Deer Lake Regional Airport Opens Newly-Extended Runway

A newly-completed runway extension at the Deer Lake Regional Airport will enhance and improve safety and operating conditions, thanks to a partnership between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.


On hand to officially open the runway extension were the Honourable Senator Elizabeth Marshall, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Todd Lee, Deer Lake Airport Authority Chairman.


Of the top 30 airports in Canada, Deer Lake Regional Airport was one of only four with a runway length of less than 6,000 feet. The runway extension from 6,000 to 8,000 feet will improve maximum takeoff weight on longer routes, improve safety in winter and summer months, improve operating conditions for aircraft, and develop new markets, routes and service opportunities.
"Safe and competitive airports are essential to ensuring Canada's place in the global landscape," said Senator Marshall. "Our Government is pleased to have worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Deer Lake Regional Airport to complete this important project. The construction of public infrastructure, such as the runway extension project, provides a safer environment for passengers and helps our businesses prosper now and into the future."
"The runway extension at Deer Lake Regional Airport is a significant addition to the infrastructure at this important facility, and is another step forward in the airport's development," said Minister Hedderson. "I am very pleased that our government has partnered with the Federal Government to contribute to this project, as part of our aggressive infrastructure investment initiative. This upgrade enhances capacity and safety at the airport, while supporting the airport authority's efforts to develop new business opportunities."
"I commend both levels of government and the airport authority for completing this important project," said Darryl Kelly, MHA for Humber Valley. "This investment will help to enhance the transportation system in the region and strengthen the local economy. This is great news for residents and businesses in the area.


"This project was made possible by the generous financial assistance of the Federal and Provincial Governments" said Mr. Lee. "This tri-party cost-sharing arrangement provided the necessary funds to complete the expansion project at a time when our infrastructure was struggling to keep pace with the growing demand."


On May 11, 2009, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador each committed $3 million to support this expansion project. Federal funding was provided under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The balance of funding for the $9-million project was provided by the Deer Lake Airport Authority.


As part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding for close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country. Overall, the Government of Canada has invested $59 million toward 28 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
Original article

Runway extension for Deer Lake Airport

Good news for Deer Lake Airport, with the announcement of a $9M investment in a 600 metre runway extension.

See the announcement on the link below:
www.deerlakeairport.com/files/newsRelease_Files/newsR43.pdf

And while we're at it, the airport has a new MUCH BETTER website ... www.deerlakeairport.com

Deer Lake INTERNATIONAL airport !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At last !!!! Deer Lake Airport is declared as an international airport. Shame it didn't happen when British airways was looking for an airport to land prior to going on to New York (direct from City Airport).

Anyway ... its great news - and we all hope that the airport and its management can attract the international traffic the area desperately needs!

Lets ALL hope this will make the difference!!!
DG
_______


Western Star release:


The Deer Lake Regional Airport now holds Airport of Entry status.

The pronouncement of the status, along with $670,000 in new federal funding for the “enhancement of border services” at the airport, was made this morning at Deer Lake Regional Airport’s international arrivals lounge.

The news was delivered by Senator Fabian Manning on behalf of federal Minister of Public Safety, Peter Van Loan.

The immediate impact of the announcement, according to airport manager Jamie Schwartz, will be an increase in the airport’s ability to market itself for international flights.

“It gives us the opportunity to go out and pursue other new routes and other international traffic,” said Schwartz.

For more details, see Tuesday's Western Star.

The Go-Travel/Finnair flights announced for this summer are now "on stop". Unfortunately it looks like the announcement was made before everything was licenced. A spokesman for the Canadian Transport Agency said Go-Travel “... only has a licence to fly between Canada & Finland, and no application has been made for an amendment to authorize the new European destinations.“

Lets all hope that it gets sorted, and quickly, so that marketing and sales teams can start the time consuming task of generating interest in Western Newfoundland.

It should be remembered by all, that the big travel agencies planning what holidays and routes to sell, do their planning about 18 months ahead. So are currently planning out summer 2010, not 2009!

Western Newfoundland needs commited long term flight routes to allow travel agency companies (around the world!) to plan NFLD tourism programmes. Without the knowledge of future flight schedules from particular countries how can anyone sell a holiday to Newfoundland for that route?

