THUNDER BAY – As airlines come and go, at least one national company is committed to staying at the local airport for at least another decade.
During a luncheon Thursday, Air Canada executive vice-president Kevin Howlett spoke in regard to how the airline has transformed regional operations and how it has impacted Thunder Bay over the years.
The vice-president said a company-wide transformation started in 2009 after the organization suffered financially from a damaging economic downslide.
Despite those ugly years, the airline underwent some significant changes and recently extended its Jazz contract with the local airport until 2025.
“We had to bring the airline to a financially stable platform. We looked at our fleet, changing our arrangements with our employees and re-engaging with the costumers,” Howlett said.
“I think the point we would like to make here with respect to our market in Thunder Bay is that Thunder Bay is one step away from the major markets of the world, whether it’s Asia, Europe or the US.”
Air Canada has recently introduced a new flight this summer, adding one flight to Toronto each day.
President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Charla Robinson said Air Canada is important to the city’s economy because it has served the city for 70 years and has given the city “major connectivity globally for exporting and importing products.”
