Province Welcomes WestJet

The start of another daily air service at Halifax airport brings additional competition into the marketplace and that's good news for travellers and the economy, says Rodney MacDonald, Nova Scotia's Minister of Tourism and Culture.

"A competitive airline industry helps support the economic and social goals of Nova Scotians. Strong air service is an important building block for local and regional development," Mr. MacDonald said as he welcomed WestJet to Halifax International Airport on behalf of Transportation and Public Works Minister Michael Baker, today, Feb. 27.

"It also helps support our tourism industry, which is worth more than $1 billion annually, and the thousands of jobs that go with it."

"We are very pleased to welcome WestJet to our community," said Reg Milley, president and CEO for Halifax International Airport Authority. "This service offers business and leisure travellers another low-fare option, one that can take them from coast to coast."

Mr. Milley and Mr. MacDonald said this type of air service announcement is a testament to the strength of the provincial economy. Mr. Milley also said it is the result of the efforts of the Airport Authority and several key partners including the Department of Tourism and Culture, the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Office of Economic Development.

WestJet is running two flights daily from Halifax to Hamilton, Ont., with connections to other WestJet destinations.