Go-Travel's initiative is great news (when it actually gets the go ahead). But it's the long term commitment to flights that will really open up the tourism industry for Newfoundland. It's not about "subsidising the flights", it never has been. It's about making flights available so that travel agencies can sell the tickets and get people to the island.

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Hertz - closes Deer Lake Airport desk

Hertz car rentals has closed its Deer Lake Airport sales desk this week. Furthermore, there are various stories of poor customer services and cancelled bookings.

Its likely to be caused by the loss of the charter flight (Gatwick to Deer Lake), and the lack of tourist visitors in January ... and for the foreseeable future, or at least until the flights situation gets sorted.

So, more unemployment, and less local services. Not good for the province.

More news from HVR - No more golf? (for now)

Further news from Newfound NV, and Humber Valley Resort. The following letter is from Derrick White the President of Newfound Canada - sent midday 8th Sept. The big surprise is the mention of "winding down and closing" the golf operation, amongst other services. That said, the devil is (as always) in the detail.

It's all very sad - however if its part of a more co-ordinated plan, then it's hopefully a short term pain for a longer term gain for everyone involved including the local economy. Several of the people we've met in the last few days have commented that they wanted big changes for a number of years.

One of the key changes in our view is the need to enable new international routes through Deer Lake airport (& Stephenville if it can attract them!). And one last comment - on various other news services we keep hearing that Europeans want subsided flights to Newfoundland (it was even said on CBC radio1 by a Brit this morning!) - but it's not what's wanted. What we ALL want is simply international routes to be available and flown - not subsidised!

Then again of course to run a flight route requires guarantees - and that's where the provincial government can help. However the passengers are not wanting subsidies!



_______________________________


HUMBER VALLEY RESORT CORPORATION - CCAA Protection

It is with considerable regret, but with a determination to move forward, that we write this letter to you.As we are sure you are aware, an intensive review of HVRC, its liabilities both fiscal and legal, has taken place. During this process the company has consulted with outside advisors, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and indeed, many of our owners.



The resultant analysis confirms our initial suspicion that HVRC is technically unviable and whilst historic contractual obligations remain, it will always have a liability that is impossible to remedy. Initial attempts to restructure to bring the overhead to a manageable level, met with considerable opposition, threats, implied and actual, of litigation and actually uncovered other breaches that had not been previously documented. The cost of resolution was far greater than the whole asset value of the company.



As per our press release of Friday, September 5, 2008, the company has sought and obtained protection from its creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The CCAA is a Canadian federal Act that gives financially troubled corporations the opportunity to restructure their affairs through a formal plan of arrangement. This process was begun with a formal application to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador where HVRC applied for protection under the CCAA. The court has issued an Order giving HVRC 30 days of protection from its creditors to allow for the preparation of the plan of arrangement. Once the plan has been prepared, the Company will update the market. We did not make this decision lightly. The alternative was to apply for full receivership, and to wind up HVRC. We did not feel that this was in anyone’s interests. Under the terms of the CCAA as previously described, we are able to submit to the court appointed monitor, a plan showing how we may move forward and finally deliver a sustainable resort that is financially stable, which we fully intend to do. Within this process, each of you will have a formal opportunity to submit any claims you feel that you may have to the court appointed Monitor. Ernst & Young Inc. have been appointed as our Monitor.



This action will result in immediate and tangible changes to the operation of the resort. In the coming days the resort will wind down and close the following onsite operations and services: the accommodations, food and beverage, activities and golf. Strawberry Hill will also be closing its rental pool and manor house operations. Flights from Gatwick to Deer Lake will continue as per the scheduled dates on September 11 and 18. The company is presently working hard, as are other local business organizations, all in consultation with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, to find a solution to continue the intended winter flight series. At this time we are unable to confirm whether the winter series flights will go ahead. Once a formal determination is made, we shall advise accordingly.



You will undoubtedly have many questions and we will do our best to address them over the coming days. We have formed a team of employees that will address your issues and concerns and each of you will be given a contact name with whom you can communicate directly at the resort. Also, later today, a “Question and Answer” package will be provided along with information regarding the CCAA process.



During the past few days, the company as its first priority engaged in securing and protecting your assets on the resort. At the time of writing, this process continues. As we take this step, we are mindful that it creates a situation that leaves many of you with uncertainty and concern. Please know, that your interests as owners remain a primary consideration as we develop our restructuring plan and move forward.



