Flights bring more connectivity to nation’s capital
TORONTO, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines launched three new routes between Ottawa International Airport and Boston, New York-Newark and Thunder Bay today, providing convenient travel links for the region.
The new routes are part of Porter’s broader expansion plan in Ottawa and its commitment to the region, including new maintenance hangars that are currently under construction at YOW. These will serve as a primary maintenance facility for the airline’s new E195-E2 fleet.
Porter is the only airline providing year-round daily direct flights to Boston and Thunder Bay from Ottawa.
The new daily non-stop routes are served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Passengers are able to experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware for all passengers.
Routes from Ottawa (YOW)
Frequency
Introductory roundtrip fares (including taxes and fees) start at:
Boston (BOS)
1 daily
$377
New York-Newark (EWR)
2 daily
$367
Thunder Bay (YQT)
2 daily
$366
A number of one-stop connecting routes are also created with the introduction of these flights. Porter currently operates eight non-stop routes from Ottawa International Airport, with Charlottetown scheduled to become the ninth on May 17. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.
Quotes
“This builds on our already extensive network in Eastern Canada and substantially increases the number of destinations served directly from Ottawa. Porter connects passengers coast-to-coast, with the level of service and generosity that economy travellers deserve.” – Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines
“Porter Airlines continues to impress us with their commitment to Ottawa-Gatineau. No only was YOW Porter’s first turboprop destination back in 2006, in February we were also first to host Porter’s inaugural commercial jet service. As Porter’s YOW-based hangar construction is well underway, this new air service is yet another step forward as Porter airlines embraces the National Capital Region’s potential.” – Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority
“Thunder Bay Airport is thrilled to see Porter is again confirming its confidence in our market, this time by adding a new destination. It has been almost 20 years since direct, non-stop service to Ottawa has been offered. We are sure that Ottawa and Porter will be a winning combination.” – Ed Schmidtke, president and CEO, Thunder Bay International Airports Authority
“Porter’s new service to Ottawa is an excellent addition to the destinations available from Boston Logan, as we continue to see an increased demand in international travel. This route and others by Porter provide New Englanders with more options when planning a trip to Canada and beyond.” – Ed Freni, director of aviation, Massport
About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations to the airline’s summer schedule. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between Western Canada and the United States, WestJet’s summer network additions feature new non-stop service to Washington Dulles, Detroit and Minneapolis, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle. In line with the airline’s previously announced strategic direction, WestJet is also expanding domestic travel options across Canada with increased frequencies and options to travel from coast-to-coast, and everywhere in between.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our network and giving our guests substantial opportunity to explore the U.S., and Canada from coast-to-coast this summer,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “From increased domestic options to expanded regional and transborder connectivity throughout Western Canada, our summer schedule demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the diverse needs of Canadian travellers and ensuring we are the friendly, reliable and affordable airline they love.”
With strengthened domestic and transborder connectivity, WestJet will increase its service up to nearly 30 per cent in Calgary, 50 percent in Edmonton and 10 per cent in Vancouver when compared to 2022.
Expanded U.S. network with more routes and increased access to Delta hubs
This summer WestJet will introduce Minneapolis, Detroit and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to its network, in addition to investing in new routes and restoring service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations.
Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis and Detroit will gain access to two more of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Building on WestJet’s current service to Delta hubs, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, WestJet guests will now have access to over 150 U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.
