May 6, 2022
The Halifax International Airport Authority will be able to attract more air routes and passengers to Nova Scotia with the help of a $13-million investment from the Province.
Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development, announced the funding today, May 6, during an event at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
“Our airports are a key part of Nova Scotia’s economic growth and prosperity. Air access helps increase trade and competitiveness, brings new investment and supports our tourism sector,” said Minister Corkum-Greek. “This funding underscores the government’s commitment to helping our businesses become even more competitive in global markets, strengthening our transportation links and promoting Nova Scotia’s many unique attributes to the world.”
The investment will go toward the airport authority’s Air Access Fund, used for incentives to airlines to establish new routes at Halifax Stanfield.
Quotes:
We’re grateful for this additional financial support from the provincial government to help us re-establish a strong air service network for our communities. Air service connections will be critical in supporting regional economic recovery, and now more than ever, we need to partner with our airlines to ensure service is returned to our region in a timely manner, allowing our tourism markets to gain back the momentum they’ve lost since COVID-19.
Marie Manning, Vice-President, Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer, Halifax International Airport Authority
Quick Facts:
- the funding is part of a $19.3 million investment in Nova Scotia’s two largest airports, with the Sydney Airport Authority receiving $6.3 million for its new Air Access Fund and infrastructure upgrades
- Brian Comer, MLA for Cape Breton East and Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, was at the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport today on behalf of Minister Corkum-Greek to announce the funding for its airport authority
- air access funds help the airport authorities attract new routes by offering incentives to reduce airlines’ financial risk of allocating airplanes and other supports to a route
- the Halifax airport authority’s fund was originally intended to attract United States and international flight routes, but now, the authority can use a portion of the funds to attract domestic routes as Canadian carriers re-establish services cut during the pandemic