New Cargo Service for Halifax International Airport

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--New Cargo Service for Halifax International Airport

Beginning next week, Icelandair will start a new air-cargo service to Halifax International Airport on a trial basis. Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke and the manager of Marketing and Business Development for the Halifax International Airport Authority, Jerry Staples, made the announcement today, Dec. 4.

Mr. Clarke and Mr. Staples travelled to Reykjavik to meet with Icelandair president Sigurdur Helgason to urge the airline to restore its regularly scheduled passenger flights between Reykjavik and Halifax, a link the airline cancelled in October 2001. Mr. Clarke led a visit to Iceland organized by the Office of Economic Development, in co-operation with Nova Scotia Business Inc. and Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA).

"This trial air-cargo service is an immediate tangible benefit for businesses trading with Iceland and Europe," Mr. Clarke said.

"It is our goal to use this as a stepping stone to a full and integrated cargo and passenger service," he said. In the meantime, air-cargo service opens doors for Nova Scotia and regional businesses, as well as for new prospects identified by Nova Scotia Business Inc. as a result of the current visit.

The airport authority welcomes the increased cargo capacity.

"From an HIAA perspective, Mr. Clarke has been pivotal to opening doors with Iceland's government and Icelandair. HIAA is delighted with this very positive turn of events in the new cargo service, and we will work closely with the province of Nova Scotia toward a full reinstatement of Icelandair's passenger service to Halifax."

The airline cancelled its passenger route in October 2001 as part of sweeping reforms to its international flight operations in response to an economic downturn compounded by the events of Sept. 11. Despite the air link's cancellation, the Halifax- Reykjavik service is credited with building business and tourism links between Nova Scotia and Iceland during its five-year run.

Valgedur Sverrisdottir, Iceland's Minister of Industry and Commerce, said she was pleased to host Mr. Clarke on his first official visit to Iceland this week.

"I appreciated facilitating a renewed air interest serviced by Icelandair that will provide the necessary link to growing business between the two regions, especially supporting the already established Icelandic businesses in Nova Scotia," she said.

"To build on tourism and other commercial ties, a direct air service between Nova Scotia and Iceland is critical," Mr. Clarke said. He said that a strong demand for the route continues to exist among Icelandic and European businesses and tourists and Atlantic Canadians who are interested in a convenient, affordable route to Europe.

The minister has pledged Nova Scotia's support in trying to re- establish the regularly scheduled passenger flights. This would include fostering increased opportunities for Iceland to work with Canada to expand Icelandair's business into Halifax.