Gander International Airport Blog

Air Canada today announced that it will launch a new daily service between Gander and Labrador, commencing Aug. 1, 2010.

The new flights provide direct service between Gander and Goose Bay with continuing service to Wabush and Sept. Iles, Québec .  Flights will be operated by Air Canada Tier III operator EVAS Air using an 18-seat washroom-equipped Beechcraft 1900D.  Flying time between Gander and Goose Bay is 1 hour 35  minutes. The Labrador route complements existing daily flights between both Gander-St. John’s and Gander-Halifax.

“This new service is great news for Central Newfoundlanders who work or do business in Labrador,” said Gary Vey, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority. “They no longer have to endure drive times over three hours to get a flight to the Big Land. We know our market will appreciate the convenience of this direct service and being able to earn Aeroplan miles doing it.”

Mr. Vey said the new air transportation link will help facilitate economic activity between the two regions, especially for conventions and commuting workers and contactors employed at Labrador’s major industrial developments.

Schedule details are as follows:

On June 18, Air Canada Jazz also introduced a third daily jet frequency between Gander and Halifax for the peak summer season.  Since Air Canada introduced jet service to Halifax in July of 2007, passenger performance at Gander International Airport has grown over 35 per cent.

Sunwing Airlines will offer twice weekly flights between Gander and Toronto this summer with Tuesday and Friday departures from June 25-September 7. Sunwing is offering special introductory one-way airfares of $99 while supplies last.

 “We are excited Sunwing will again offer peak season service to Toronto for local residents, Newfoundland expatriates and tourists,” said Gary Vey, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority.

“This schedule is designed to work with the tourism industry by providing low cost air fares to Newfoundland” said Bob Sime,  Director, Sunwing Vacations.

Flight times are as follows:

                 From GANDER

                Day                        Flight #                 Departs              Arrives

                Tuesday                 815                         1305                       1455

                Friday                     827                         1130                       1505

               From TORONTO

               Day                        Flight #                 Departs                Arrives

                Tuesday                 814                         0620                       1220

                Friday                     826                         0620                       1040

 All flights are on the carrier’s state-of-the-art Boeing 737s and include a generous hot snack, non-alcoholic beverages and in-flight entertainment with yours-to-keep headsets, all at no extra charge.  Sunwing’s Elite Plus service offers travelers the benefits of advance seat selection, extra-legroom seats, priority check-in, advance boarding service and a 30 kg baggage allowance – all for just $35 each way.

 Sunwing is also currently offering all inclusive vacations in Varadero, Cuba with Wednesday departures from Gander until May 5.

 For reservations, please contact your local travel agent or visit www.sunwing.ca

Air Canada today announced that it will launch a seasonal third daily frequency between Gander and Halifax, commencing June 18, 2010. Flights will be operated by Air Canada Jazz using a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft. This new service complements existing daily flights between both Gander-St. John’s and Gander-Halifax.

“This new flight allows even better access to Air Canada’s expansive global network,” said Gary Vey, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority. “For Central Newfoundland travelers it means better connectivity and convenience for the peak travel season.”

The new 6:25 pm evening departure from Gander will allow passengers traveling to western Canadian destinations like Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver to arrive just after midnight, and also provide convenient options for those flying to Gander, Mr. Vey added.

Schedule details are as follows:

From GANDER

Flight #           Departs              Arrives

AC8861           0600                     0703

AC8863           1405                     1508

AC8865           1825                     1928*

From HALIFAX

Flight #           Departs              Arrives

AC8862           1140                     1334

AC8865           1600                     1754*

AC8860           2230                     0024

*denotes new seasonal flight

“We are very pleased that Air Canada has been so responsive to the demands of our market and is increasing its service at Gander,” Mr. Vey said. “Since Air Canada introduced twice daily jet service to Halifax in July of 2007, passenger performance at our airport has grown roughly 35 per cent. Air Canada has been a fixture at Gander International Airport for over 70 years and we are looking forward to ensuring the success of this service.”

Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is the 13th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 33 million customers annually. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network for Canadian domestic, transborder and international travel. As well, customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada’s leading loyalty program.

In 2009, the readers of Business Traveler magazine voted Air Canada top airline in the following categories: Best Flight Attendants in North America, Best In-Flight Services in North America, Best Airline for Business Class Service in North America and Best North American Airline for International Travel.