Highlights of WestJet’s summer 2023 transborder and international service
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Austin*
May 18
2x weekly
09:40
14:30
Calgary – Chicago*
May 18
4x weekly
12:15
16:40
Calgary – Detroit1
May 26
5x weekly
12:35
18:05
Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)
June 2
3x weekly
09:45
16:02
Edmonton – Minneapolis1
June 2
5x weekly
08:15
11:46
Edmonton – Seattle1
May 19
5x weekly
10:30
11:30
Vancouver – Atlanta1
May 17
4x weekly
22:25
06:05
Vancouver – Nashville
May 19
2x weekly
10:00
16:19
Vancouver – Orlando*
May 6
1x weekly
11:00
19:52
Winnipeg – Los Angeles3
Apr 30
3x weekly
07:00
08:38
Toronto – Bermuda3
May 5
2x weekly
07:00
10:42
*Resumption of service/ 1 Delta hub/ 3 Continuation of winter service
Enhancing non-stop west to east connectivity
As part of WestJet’s new strategic direction, the airline is taking strides to further provide guests with extensive opportunities to seamlessly and affordably travel across Canada. Substantially strengthening Canadian connectivity, WestJet is adding five new routes between Eastern and Western Canada, further positioning its network to support travel demands across the country.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Moncton
June 14
3x weekly
09:15
16:49
Calgary – Thunder Bay*
June 29
3x weekly
14:00/15:45
18:36/20:21
Calgary – Quebec City*
May 19
4x weekly
17:55
23:55
Edmonton – Charlottetown
June 14
1x weekly
10:25
17:58
Edmonton – London
May 19
2x weekly
10:25
15:52
Edmonton – Moncton
June 29
2x weekly
10:25
17:57
Edmonton – Ottawa*
Apr 30
6x weekly
09:00
14:43
Edmonton – Montreal*
June 30
2x weekly
01:00
07:03
*Resumption of service
Bringing Western Canadian communities closer through a strengthened regional network
As Western Canada’s undisputed home-team carrier, WestJet is enhancing its aviation gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities by further strengthening regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Terrace*
May 1
4x weekly
09:40/14:10
10:58/15:28
Edmonton – Nanaimo*
April 30
2x weekly
10:30
11:29
Edmonton – Penticton*
July 1
2x weekly
11:00
11:27
Kelowna – Regina*
May 21
2x weekly
17:30
20:34
Kelowna – Saskatoon*
June 2
2x weekly
17:35
20:29
Kelowna – Winnipeg*
June 2
3x weekly
19:15
23:33
Vancouver – Regina*
Jun 30
2x weekly
20:45
23:47
Winnipeg – Victoria*
April 30
2x weekly
17:30
18:28
*Resumption of service
Additional quotes
“Delta is excited about WestJet’s expanded US-Canada network in summer 2023,” said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president Alliances and International for Delta. “We already have a strong codeshare network with WestJet, and extensive reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyers. With both increased flights to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta and Seattle, as well as new WestJet flights to our hubs in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit, we look forward to growing our partnership, offering new travel and connection options to more customers, and increasing competition.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Minnesota and are pleased to add an important business route to Edmonton from MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “WestJet’s arrival also opens up new connections for travelers across Western Canada and the United States leveraging their codeshare with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier.”
“We are pleased to have WestJet begin operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. With the addition of WestJet, our customers will be able to fly directly from Detroit to Calgary for the first time since 2005. We’re hoping this route will also give our Canadian neighbors one more reason to visit our great region, “said Chad Newton, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.
“Dulles International Airport welcomes WestJet to the Washington, D.C., region with this first-ever service to Calgary,” said Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Calgary will become the 60th international destination from Washington Dulles, and WestJet will be our 40th air carrier. We are thrilled to welcome WestJet to Dulles and to provide customers this new link between Western Canada and Washington.”
About WestJet
In 26 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 110 destinations in 24 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognitionincludes: 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty) 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
Doubles number of destinations served directly from nation’s capital
TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2022 /CNW/ – Porter Airlines is launching four new Canadian and U.S. routes from Ottawa International Airport. Starting March 27, 2023 passengers will be able to fly on daily non-stop flights between Ottawa and Boston, New York-Newark, Quebec City and Thunder Bay, featuring Porter’s elevated economy experience.
Porter will be the only airline providing year-round daily direct flights to Boston, Quebec City and Thunder Bay from Ottawa. People from Canada’s Capital Region will benefit from the convenient travel links these routes provide.
“Ottawa was our first destination when we launched in 2006, and it has always been a critical location for Porter throughout our history,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “The network expansion in Ottawa shows our commitment to the Ottawa-Gatineau region and its people. We expect our presence in Ottawa will continue growing.”
“We are thrilled to be a part of Porter’s exciting growth plans and welcome these additions to YOW’s offering. I am confident that the Ottawa-Gatineau community will continue to embrace Porter’s elevated service and comfort as more and more people return to the skies,” Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.
The new daily non-stop routes will be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Passengers will experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine in glassware for all passengers, when flights start next spring.
Routes from Ottawa (YOW)
Frequency
Introductory roundtrip fares (including taxes and fees) start at:
Boston (BOS)
1 daily
$330
New York-Newark (EWR)
2 daily
$352
Quebec City (YQB)
1 daily
$322
Thunder Bay (YQT)
2 daily
$366
Introduction of these four new routes doubles the number of Porter’s regional destinations served from Ottawa. Porter currently flies to Fredericton, Halifax, Moncton and Toronto City. Detailed schedules can be found on www.flyporter.com.
