I think the reaction to dvelopments in this file is embellished by the fact that other parts of the country want more air service and understand that it's use-it-or-lose-it when new routes are introduced. YEG-LHR has panned out rather well. YYT-LHR hasn't, and not just for AC but for Astraeus. I'm of the view that there isn't enough traffic during the winter schedule to support even one flight a week on one airline. Astraeus knew AC was likely to pull out by the end of the summer schedule, but bailed anyway.

I regret the fact that Air Canada is launching an important new service for NL - a year round YYT-YOW nonstop and nobody in the NL government issues a press release applauding that development. That is one reason why I suspect a lot of people feel Danny Williams and a lot of other NL officials are whiners. I contrast this with Edmonton's reaction when it got the YEG-LHR flight. Yes, YEG has complained about its level of air services, but when it gets a new service, it applauds, it doesn't turn its back on the airline in question. Similarly Moncton and Fredericton officials were delirious with joy at getting new nonstops to Ottawa. NL officials would do well to follow the Moncton model which is to build bridges with carriers, work with them, not to carp and whine. Moncton has been scoring breakthrough after breakthrough. (Officials in Saskatchewan would be advised to do the same, starting with the premier who could order the lowering of fuel taxes to make it more attractive for airlines to operate to/from the province.)

If AC believes it can't win with these fools NL, it is less likely to take large risks like investing in the long term for YYT-LHR.

If the NL government wants to accelerate the growth of air services to/from the province, it should review its fuel taxes and potentially offset landing fees across the board at its airports. It should follow the example of provinces like Alberta that specifically reduced aviation-related costs, notably the fuel tax, to attract more flights.