News of increased air service to the Charlottetown Airport is a positive development for Island consumers and businesses, says Premier Pat Binns.
The Premier's comments follow news that Tango, Air Canada's new discount carrier, will include Charlottetown on its expanded list of destinations this summer. Tango will be offering a direct flight from Charlottetown to Toronto twice weekly commencing June 1, 2002.
"Enhancing air service to Prince Edward Island through the Charlottetown Airport has been a priority of my government for some time," said Premier Pat Binns. "We have felt that there is a potential growth market in discount air services on Prince Edward Island and we're hopeful that the arrival of Tango will help tap into that market by giving consumers greater choice."
Currently, the Charlottetown Airport Authority is primarily serviced by Air Canada's main fleet. The arrival of Tango will provide Island travellers with a greater range of choice when it comes to air fares. This is something that the Province, the Charlottetown Airport Authority, and the business community have been lobbying both the airline industry and the federal government for some time.
"A viable airport is a key element of our transportation network and an important factor in the continued economic growth of Prince Edward Island," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon. "The arrival of Tango should increase passenger volumes at the Charlottetown Airport Authority which will improve the Authority's long-term sustainability as well as recognize Prince Edward Island as a growth market for the future, particularly during our busy tourism and its ever increasing shoulder season."