I was in town this week because I am a board member for the St. John’s Airport Authority and we had a meeting. Our CEO Keith Collins gave a talk about “Looking forward. Moving upward,” all about our new Category 3 Instrument Landing System. This state of the art system will bring our landing success from around 94 to 99%., meaning that 100,000 people won’t be stranded next year (with daughters that live off-island, I can commiserate on that one!).
According to Keith, all of the flights that had to be cancelled so far this year due to weather would have gotten in if we had this upcoming system in place. And since we are the foggiest city in Canada, it is only appropriate that we will be the third airport in Canada to have it.
The airport of course has a significant economic impact the on the region (and our cabin rentals) – 80% of all visitors to Newfoundland fly in through it. So no wonder one of the sponsors for the luncheon was Destination St. John’s.
And by the way, did you know that St. John’s is ranked #7 in all the world for airports our size and #47 in the world, regardless of the size. Amazing, as we strive to be #1. I’ve always loved the St. John’s Airport – not just because being there means either I’m coming home or a loved one is, but because I think it really is a showcase of Newfoundland ingenuity and architecture. And with this new system coming, it will really be something to be proud of!
Great that they are upgrading the airport since so many people fly in, but it is unfortunate that it cost so much to rent a vehicle to drive around Newfoundland.
Sorry to hear that your vehicle rental was too much! Hope it didn’t hinder your enjoyment!
Actually I live in Whiteway but have lots of people visit and that is the one complaint that I hear , the cost of rental vehicles and having to pay extra for mileage.
I hear you. Hopefully people take that into consideration when booking buy you’re right – it is an added expense. Hope to see you around!