When Air Canada announced last week that it was making changes to its service to Deer Lake in the new year, Tammy Priddle’s reaction was that it would be devastating for the Deer Lake Regional Airport and the region.
Effective Jan. 11, Air Canada plans to temporarily suspend its Halifax to Deer Lake flight and reduce its Toronto to Deer Lake route from daily to four times a week.
This is the second round of route suspensions announced by Air Canada. In June 2020, Air Canada suspended its St. John’s to Deer Lake and Goose Bay to Deer Lake routes indefinitely.
“Air Canada’s decision is disappointing; however, it is not unexpected given the impact the (COVID-19) pandemic has had on air travel,” Priddle, president and CEO of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority, said in a press release.
“Since the pandemic we have seen a decrease of 80 per cent in passenger traffic, this is catastrophic financially for both our airport and airlines like Air Canada.”
Priddle said the air industry has been one of the hardest hit by the global pandemic and this latest round of reductions further reduces the connectivity in our region.
“This limits the region’s position as being an attractive place to do business and live.”
Priddle said the authority, along with other Canadian airport authorities, has continually advocated to the federal government for sector-specific support.
She said government support, cost savings and increased revenue generation will ensure the airport is financially stable to support economic recovery within the region, province and country.
In addition, airports are calling on the federal government to implement a national testing strategy that will augment the implementation of the vaccine and support improved confidence in air travel necessary to allow for recovery.
Priddle said the authority is a critical piece of infrastructure in the region supporting the delivery of public services such as Medevac, search and rescue and other government services. “We play a major role as an economic driver to connect people and business that will be key to our future recovery. In order to play this role, we need air service.
“Airlines need sector specific support in order to make it through this challenging time.”
It’s anticipated Air Canada’s latest suspensions will be reviewed in February 2021.
Meanwhile, the airport will see PAL Airlines increase service to Deer Lake with a new route between there and Moncton.
The new route is part of an enhanced winter schedule for Atlantic Canada and Quebec and includes a Moncton to Wabush flight.
“We’re confident the growth we’ve announced today responsibly matches our capacity to market demand while allowing us to continue meeting the needs of our customers and expanding our network in the near future,” said Calvin Ash, president of PAL Airlines in a press release issued on Dec. 11.
It was noted that the new routes allow for easy expansion as seasonal demand increases.
