Fredericton Airport To Receive $3.8-Million From Ottawa
FREDERICTON — The Fredericton International Airport will receive $3.8-million in non-repayable financial support thanks to the federal government’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative.
The program, which launched in March of this year, aims to support access to air transportation and regional ecosystems by ensuring airports stay open and allowing existing flight routes to remain in place.
Fredericton Liberal Member of Parliament Jenica Atwin appeared at the airport Thursday morning to announce the funding, which will help the authority resume operations as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
It comes just one month after WestJet and Air Canada resumed their routes out of the region’s skies and as Atlantic Canadian companies like PAL Airlines hit the airport’s runways.
“The Fredericton International Airport Authority Inc. is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports business growth and economic development for the greater Fredericton area,” said Atwin in a release.
“This funding will help the airport maintain essential services and jobs as we move toward a post-pandemic recovery. I look forward to seeing the [airport] thriving once again, bringing people from far and wide to enjoy all we have to offer here in the capital city.”
The grant will allow the Fredericton airport to “maintain essential services” and partner with a variety of airlines carriers to continue or re-establish routes to the region, as well as sustaining 16 jobs.
According to federal Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly, having regional air service is crucial to protecting that sector’s ecosystem, the movement of Canadian goods and the connectivity of all Canadians, especially given the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is important to protect our regional air transportation ecosystems for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it,” said Joly in a release.
“We know that air connectivity to all regions is essential to healthy, inclusive economic growth, and supporting it is part of our plan to build back a stronger, more resilient economy.”
Johanne Gallant, the president and CEO of the Fredericton Airport, said in a release that the authority’s services are essential for the “economic vitality” of the region.
“We appreciate the Government of Canada’s support, which will enable our airport to continue operating safely, connecting businesses in central and western New Brunswick to the world and bringing families and friends together again,” said Gallant in the release.
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Aaron Sousa is a summer intern for Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].