Also in 2009, Air Canada was voted the Best Airline in Canada and the Best Airline in North America by the readers of Global Traveler magazine in an international survey of business travelers.

Gander International Airport has received a surge in traffic as the global humanitarian efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti continue in force.

The airport is scheduled to see dozens more aircraft chartered by international relief bodies, stopping for fuel en route to Port-Au-Prince as passenger and cargo aircraft from Russia, Norway, Switzerland, France and the Ukraine carry rescue workers, medicines, food and other relief supplies. The ramp has been busy with all sorts of aircraft, but particularly the versatile IL-76 and An12, regarded as capable workhorses for humanitarian operations.

Dion Faulkner, General Manager of Allied Aviation, the ground handling at Gander, said their office has “been inundated with requests for technical stop set-ups. We’re trying to get these aircraft serviced, refueled and back in the air as fast as possible to expedite the relief effort.”

It is not unusual for Gander to see a spike in international landings during natural disasters or times of political strife. When the world is called upon to respond collectively to disasters in the Caribbean, South America or even overseas, we generally accommodate an unusual level of traffic. We saw the same thing immediately after Hurricane Jeanne.

The situation in Haiti, between the casualties and the estimated 2 million people still in need of emergency supplies, is heart wrenching.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so we are getting behind it.  As such, the Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) has pledged $5,000 to help the delivery of breakfast programs at schools throughout Central Newfoundland. 

For a variety of reasons, many children throughout the province attend school without a nutritious breakfast. This leads to negative effects on their ability to concentrate as well as their long-term health and well-being.  Kids Eat Smart is a volunteer-based organization that works with communities to support 195 Kids Eat Smart Clubs throughout the province.

 Frankly, we couldn’t think of a better way to give back to the greater community than making sure kids start the day off on the right foot with proper nutrition.

 Kids Eat Smart is an incredible program that makes an important contribution to our children’s nutrition, education and well-being.  The program’s success is a credit to the volunteers, staff, supporters and partners who make it work.  If you have some spare time to volunteer or want to get behind a great cause, this is a great way to go.

 The airport authority has contributed  to nine schools throughout Central Newfoundland including Gander Academy, Glovertown Academy, Lewisporte Academy, Green Bay South Academy in Robert’s Arm, Bay d’espoir Academy in Milltown, Lakewood Academy in Glenwood,  Millcrest Academy in Grand Falls-Windsor and Riverwood Academy in Wing’s Point. The airport authority has pledged to support various breakfast programs each year and rotate donations among different schools in the Nova Consolidated School District.

 The airport authority also supports active living by investing in youth sports. Its other philanthropic work includes the Christmas adopt-a-family program, community festivals and other non-profit organizations.

In the dead of the Newfoundland’s winter, the best way to defrost yourself is with a trip to the sun-soaked Caribbean. And what better place than Cuba’s Varadero?

Varadero is much closer this year with Sunwing Vacation’s flights from Gander with Wednesday departures from March 10-April 28.  To book online, visit www.flysunwing.ca or call your local travel agent.

 Having been to Varadero twice myself, I can guarantee vacationers will fall in love with the place. The beach, the food, the people, the music … Cuba is the sort of place that leaves an indelible mark on you. You can combine an immersive beach holiday with the cultural exploration which makes the country unique.

 Cuban culture is much influenced by the fact that it is a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa, with landscape ranges from semi-arid desert to lush tropical rainforests.

 Here’s a bit of a primer for those of you entertaining a Cuban vacation.

 The Climate

Cuba’s climate is moderately subtropical and warm. The island’s average temperature is 25.5ºC and average relative humidity is 78 per cent. It also sees an average of 330 days of sunshine a year. Varadero’s trademark beach boasts an average year-round water temperature of 24ºC-26ºC, ideal for swimming, sailing and other watersports.

 The Music

Music is Cuba’s richest expression of culture—it gave birth to the Mumba, the Salsa, the Rumba and the Cha-cha-cha. Vacationers may need to limber up before Cuban jazz sets the evenings ablaze.

