News - Stephenville International Airport

Stephenville Airport Corporation reached out to the business community of Bay St. George last week for help in securing an airline for the airport that will provide a mainland connection.

In a letter sent to members of the Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce last week, airport corporation member Mary O'Quinn reminded members of the airport's importance to the area and asked chamber members for their financial support.

The airline that the corporation is in talks with have asked them for a commitment to guarantee the sale of at least ten seats on flights inbound to the airport.

The airport asked chamber members to consider a financial contribution to help build an in trust account to pay for the seats.

In the letter, Ms. O'Quinn writes they are seeking one-time contributions that will be held in trust until the service to the area is established.

"As never before, this region has to come together for the benefit of all residents and for the foreseeable future of the Stephenville Airport," she writes.

"We have an exceptional facility, let us work together to help it reach its full potential."

Airport manager Larry Smith could not confirm many other details at press time, except to say the airport has been in negotiations with the airline carrier in question for about a year.

"It's service from here, to Halifax, Yarmouth and Portland, Maine," says Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith says the airport has set a deadline of Dec. 4 to decide whether or not to pursue the service.

He adds if they find the support is there and they decide to enter into business with the airline carrier, the probable start up date could be around Feb. 1, or earlier.

"Hopefully it will [go through]," says Mr. Smith. "It's a matter of survival here now. We need it."