Porter also recently announced a new maintenance base scheduled to open at Ottawa International Airport in late 2023, and a Toronto Pearson-Ottawa route to be served with its state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft beginning in February 2023.
About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Starting in December, the tour operator is bringing back weekly flights to the favourite vacation destinations of Cancun and Varadero
TORONTO, Nov. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thunder Bay residents can swap Lake Superior for the Caribbean Sea this winter with easy access to weekly flights on board Sunwing Airlines. Sunwing’s sought-after return to the city known as “Superior by Nature” includes two weekly flights from Thunder Bay to the sun-soaked destinations of Cancun, Mexico and Varadero, Cuba, plus a variety of affordable all inclusive vacation packages to the family-friendly and adults only resorts that suit each customer’s needs.
“We’re excited to return to Thunder Bay this winter season, with direct Sunwing flights to two of our most popular vacation destinations in the tropics,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “As a longstanding partner for us at Sunwing, we’re thrilled to continue working together with Thunder Bay International Airport and help residents travel to paradise with ease from their local airport.”
Ed Schmidtke, President and CEO of Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. adds, “Sunwing has a long and positive history of providing our community with reliable and convenient flight options, and we are excited for Sunwing’s return to Thunder Bay. They have been missed and we welcome them back for a busy winter season.”
Sunwing will be offering weekly flights from Thunder Bay to Cancun on Mondays starting on December 12, 2022 until April 10, 2023, and weekly flights to Varadero on Tuesdays starting on December 13, 2022 until April 11, 2023.
For a limited time only, residents in Thunder Bay can take advantage of Sunwing’s BOGO Seat Sale, where customers can buy one seat and the get second 40% off on new air only bookings* made by November 13, 2022, for winter departures until April 30, 2023. Plus, with only a few days remaining, there’s still time to save up to 40% on vacation packages with room upgrades at select properties during Sunwing’s Save More Event*, live until November 6, 2022.
Whether booking last minute or planning for that much-needed getaway, customers can protect every step of their winter travel journey when purchasing one of Sunwing’s comprehensive travel insurance options, offering even more peace of mind.
*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.
The two organizations and community partners are working together to help put a stop to human trafficking in the aviation sector
THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 24, 2022 /CNW/ – The Thunder Bay International Airport is pleased to share that it has partnered with #NotInMyCity to educate and raise stakeholder and community awareness regarding human trafficking in aviation within Canada.
#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. In the transport sector, #NotInMyCity is a leading partner who is helping address human trafficking across sectors and geographic areas.
The Thunder Bay Airport will implement an e-learning and awareness program. The purpose of the program is to:
Provide all airport employees and stakeholders with knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada with #NotInMyCity’s aviation focused e-learning platform. Members of the public are invited to learn more about the issue by taking a free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca.
Allow airport employees to understand the signs of human trafficking, and knowing what to do if they suspect trafficking.
Implement informational signage and materials throughout the airport for all stakeholders and travelling public.
Report any and all signs of human trafficking, without causing harm.
“We are thrilled that the Thunder Bay Airport reached out to us for our support,” says Kris Carlson, Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking. The Coalition started in 2018 and is a cross-sectoral partnership that works collaboratively to address the issue of human trafficking, specifically in the Thunder Bay area. “We are happy to support and offer local resources to the Thunder Bay Airport alongside #NotInMyCity.”
Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are the fastest growing crimes in Canada and are the second largest source of illegal income worldwide. In Canada, 21 per cent of trafficking victims are under the age of 18. While making up only 4 per cent of the country’s population, 50 percent of Canada’s trafficking victims are Indigenous people.
“Supporting the victims of human trafficking should be our collective focus,” says Detective Inspector Jeremy Pearson. “The ability to identify potential human trafficking victims and then share this information is a critical step to protect vulnerable persons. The Thunder Bay Police Service supports this public safety initiative.”
According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking1, transportation corridors are frequently used by traffickers, and once a victim has been recruited, traffickers will often move them from city to city to maximize profits, access new markets and avoid competition. It also helps keep control of the victim who may not know where they are or how to get help, making it easier for traffickers to evade detection by police. Victims of labour trafficking may also enter Canada by way of air travel, under the false promise of a job or educational opportunity.