 The Cigars

Cigar lovers claim Cuban cigars are the world’s finest. . The exceptional quality is thought to arise from the growing climate, combined with the fact that Cuban cigar rollers are regarded as the most skilled. All cigar production is controlled by the Cuban government, with Habanas rated as the best brand. How good are the cigars? The day before John F. Kennedy signed trade sanctions against Cuba, he had 1,000 Cuban cigars delivered. To ensure authenticity and quality, only buy cigars from government stores.

 The Capital

Don’t visit Cuba without seeing Havana. Simply put, it’s one of the world’s great cities.  The capital of Cuba, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its glorious old Spanish Colonial Architecture with bountiful historical and cultural sights. The must-sees include the Malecon (sea wall), the Artisans Market, Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts, Old Havana, the San Cristobal Cathedral, the Plaza de la Revolucion, the legendary Copacabana, the old cemetery and the Capitol building. Havana is a great place to sit on a patio, enjoy a daiquiri and a toasted Cubano sandwich and watch the people pass by. 

 The Food

Cuban cuisine is strongly influenced by African and Spanish cultures. The national dish is ajiaco, a stew of assorted root vegetables cooked with pork, poultry or beef. Other typical dishes are lechón (roast pork), fried green plantains (tachinos), congrí (rice with red beans), picadillo a la habanera (ground beef in tomato sauce), roast chicken and tamales among others.

 The Drink

The quality of Cuban rum is recognized internationally and comes in four distillations: refined, white, gold and aged. Gold and aged rums are better for drinking straight, while white rum (carta blanca or carta plata) is best for cocktails. Several of the world’s most famous rum cocktails are Cuban, including the Cuban libre, the daiquiri, the Cubanito and the saoco. But don’t leave without trying Cuba’s flagship cocktail, the Mojito (pronounced Mo-HEE-to.) It’s two parts heaven, one part breath mint. Its combination of sweetness and refreshing citrus and spearmint flavors are intended to mask the potent kick of Cuba’s famed rum. Ernest Hemingway was among its greatest fans.

Mojito: a Hemingway favourite. Mine, too.

 Sonja Maloney has worked with Shanahan’s Investigation & Security Limited, the service provider for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), since 2003. The business of airport security can be a challenge, for both passengers and those professionals who have been handed an enormous mandate to ensure the safety of air travel in the country. It’s a job Sonja and the CATSA team at Gander undertake with pride. She approaches work the same way she does life – with a certain enthusiastic zest. A native of Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island, 27-year-old Sonja and husband Alvin were married this past Christmas. When she’s not working, Sonja is most often found walking her lively Labrador Retriever. She took some time to talk with us about food, fishing, security, superpowers and food some more. 

 Are people getting used to pre-board screening requirements?

On the whole, I would have to say travellers are adjusting very well.

What are some of the typical mistakes passengers make which cause pre-board screening issues?

Generally, infrequent flyers who aren’t fully aware of the regulations can take a bit longer to process. The other would be people who arrive late to the pre-board screening checkpoint.

If you could offer any piece of advice to passengers to streamline the security process, what would it be?

It’s mostly about preparation and knowing the regulations and restrictions beforehand. All the information is available via the CATSA website at www.catsa.gc.ca. Arriving early can make all the difference. If you are travelling with small children, for example, it might take a bit longer and we’d recommend you clear security sooner to allow extra time.

 Where’s your dream vacation?

Italy, for the food and wine, obviously. I have hopes we can go as a belated honeymoon, perhaps in the fall. Work is very busy in the summer.

 What do you do in your spare time?

I like the outdoors and walking our dog. I also cook. My mom, Deborah, is a great cook and I picked some of that up from her. I can do the traditional meals, and I’m getting better with age.

 Do you have a favourite local restaurant?

I have to put in a shameless plug for Nicole’s Cafe in Joe Batt’s Arm, which is owned by Nicole Torraville. My mom works there. The food and the atmosphere are just incredible. The concept is basically gourmet adaptations of traditional foods, like crab paninis and bakeapple crème brulée. They use fresh local ingredients, often organic, and it makes all the difference. The greens for the salads, for example, are grown in nearby Shoal Bay, and you can really taste the freshness. You won’t be disappointed.

 What’s in your CD player right now?

Cher. I’m a big fan and not embarrassed to admit it. I love Cher, I grew up singing “Just Like Jesse James.” Cher is a karaoke favourite.

 If a meteor were hurtling toward earth bent on destroying us all, what would your last meal be?