Regards

Derrick White
President, Newfound Canada

Update: Short Term Reprieve

Just a quick update ... A large number of phone calls and total confusion between the various entities involved, resulted at 10:30am today in a short term reprieve, and confirmation from a high level, the last two weeks charter flights are to go ahead.

Next report - from on site!


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No flights! Tourism impact?

Tomorrow's Humber Valley Resort (HVR) charter flight from Gatwick to Deer Lake airport is apparently to be the last for the summer season, two weeks earlier than planned. Holiday makers due to fly from the UK to Newfoundland are being rung at home to be told that if they take the flight, it is "unlikely that there will be a flight back on the 11th or the 18th".

There are lots of rumours and stories flying around Corner Brook today ... hopefully most are mis-placed!

Whatever ... for various reasons the summer season has been a poor one for Western Newfoundland, the businesses involved in tourism, and all the jobs that are connected directly, and indirectly to it.

It's easy to under value the benefit of international tourism across the area.

The tourism industry doesn't want "subsidised flights". It simply needs the "availability" of flights and routes. What value could tourism be to Western Newfoundland? With provincial marketing, more integrated infrastructure for tourism, and above all full flights, the benefits could be growing businesses, new and more secure jobs, increased provincial HST spend, and a new economy for the Island ... As the mill slowly closes down, and more and more people move (for job reasons) to Western Canada - here is one industry that has true prospects, and with a local benefit - but it needs to be supported and taken seriously at all levels ... Will it?

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Another blow for tourism in Western Newfoundland

For those from the UK the main alternative to the Gatwick-Deer Lake charter flights has always been to Zoom Airlines flights into Halifax from Gatwick, Manchester & Glasgow.
Unfortunately the airline suspended all operations last night (28th Aug 08), grounding all planes and laying off 600 staff. The announcement was forced when one of its creditors detained a plane from taking off, forcing the passengers off the plane!

This is bad news for everyone directly involved - but also it's extremely bad news for tourism on the Canadian Atlantic coast including Western Newfoundland. With the number of international airline routes in the area shrinking, I wonder what the ongoing future impacts are on the local economies? And jobs?

Some seem to think that the only tourists on Western Newfoundland are uber rich Humber Valley Resort chalet owners. They forget that actually the resort itself attracts (non owner) holidaymakers, who return home and promote the area to others ... and as local infrastructure and tourism developments, more and more businesses and resulting jobs will be created - and they in turn will have knock on effect to other business and jobs etc.

Tourism is an industry that Newfoundland is just really finding out about. The value of tourism is yet to be fully understood. The next big challenge is the issue of accessibility - and flights!

Local business group Humber Direct-Air (HDA) is working to try to secure a UK-Deer Lake route. More on HDA soon.

Links: Halifax Airport International routes - Zoom Airlines announcement - BBC on Zoom - Blog: Timing is Critical - Blog: Humber Direct-Air - Zoom video

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UK-Deer Lake flights - HUMBER DIRECT-AIR

There is growing activity in Western Newfoundland regarding the need to ensure continuation of direct flights to Deer Lake from the UK (as well new ones from other international hotspots). A group of concerned business people have been meeting in Corner Brook over the last six months, and has now formally launched as "Humber Direct-Air". Those interested has now expanded to a wider circle of business stakeholders, noteable tourism managers, and key politicians.

This is a very positive move, and should be supported wherever possible. I for one look forward to telling you more about their progress. The Humber Direct-Air full press release is below.

Read my previous "Timing is critical" blog ...
or Western Star report on Humber Direct-Air
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________________________________________________

Full Press Release:
HUMBER DIRECT-AIR
Since it’s inception, the Humber Valley Resort has contributed economically to this area in many positive ways. Retailers, tourism operators, restaurateurs, those involved in the building trade, property developers, just to name a few, have seen significant increases in business due to the influx of people from overseas. The spin-off has seen new developments, additional tourism infrastructure, and many new jobs associated with all of this. The direct and/or indirect economic impact, should it be measured, would amount to millions of additional dollars injected into the local economy.

Humber Valley Resort’s success in bringing a direct air connection from the UK to Deer Lake has been an integral part of the overall impact. Western Newfoundland was now just 4-5 hours from one of the largest economies of the world, and the Humber Valley, with all its amenities, became competitive with other world-class destinations. Without this 4-5 hour direct flight, the commute time was considerable longer, thereby reducing our demand as a destination significantly.