“Joining the growing mobilization against human trafficking is simply the right thing to do,” according to Ed Schmidtke, President & CEO of the Thunder Bay Airport Authority. “We appreciate the immediate response received from frontline security and airline staff to educate themselves on the potential warning signs of human trafficking. Together we know we can make a difference.”
#NotInMyCity offers an interactive e-learning course for anyone interested in learning more about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. It was developed in collaboration with national and international thought leaders. Upon completion of the free 30-minute e-course, participants are awarded with a certificate. Thousands of individuals have completed the course so far.
In Thunder Bay, anyone can call the local human trafficking unit at 807-684-1239 if they believe they witnessing or are experiencing human trafficking or sexual exploitation. If anyone is in immediate danger, it is recommended to call 9-1-1.
#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization launched by Paul Brandt that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. The #NotInMyCity movement is growing. We are working in alliance with key stakeholders, creating awareness, educating others and mobilizing a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at all levels.
About Thunder Bay Airport
Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance and operation of the YQT Thunder Bay Airport.
MONTREAL and CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Air Transat and WestJet have launched a new transatlantic codeshare. WestJet’s “WS” code is now activated for sale on select Air Transat operated flights to/from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Croatia. Connections via Montreal and Toronto are now available for flight dates beginning May 17, 2022.
On May 4, 2022, Air Transat’s “TS” code will be activated on select WestJet flights, and from that date Air Transat will also offer itineraries connecting select WestJet flights with appealing Air Transat European destinations.
“We are very excited to launch this codeshare agreement with WestJet,” said Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat. “The complementarity of our respective networks allows us to offer more alternatives to our customers, providing them with a quality and affordable product. This partnership is part of Air Transat’s development strategy, enhancing our long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.”
“This new codeshare with Air Transat complements our growing global network, allowing WestJet to offer guests exciting new destinations in Europe,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. “As our guests return to travel, these new options will connect North America and Europe in new ways and benefit guests on both sides of the Atlantic.”
With this new codeshare, guests now have more options for their transatlantic travel, and will enjoy conveniences such as a single purchase for connecting flights, the ability to check in for all flights at their first departure, and baggage checked through to their final destination.
Once activated, both Air Transat and WestJet codeshare ticket sales will be available via the carriers’ websites and call centers, as well as via major GDS systems and travel agencies.
Subject to connectivity between their scheduled flights, Air Transat and WestJet will both offer the following transatlantic routings:
WestJet Operated Flights Air Transat “TS” Codeshare Applied
Connection Via
Air Transat Operated Flights WestJet “WS” Codeshare Applied
Deer Lake St. John’s Halifax Sydney Fredericton Moncton Charlottetown Montreal Quebec City London, ON Ottawa Thunder Bay Toronto Winnipeg Regina Saskatoon Boston N.Y. LaGuardia
Montreal
Toronto
France: Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice
Italy: Lamezia, Rome
Spain: Malaga
Portugal: Faro
Switzerland: Basel-Mulhouse
Croatia: Zagreb
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
About the WestJet Group of Companies
In 26 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.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com
THUNDER BAY, ON, March 14, 2022 /CNW/ – As Canada works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our airports continue to be crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, workers, and communities. Government of Canada investments also help ensure Canada’s airports are well-positioned to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
Today, the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, Marcus Powlowski, and the Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Government of Canada is making important investments at the Thunder Bay International Airport.
Through Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund, the Government of Canada provided the airport with more than $1.7 million to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.
The Thunder Bay International Airport is also receiving $395,000 from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program for the purchase of a snowplow truck and a runway ice sweeper. This equipment will help ensure safe airport operations for aircraft, passengers, crews and airport workers, by keeping airside surfaces such as runways and taxiways, clear of ice and snow.
This funding is in addition to the over $12.4 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding provided to the airport in May 2021 for the rehabilitation of airside surfaces, lighting and electrical systems; the construction of runway end safety areas; the installation of airside LED guidance signage; and the purchase of two aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles.
In addition to the support from Transport Canada, the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority is also receiving more than $1.5 million in financial assistance from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). The funding, made available through the Aerospace Regional Recovery and the Regional Air Transportation Initiatives, will be used to upgrade lighting and HVAC equipment, as well as replace two aging escalators in the terminal building. The projects are designed to enhance safety and maintain air service.
