Deer Lake Airport Traffic up During First Quarter

April 15, 2003

The Deer Lake Regional Airport continues to post an increase in passenger traffic as first quarter traffic levels exceeds last year’s statistics by nearly 9%. The total number of passengers traveling through the airport from January 1st to March 31st jumped by 2,913 to reach 35,887 for the first three month period this year.

Traffic levels for January represented an 8.5% increase. The month of February experienced a 16% rise in passenger levels and March figures were up 3%. The March figures represent the ninth consecutive month of increased passenger traffic at the Deer Lake Regional Airport.

Carl Stratton, Chairman of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority was pleasantly surprised with the 1st quarter results. “We were anticipating continued growth but these statistics have exceeded our expectations,” said Stratton. “The increase in traffic is a direct result of the extensive service offered by Air Canada, Air Labrador, CanJet and Provincial Airlines,” added Stratton. Jamie Schwartz, Airport Manager, also agrees that the level of service has contributed to the growth in traffic. “There is competition on all three route networks serviced by the Deer Lake Airport, and as a result, we have witnessed the lowest fares offered in years,” said Schwartz. “These low fares, combined with our policy not to charge or collect an airport improvement fee has made air travel more affordable and stimulated traffic through our airport,” added Schwartz.

The Deer Lake Regional Airport now offers fifteen regularly scheduled passenger flights each day throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and Eastern and Central Canada with connections worldwide. A total of four different airlines; Air Canada Jazz, Air Labrador, CanJet Airlines and Provincial Airlines, now operate a regular service to and from Deer Lake. The Deer Lake Regional Airport is one of only a few remaining airports in Canada that does not collect or charge an airport improvement or passenger facilitation fee.