toronto		Jul 1	5x Weekly
Bathurst	Bathurst – Montreal		Jun 27	3x Weekly
Quebec City	Quebec City – Toronto		Jun 19	1x Daily
Ottawa	Ottawa – Calgary		Jul 2	Daily
Ottawa – Edmonton		Aug 1	2x Weekly
North Bay	North Bay – Toronto		Jun 28	3x Weekly
Fort McMurray	Fort McMurray – Toronto		July 1	2x Weekly
Winnipeg	Winnipeg – Calgary		Jun 20	6x weekly
Winnipeg – Montreal		Aug 1	Daily
Regina	Regina – Calgary		Jul 1	5x Weekly
Saskatoon	Saskatoon – Calgary		Jul 2	5x Weekly
Kamloops	Kamloops – Vancouver		Jun 29	4x Weekly
Kamloops – Calgary		Jun 28	4x Weekly
Comox	Comox – Vancouver		Jun 30	3x Weekly
Nanaimo	Nanaimo – Toronto		Jul 4	1x Weekly
Nanaimo – Calgary		Jul 2	5x weekly
Prince Rupert	Prince Rupert – Vancouver		Jun 25	3x Weekly
Penticton	Penticton – Vancouver		Jun 29	4x Weekly
Sandspit	Sandspit – Vancouver		Jun 23	3x Weekly
Victoria	Montreal – Victoria		Jun 19	3x Weekly
Toronto – Victoria		Jun 19	4x Weekly
Calgary – Victoria		Jun 21	4x Weekly
Castlegar	Castlegar – Vancouver		Jun 28	3x Weekly
Kelowna	Kelowna Toronto		Jun 18	4x Weekly
Yellowknife	Yellowknife – Calgary		Jun 30	3x Weekly

Air Canada is also providing connectivity to five additional regional communities through interline agreements with third party regional carriers: Wabush, Baie Comeau, Gaspe, Mont Joli, and Val d’Or.

Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, and in 2020 was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.