Quotes
“The Thunder Bay International Airport is a key transportation hub not just for Thunder Bay, but for much of northern Ontario. It connects us with family and friends, helps us discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Thunder Bay businesses. This funding will enhance airport safety for travellers, air crews and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”
Marcus Powlowski Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River
“The pandemic highlighted the important role our 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, exports, 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 Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“As we move forward with the safe and gradual return of activity in the aviation sector, in a way that continues to support the health, safety, and security of all Canadians, it will be imperative that we continue to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector. These critical investments will allow the Thunder Bay International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
First introduced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Airport Relief Fund is part of a federal stimulus recovery plan designed to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient economy post-COVID-19.
The Airport Relief Fund, launched in May 2021, provided $64.8 million in funding in 2021-2022 for targeted airports whose 2019 revenues were less than $250 million.
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.
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.
The Regional Airport Transportation Initiative (RATI), administered by the regional development agencies, has a national budget of $206 million. The RATI is being delivered by FedNor in Northern Ontario.
The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies with a national budget of $250 million over three years, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) complements other measures announced in Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Three air force personnel walked away without injury.
TBNewsWatch.com Staff | 1 February 2022
(Doug Diaczuk/TBNewswatch)
THUNDER BAY — The Royal Canadian Air Force says it has launched an investigation into Monday’s incident at Thunder Bay Airport that saw a passenger aircraft slide off the runway.
All three RCAF personnel on board walked away without injury but were assessed at the scene by paramedics.
The air force says the plane was a King Air 350 turboprop operated by the RCAF.
A witness described seeing the plane approaching the airport from the east, and said it didn’t sound normal.
The person said the plane touched down hard on the runway, bounced, then spun around before coming to rest in the snow.
The aircraft sustained extensive damage, including to its tail and wings.
A spokesperson at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa said Tuesday that no further details will be provided until the investigation is concluded.
Thunder Bay Airport CEO Ed Schmidtke said the airport will have no further comment as the incident is the subject of a DND investigation.
We invite you to join us in welcoming the Canadian Air Force military aircraft C-17 Globemaster to Thunder Bay this Thursday December 2nd at 1:00pm as we kick off the 2021 RCMP Toys for the North!
Location is Shell Aero Centre, 316 Hector Dougall Way. (Due to COVID restrictions, social distancing and face masks are a must.)
December 1, 2021- Thunder Bay ON – Once again this December, the RCMP, Gardewine Group – Transportation and Logistics and North Star Air will deliver toys to remote First Nations communities this Christmas! Donated new toys, basic needs items and more will be arriving in Thunder Bay via CAF military aircraft C-17 Globemaster this Thursday December 2nd at 1:30 pm ET. “We’re all praying for good weather on the leg to Thunder Bay” says Karen Matson, Marketing & Community Relations at North Star Air, “the general public will be quite impressed to see this aircraft in Thunder Bay, so keep your eyes on the skies!”
North Star Air’s team has been working with the “O” Division Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), participating in the ‘Toys for the North’ charitable drive. The initiative has evolved over the years to include a national network of RCMP, law enforcement, corporate and external partners who collectively contribute to the success of delivering new toys to children in remote Northern communities. North Star Air has been a partner of the Toys for the North campaign for 7 of the 11 past years.
The arrival of the Globemaster in Thunder Bay doesn’t mean the journey to the North is over. The toys, along with other donated goods will be air delivered in the coming weeks to remote northern Ontario First Nations communities via North Star Air’s flight network. “It’s an exciting time, knowing all this hard work will very soon bring smiles to many faces in the North.” continues Matson.
Once the cargo is debarked from the Globemaster in Thunder Bay on Thursday, Gardewine Group – Transportation and Logistics will then move the cargo to their local warehouse where volunteers will sort the goods by age and gender per community the following week. “We’re talking about thousands of toys that need to be sorted so that the next phase can continue as planned.” says Cpl. Stacy Morton of the RCMP. “We’ve targeted four recipient communities this year.”
The goods will then be transported by Gardewine Group – Transportation and Logistics to the North Star Air hangar in Pickle Lake where they will be loaded onto the Basler DC3 aircraft for their remote First Nation destinations. Representatives from North Star Air, the media and our very special guest Santa Claus will bring joy to so many young people of the North thanks to the efforts of the RCMP and the network of donators. You can follow our journey north with Toys for the North and Santa on our North Star Air Facebook page.
Canadian Aviation News 
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