Province Helps Re-establish Air Service at Yarmouth International Airport

A major entry point and transportation link for Nova Scotia will offer air service once again and create jobs for the Southwest region.

The province will provide $2 million to help re-establish air service at the Yarmouth International Airport. Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, made the announcement today, Jan. 20, on behalf of Murray Scott, Minister of Economic and Rural Development.

The investment, provided through the Industrial Expansion Fund, will be jointly administered by the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation and the Department of Economic and Rural Development. It will provide a revenue stream for the airport.

"This is the kind of investment we envision to help create new business opportunities and prosperity in rural areas across Nova Scotia," said Mr. Hurlburt. "Today, we have demonstrated the proof of the government's commitment to support vital transportation links in Southwest Nova Scotia."

The fund will operate for five years to help establish two daily flights from Yarmouth to Halifax and Yarmouth to Portland, Maine. starting in February. The service will be run by Starlink Aviation and will connect air corridors in Canada and the United States to Southwest Nova Scotia. It will also create Yarmouth-based jobs at the airport, which has not been operational on a daily basis, as well as economic spinoffs for the region.

"We are pleased that the province and many businesses in the region have come forward to support this important service," said Martin Pink, chair of the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation board. "Re-establishing air service in Yarmouth through Starlink will boost business and the tourism industry in the region."

Extensive studies were done by the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the Portland Jetport on the potential demand for connecting services to Yarmouth and Portland. The estimated annual demand for the Yarmouth to Halifax service is nearly 10,000 passengers per year. The cost for a two-way fare from Yarmouth to Halifax is estimated at $300.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to provide this high quality air service between Yarmouth, Halifax and Portland airports," said Glenn Lynch, CEO of Starlink. "We are committed to ensuring that our customers have the very best travel experience that can be provided."

The Industrial Expansion Fund is one method the government of Nova Scotia uses to support economic development in the province. It is key to helping industries involved in innovative research and technology while contributing to a prosperous and sustainable business climate for Nova Scotia.