The CEO of St. John’s International Airport believes an income guarantee from the province would help attract more airlines to the region.
Dennis Hogan spoke yesterday at a St. John’s Board of Trade event focused on air access.
He says airlines want economically viable routes and don’t necessarily wish to rely on a guaranteed revenue. However, given changes happening in the sector globally, such incentives have become part of the package that airlines are looking for.
He says it would make a big difference in bringing airlines here, noting that airports in other provinces have “some degree of backing” from government.
Hogan has had conversations with the province about guaranteed revenue.
St. John’s Board of Trade CEO AnnMarie Boudreau, meanwhile, says discussions around incentive programs should involve all stakeholders.
She says the jurisdictions Newfoundland and Labrador is competing with are offering incentives, and they need to speak with government about how they are going to “level the playing field.”