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| Feb 06 /2008 |
Gander International reports a good year |
The Gander International Airport Authority experienced a strong 2007, says airport authority President and CEO Gary Vey.
Mr. Vey said international traffic has been strong in some segments and domestic travel out of Gander is going through a "period of revitalization."
"Our traditional international refueling business has been fairly good. Cargo movements were up 35% year-to-date over 2006 and military aicraft patronage has shown a 17% growth. Corporate jet movements, a cornerstone of our operation, have been steady as well," he said.
Domestic passenger movements grew 13% in 2007 and will continue to grow, Mr. Vey noted, with passenger movements in January of 2008 up some 73%.
"The introduction of Air Canada's double daily service direct to Halifax has really reinvigorated the Central Newfoundland travel market. In addition, Sunwing extended its summer charter flights to Toronto this year and patronage was very strong. Seats are also going quickly for Sunwing's flights from Gander to Varadero, Cuba and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this winter."
Gander International Airport showed the second largest year-over-year gain in total aircraft movement in Canada, with a 44.7% increase. Local flight movements, driven by enhanced by pilot training activity, were up 109% over 2006.
This growth places the airport on a better footing going forward, Mr. Vey stated.
"Hopefully we can sustain this growth and it will contribute to stronger revenues," he said. "If we can maintain our current performance, exploit new opportunities and get a handle on our operational costs, we can generate the kind of revenues required to support our medium-term capital program."
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.
For further information, contact:
Gary Vey, President and CEO (709) 256-6668
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