As a result of this, a number of business stakeholders have been meeting for the past 10 months to ensure the continuation of the direct flight from the United Kingdom to Deer Lake. To date, the Resort has been subsidizing the cost of this flight, and the stakeholders needed to prepare itself for the eventuality of it been discontinued. The group, informally named “Humber Direct-Air” has been meeting with officials from the Humber Valley Resort, other stakeholder groups and representatives from various federal and provincial government departments to work together to maintain this vital link. The group’s mandate is very specific and very clear, that due to the major economic impact the cancellation of the flight will have on the Humber Valley, that stakeholders will work together with the Resort and others to continue with the direct-air flight.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00PM Wednesday (27th Aug 08) evening at the Glynmill Inn, and any person who feels they may be affected by the discontinuation of this flight is welcome to attend.
__________________________
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HVR News - But is it good or bad news?

Newfound's new CEO Jane McGiven has visited Humber Valley Resort, and announced the company's re-focused direction and mission statement. An email to owners gave an outline of what's to come - and those wanting change - have got it!

The first question is, is it good or bad news?

Key initial points
* Newfound wants to retain the operation of the resort within the company
* The primary focus will be to build high-end chalets
* Tennis courts are among the new services to be added
* Focus on completion of the road system, cycle paths and verge landscaping
* Reduce the property sales activity - to create a more controlled build plan

All of which seems good news. But the email went on ... to announce, with effect at the end of the next winter season, the closure of the resorts rental pool and vacation business. Not in the email, but clearly by inference, this also means the UK to Deer Lake charter flights also stop at Easter 2009.

The email then invites owners to make their own arrangements for renting their chalets, and re-states that Newfound's core business should be the development of great chalets in a well run and attractive wilderness resort.

"A well run resort" ... with no holiday makers? and no way to get there?

The announced changes leave a lot of questions, and will effect a lot of people including resort staff. Is it good news or bad? It certainly seems bad news (at this time) for most owners and many of the staff. However so would have been "no change" ... and time will tell, as the story will continue to unfold.

As a postscript - Jayne McGiven also met Tom Marshall the provisional finance minister and local MHA representative, and apparently made it clear that the company would not continue to fund the only tourism flights from Europe, and reinforced that if tourism is to succeed the provisional government needs to take a much more active role. I also hear that her suggested solution is the resumption of the London to St Johns route. (Not that great for Western Newfoundland in my opinion).

There will no doubt be more news (good & bad) and thoughts in the near future!


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Deer Lake [International] Airport ???

DEER LAKE — Gerry Byrne says an announcement will soon be made granting the Deer Lake Regional Airport full-time customs services. In a prepared release, the Liberal member of parliament for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte said Tuesday he is confident the decision to offer permanent, government-funded customs services is coming soon.

Byrne said people can also get used to calling the airport Deer Lake International. The Deer Lake Airport Authority has been lobbying the federal government to establish a full-time customs presence to service charter flights from Europe bringing passengers into Humber Valley Resort.

Federal cabinet minister Loyola Hearn, in a speech to the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade a year ago, indicated that an announcement of Deer Lake’s upgraded status as an international port of entry would be coming within weeks. However, no such announcement followed.

The long-time MP said his reasons for increased optimism are vaild, given that June 18 — the day before parliament closed for the summer — the federal government “quietly” reversed itself and established full customs services at the airport servicing the resort town of Mont Tremblant in the province of Quebec.

“It’s time for the Conservative government to understand that they have a responsibility to be fair to all Canadians,” Byrne said. “Two resorts, one in Quebec and one in Newfoundland, both looking for government-funded customs services. The one from Quebec gets it, the one from Newfoundland does not. “The Conservative government needs to answer why? And since there is no reasonable, logical answer, I can only conclude that it is because Deer Lake Regional Airport is days away from receiving its own full-time customs services as well.

“There can be no other explanation. Now we just have to wait and see for a few days.”

Full article: Western Star links: Deer Lake Airport & Gerry Bryne's website

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Deer Lake Airport - Astraeus out & Monarch in

After a number of years enabling flights between London and Deer Lake, Astraeus (Flystar) announced this week that they will be ending their charter flights with Humber Valley Resort as of April 18th 2008.

