PAL Airlines Flies First Air Canada Express Flight from Newfoundland to Halifax

PAL Airlines, a regional carrier based in Newfoundland and Labrador, has completed its first flight between St. John’s International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport under a new commercial agreement with Air Canada. The inaugural flight, operated by a Dash 8-400 aircraft, took off on July 1, 2023, marking the start of a partnership that will expand and strengthen regional service in eastern Canada.

The commercial agreement, which was announced in May 2023, will see PAL Airlines acquire up to six additional Dash 8-400 aircraft to be progressively introduced into service on behalf of Air Canada for a term of up to five years. The agreement will also allow PAL Airlines to operate more routes under the Air Canada Express brand, complementing its existing network of scheduled and charter destinations across Eastern Canada and Quebec.

“We’re tremendously excited to be working together with Air Canada to collaboratively develop and strengthen regional travel options across eastern Canada,” said Calvin Ash, President of PAL Airlines. “This most recent agreement preserves the existing PAL Airlines commercial network, substantially expands our airline operation, and supports our long-held strategy of building our business by staying attuned to the markets we serve.”

The partnership between PAL Airlines and Air Canada is beneficial for both carriers and their customers, as it offers more connectivity, frequency, and convenience for travelers in eastern Canada. The partnership also builds on previous agreements achieved between the two carriers, such as the addition of PAL Airlines as an Aeroplan partner, the achievement of an interline agreement that allows for seamless customer connections between the two networks, and the sale of certain PAL Airlines flights on aircanada.com.

“PAL Airlines has a reputation as a strong operator and this agreement will allow us to provide added stability to our already extensive regional operations in eastern Canada. Our partnership will be beneficial for local communities as air connections support economic activity and tourism while keeping families and friends connected,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, palairlines.ca, cnbc.ca