Taskforce will boost YSJ

As Saint John Airport struggles to stay alo in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraged that a new taskforce has been set up to help obtain federal help.

The airport has been particularly hard hit by the loss of track during the pandemic. Between March and June, YSJ was completely closed to passenger planes, and since then the port has been operating on a very reduced schedule.

Currently, the airport is set to lose up to $3.5 million in 2020 alone, which has forced delays in upgrades, even as flights from Porter and budget carrier Flair Airlines have been pushed o by several months.

The airport desperately needs help, and we hope that the new taskforce, which was created by the Saint John Chamber of Commerce, can do so. The group is tasked with shaping the airportʼs lobbying eorts, including a push for low-to-no interest loans and the elimination of airport rent.

We encourage the federal government to listen to this taskforce and respond to YSJʼs needs. A robust airport is an essential part of boosting economic growth and quality of life for people across New Brunswick.