Its understood that Monarch will be taking over, and Humber Valley Resort will be making their formal annoucement shortly. Flights in summer 2008 will be on a Thursday.

Full story - Western Star or FlyStar.com & Monarch

WestJet pleased with first year of operation at Deer Lake airport

The first year of WestJet’s seasonal air service drew to a close recently and the company is pleased with the operation.

According to Avery, the company is still hoping to develop into the seasonal service into year round flights out of Deer Lake Regional Airport. Company CEO and president Sean Durfy said WestJet, which recently reported huge third-quarter increases in profits, is committed to increasing its fleet over the next five years.

“We’re continuing to grow our Newfoundland services,” Avery said. “We’ve expanded into Deer Lake of course and our service out of St. John’s has gone year-round and we’re hoping to grow the Deer Lake service as well. “Right now, we couldn’t go year round with the service out of Deer Lake because we simply don’t have the planes we need. But Sean Durfy just announced that WestJet is committed to building our fleet of 737s to 118 by 2013.
Read the full story on The Western Star
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Visit n Blog - 31st Aug - Flight and Arrival

Friday 31st Aug - flight and Arrival
Everything was easy at Gatwick, and we arrive in Deer Lake on time at 6pm, pick up the car from Thrifty - and get going down the Trans Canadian Highway (TCH) heading west towards to Humber Valley Resort.

Driving along the TCH with Deer Lake stretching out into the distance on our right, makes a beautiful scene. We briefly stop in Pasadena (a small town to the east of the resort) to pick up some food for breakfast, and then its off to the resort, and it's club house - called Eagles Perch - to check-in.

A lovely welcome- and we're met by Jonathan ("hes back!"), who tells us whats happening this week - and makes sure we're all sorted.

We drive up to the chalet, and have problems with the driveway steepness. (Daniel says they had similar problems with the snow in April). The front wheel drive rental car only gets half way up, so its down to Daniel to bring the cases up to the chalet. Speaking as his mother, his language wasn't good - but hes excused!

Not the arrival Dan & Kate had hoped for, but I get a quick tour round the chalet - wow its amazing, and looks fantastic, and has a view to die for - we then unpack, and get off to the Beach House for supper.

Dan & Kate seem to know a lot of the staff, and theres lots of catching up going on. We have a good supper and a few drinks. (The mussels need fine chopped onions and a lot more garlic!) We also meet a new resort senior manager Paul Shelly, who seems very genuine and up for making changes for the good. Seems to be planning an excellent New Years bash. Theres a nice buzz in the place. This is going to be fun!

________________

Day 1 - Flight & Arrival
Day 2 - A washout & shopping

Day 3 - Walk, Brunch & Bonfire
Day 4 - Tour & Tapas
Day 5 - Bay of Islands & Strawberry Hill
Day 6 - Gros Morne & a Moose
Day 7 - Quad Bike Tour
Day 7 - An honourary Newfie
Day 8 - Fishing & the 35lb cod !!!

N.L. 'frustrated' with Air Canada ending seasonal transatlantic service

The Newfoundland government says it's "frustrated and displeased" with Air Canada's decision to end its seasonal transatlantic service from the provincial capital of St. John's next year.

The province says the announcement means that after the last overseas flight leaves on Sept. 4, transatlantic flights will no longer depart from St. Johns.

Astraeus Airlines launched service from St. Johns International Airport to London's Gatwick Airport in May, but the company pulled out of St. John's earlier this month, citing low customer support.

Tom Hedderson, the provincial minister of tourism, says Air Canada has had an inconsistent approach to transatlantic service, which is hurting the province.
Air Canada ended year-round transatlantic service last September, marking the first time the province was without such service since the Second World War.
Articles: MSN & CBC.ca

Deer Lake Airport (YDF) July-07 busiest month ever

The traffic volume for July set a new all-time record for any month in the history of the airport at 35,133 enplaning/deplaning passengers. The previous monthly record was established in August of 2006 at a passenger level of 29,022. Passenger growth at Deer Lake has been strong in each of the past six (6) years and this year is no exception with a year to date increase of 15% recorded to the end of July. Record traffic levels have been posted in each of the past seven (7) consecutive months of this year.
Jamie Schwartz, Airport Manager, indicated the airport has reached another milestone in its growth and development. “We were anticipating breaking the 30,000 monthly passenger threshold but we never expected to exceed the previous record by over 6,000 passengers,” said Schwartz. “Our new terminal facilities are certainly helping us manage an average of over 1000 passengers per day in addition to the many people who use the airport’s facilities to meet and greet travelers,” added Schwartz.
Other: New terminal opens at Deer Lake Airport
Website: Deerlakeairport.com and their press release