If I had to pick, I’d go with my mom’s glazed ham and salads. But I love food in general. I’m a huge eater. People are astonished with my appetite. I have to try and get a lot of exercise to offset it.

 You are from a fishing family in a strong fishing community. Your father Aidan not only fishes, but also builds traditional Newfoundland punts. Did you ever expect to follow the family fishing lineage?

My dad never really encouraged it, to be honest. My brother Dominic took that role on. I tag along for the food fishery, but I get a bit seasick.

 What’s your most prized possession?

My father made me a coffee and end table set from scratch. My father-in-law Joe cut the tree and kilned the wood. It’s all one piece, a single slab of dense birch with knots and plenty of character. My dad’s become quite a carpenter which is amazing considering he couldn’t hang a picture when I was growing up. He also made an amazing bed for my sister.

 What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

 If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I think the power to heal people would be pretty handy.

 Others might say they’d like superhuman strength or invisibility so they could sneak into bank vaults, or out of work early …

That’s not much good compared to being able to take people’s sickness away. Wouldn’t that be a great superpower?

Halifax: good times guaranteed.

Since July of 2007, Air Canada Jazz has offered twice daily jet service direct to Halifax. If you haven’t been there in a while, we thought we’d offer our Halifax “best of” to aid you travel plans.

Halifax offers great gastronomical adventure for all you ravenous hungry hungry hippos out there. Gio Restaurant (1725 Market Street | phone 902-425-1978) was recently voted one of Canada’s best restaurants. Chef Ray Bear is among the nation’s premiere competition chefs and puts together an outstanding globally-inspired menu. If you’re hungry for tapas, you can’t beat Mosaic (1584 Argyle Street | phone 902-405-4700.) It offers great food to be shared in a flirtatious setting. If you aim to do it Italian, Rogio Orazio (5537 Young Street | 902-454-9991) is certainly a darling on the Halifax restaurant scene. The menu is small, but the wine list and taste go very big. The best breakfast, especially after a wild night of downtown gallivanting, is the Ardmore Tea Room on Quinpool—homemade, hearty and inexpensive. Their lumberjack breakfast is incredible.

 Pub crawling. Obviously, there are many marquee destinations for pub crawlers seeking out live music with a pint in a fun setting. We recommend cramming yourself into the eternally-hopping Old Triangle. In addition, the Lower Deck is a legend all its own. Apparently, no one told Haligonians that the weekend doesn’t begin until Friday. Every Thursday night, the Argyle Bar and Grill is absolutely packed, brimming with a great atmosphere.

 Shop till you drop. There are plenty of places to buy gifts and generally abuse your credit card in Halifax, both downtown and in a mall setting. Looking for wacky, retro or vintage sweets for your kids? Try the quirky Freak Lunchbox—because one can never have too many Darth Vader Pez dispensers. The Black Market also has a number of offbeat items, from hand-crafted sweaters to carved nik naks; it’s especially good for jewelry. For women, don’t forget Biscuit General Store on Argyle. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift, but most women go to shop for themselves. The best shoe shop in town is Fanatic Footwear in Bishops Landing. Dartmouth Crossing is a new open concept shopping centre with plenty of shops to choose from.

 Spaaaah. If getting kneaded, groomed and de-stressed is your thing, Spirit Urban Day Spa (5150 Salter Street | Phone: 709-431-8100) has a reputation as of Atlantic Canada’s finest. It has a 30-strong staff including  aestheticians, massage therapists, etc. Spirit’s specialty organic skin treatments (in lemon, blueberry and pumpkin “flavors”) are all the rage. Spirit also has a hair salon and a great view.

 Tour time.  There are plenty of compelling tours available, including the harbour tour. But we’re giving our vote to the Keith’s Brewery tour, especially on Saturdays when the Farmer’s Market at the brewery is busy.

 If you’re looking for a great place to stay, check out the The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel (1181 Hollis | Phone: 902-424-8935.) The Queen has stayed their twice, so you’ll probably find it’s to your liking. There’s an indoor pool, hot tub, Yuk Yuks comedy club and more. There’s an $8 million renovation in the works so the Westin is getting even better.

 Best souvenir. We know Newfoundlanders tend to turn up their nose at non-local lobster, but live lobster is available just about everywhere in Halifax. Why not grab a couple on the way home? As a wise man once intoned, You can never, ever eat too much lobster.