PASSENGER TRAFFIC INCREASES 27% AT GANDER AIRPORT

Growth tempered by cautionary view of economic prospects

(October 19, 2015) Passenger traffic at Gander International Airport (CYQX) increased 27% year-to-date as of the third quarter.

“We are pleased to see solid passenger growth during a challenging time for the economy,” said Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) President and CEO Reg Wright.

Mr. Wright said new airlines offering more flights contributed to the increase in passengers.

“Air Canada continues to provide a strong service to Central Newfoundland, having significantly invested in additional capacity to our market in recent years. Sunwing’s service to Toronto and the Caribbean was well subscribed and their newest city, Orlando, performed was extremely well received. In addition, WestJet and Provincial Airlines restored service to Gander in 2015, offering more choice to travelers in Central Newfoundland.”

While the GIAA is encouraged by the results, many Canadian airports are braced for a stagnant period due to economic circumstances.

“Depressed commodity prices mean pessimistic economic prospects,” Mr. Wright said. “It is a worrisome situation for all airports, especially with the reduction in commuting workers. A supply-led recovery to boost the price of oil seems some ways away and the low Canadian dollar is affecting demand for transborder travel.”

In 2014, the airport posted a six per cent growth over the previous year, representing the highest passenger totals since 1981.

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region.

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For further information, contact:

Reg Wright, President and CEO

Phone:  (709) 256-6668    Email: [email protected]