Astraeus plans to cancel flights due to low demand

Keith Collins believes Astraeus Airlines pulled out of St. John's because they were forced out."They did not abandon this market," said the St. John's International Airport Authority president and CEO. "The market abandoned them."
The London, England-based charter airline announced Thursday that, due to low customer demand, it will cease its service between St. John's and London-Gatwick by the end of the summer.
The cancellation will have no impact on Astraeus' regular, twice-weekly service to Deer Lake. Flights, which have primarily serviced the Humber Valley Resort's clientele for the past two years, are flying as usual.
The news of the airline's discontinuation in St. John's came as a surprise to Collins, who had been prompted by the public to lure a year-round carrier to England. "The market has spoken and we're baffled by it, to be quite honest," he said. "It's a very disappointing development for us and this community. We've lost our year-round partner to London."
The service, which began in May, had reinstated the long standing, year-round air link with Europe, which was terminated when Air Canada cancelled its daily flights between St. John's and London's Heathrow Airport last September. The move was an attempt to satisfy Halifax-bound passengers, who were unhappy about having to pass through customs in Newfoundland. St. John's new partnership with Astraeus was pegged by many residents and politicians to be a triumph for business, tourism and travellers in this province.
However, the initial interest failed to materialize. Low ticket sales this summer and bookings for the fall meant the company was losing money. Passengers were, instead, "overwhelmingly" choosing to fly Air Canada - by a ratio of 10 to one. Air Canada resumed its direct route to London this year with a seasonal service, running from April to Sept. 4."
That means travellers are actually choosing to fly out of Halifax on Air Canada rather than flying direct out of St. John's on Astraeus," Collins said. "That's really baffling because that's exactly why we were asked to find another partner. "Collins figures passengers chose Air Canada because it was familiar, plus the fact they could earn and redeem air-mile points. He also noted that the travel agent industry here has proven to be loyal to Air Canada.
He said on average this summer, between five and 30 passengers were flying on Astraeus's 136-seat aircrafts.And the trends for the fall didn't look any rosier. "I'm confident that if they saw the numbers improving in September and October, they would've stayed," Collins said. "It was really quite surprising to them."The airline had invested heavily in providing the service, in terms of air craft, personnel recruitment, training, marketing and even a new online reservation system."Astraeus really had no choice, since it were losing significantly on much of their flights," Collins said. "They had to make a business decision."While the airport will lose money from landing fees, Collins said the biggest loser will be the community, which will not have a direct route to England during the fall and winter months.
As a result of Astraeus's pullout, Collins doubts St. John's will find another international airline in the forseeable future to fly to London."Given what's happened and given the choices the market has made, it's hard for me to credibly present this route as an opportunity for another international carrier, which is really unfortunate," Collins said. "I'll never say never. If market factors change, if this becomes a little bit of a learning experience for the market, a new entrant down the road might be better received."
Full articles on The Telegraph - or CBC.ca or COOP

Deer Lake Airport (YDF) June-07 38% or 8,000 passengers busier than 2006

The number of passengers traveling to and from Deer Lake Airport (YDF) in June reached 28,486 and represents a 38% increase over June of 2006. Nearly 8,000 more passengers traveled through the airport in June of this year (2007) as compared to June 2006.

New terminal extension opens at Deer Lake Airport (YDF)

Astraeus cancels fall, winter flights from St. John's to England

Astraeus Airlines will not offer flights from St. John's to England during the fall and winter, the airline told travel agents in a release Thursday.
The London, England-based charter airline had intended to replace the year-round flights from St. John's to London that were cancelled by Air Canada nearly a year ago.
In Thursday's release, the airline said there was not enough demand to support the year-round service.
Air Canada gave a similar reason when it cancelled the service.
Astraeus will cancel its Sunday and Thursday flights at the end of August. The last flight of the year from St. John's will depart on Sept. 18.
Customers with tickets for the cancelled flights will receive refunds.
Full article