Airport Offers Gateway to the World, Driving Economic Recovery

The seasonal Air Canada Rouge flights resume on June 29 to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport. They’ll run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the summer on an Airbus 319 airliner. The route gives residents a chance to reconnect with friends, family, and business opportunities in eastern Canada and the rest of the world, thanks to easy connections.

“Air Canada is a valued partner that supports out commitment to being the Central Island’s gateway to the world and an economic catalyst for the region,” says Dave Devana, President and CEO of Nanaimo Airport Commission.

“Air Canada sees the value in continuing to invest in this route, which has been on our schedule for several years now. The Island is a popular destination and its growing population will create an increasing demand for air travel.”

The Toronto flight means Nanaimo Airport will offer Island residents access to the country’s three main air travel hubs. Air Canada and WestJet flights already provide daily flights to Vancouver and Calgary.

“A morning flight from Nanaimo can get travellers to many global destinations later that same day,” Devana points out.

Convenient and safe air travel is one of the many ways Nanaimo Airport contributes to the world-renowned Island lifestyle. Its operations also provide a significant boost to the regional economy.

“Spin-off benefits include increased tourist spending in our communities,” Devana says. “The influx of visitors will help spur the vital tourism sector’s recovery and create jobs. Entrepreneurs and investors also can capitalize on increased business opportunities.”

The benefits are all part of Nanaimo Airport’s leadership role in economic development. Its operations directly and indirectly generate hundreds of millions of dollars of economic activity. Local initiatives of the Nanaimo Airport include being a founding shareholder in the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation, and a Board member on the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.

It’s important to note that the Nanaimo Airport drives growth without receiving government taxes to finance its operations, Devana says. Nanaimo Airport Commission is a non-profit corporation that generates revenue through passenger fees, parking fees and leases. “We invest any net surplus in infrastructure improvements to enhance the airport for the communities we serve.”

For more information visit nanaimoairport.com.

Dave Devana, President and CEO, Nanaimo Airport
Office: 250-245-4191
Cell: 250-802-0046
Email: dave.devana@ycd.ca