Hamilton, Ont. – (June 24, 2010) – It was announced today that some of WestJet winter services at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport will be reduced, effective November 1, 2010. WestJet flights to and from Hamilton International throughout this summer will continue as normal.
The change in winter schedule will affect services to Moncton, Halifax, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Regular services to Calgary, which include 13 scheduled weekly flights, will continue as will WestJet flights to Cancún, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Orlando, Florida. WestJet intends to return in summer 2011.
“Although we are disappointed with this decision, we understand WestJet’s need to manage profitability in this fragile recovering economy,” says Karen Medweth, director of marketing at Hamilton International. “We appreciate WestJet’s on-going use of our airport and expect them to return next summer with the full complement of flights.”
WestJet notes that decisions such as this are made regularly across its entire network to maintain operations as cost effectively as possible.
“This is unfortunate news for the people of Hamilton and we hope they understand and appreciate this was not a decision that was taken lightly,” says John MacLeod, vice president of network and revenue for WestJet. “Based on the performance of the summer schedule this year, it is our intention to return in summer 2011.”
While the economy has changed over recent years, Medweth says the airport is still viable and successful.
“We are in a much stronger position today than even five years ago,” says Medweth. “We continue to believe in the long term value of Hamilton International, are committed to its ongoing passenger and cargo service department and see strong growth potential.”
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport was built in October 1940 and over the years has transformed into a regional transportation hub. In the early 1980’s, local politician John Munro secured a $55-million federal investment to expand and develop the airport’s facilities resulting in the airport being renamed in his honour in 1998. Vancouver Airport Services took over the management and operation of the airport in 1996. The airport now generates a profit at no cost to taxpayers, has increased the airport-related workforce and significantly improved passenger and cargo business. Today, the airport is Canada’s largest intermodal courier/cargo gateway and a growing passenger airport.
For more information visit www.flyhi.ca or contact:
Sheila Calder / Lindsay Marett or Robert Palmer
Peak Communicators Media Relations, WestJet
Phone: 604-689-5559 Phone: 1888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397)
scalder@peakco.com / lmarett@peakco.com ropalmer@westjet.com
