For Immediate Release
Community Leaders and PAL Airlines Meet to Address Air Service Challenges in Western Labrador
November 1st, 2024
St. John’s, NL – Today, the Member of Parliament for Labrador and representatives from Western Labrador’s communities met with leaders from PAL Airlines to address significant issues surrounding air service in the region. This crucial meeting centered on improving the reliability, quality, and affordability of air travel for residents, especially following a summer marked by delays and service challenges.
The delegation included MP Yvonne Jones; Mayor Belinda Adams of Labrador City; Councillor Rick Burke of Wabush; passenger and resident advocates Dena Churchill-Rumbolt and Heather Brett; and Labrador West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Lydia Rickards.
Quotes
“There has been unrest around the reliability and affordability of services in the Labrador Region, that has been compounded by a lack of direct Communications,” says Dena Churchill- Rumbolt. “Therefore it was important we have an open dialogue to express these concerns.”
“We are appreciative that PAL listened to our concerns and understands that their summer and early fall service wasn’t acceptable,” said Mayor Adams. “They heard our stories, took our feedback, and they have committed to using what we’ve experienced to make service better in Western Labrador.”
“The fact they want to meet with us again in a month, indicates their willingness to look at solutions,” said Heather Brett. At that time they will share with us what they’ve changed or will be changing to meet our needs, and we will let them know if their changes are improving the travel experience for those in Labrador West and throughout Labrador.
Lydia Rickards from the Chamber of Commerce said, “It did come through in our meetings that PAL cares about their customers, values what we had to say, and understands the importance of air service to our community. I feel that the team members we met today truly listened to our concerns and seem committed to working towards solutions with us at the table. I look forward to our next meeting with more tangible action points that are focused on solutions for our community,” concluded Rickards.
MP Yvonne Jones also expressed optimism about PAL’s commitment to immediate improvements, noting, “They are committed to making changes to ensure service is more reliable and consistently on time this winter.”
“The entire team from PAL Airlines really appreciates the time the group from Western Labrador took to travel to St. John’s and share their concerns. While their comments were hard to hear at times, it’s important that we get that feedback and use it to work to make ourselves and our operation better. We look forward to rejoining with the group next month, reviewing the steps that we’ve taken to get better, and making sure the things we are doing are improving the experience for our customers”, said a spokesperson from the airline.
The meeting also covered concerns around the high costs of air travel in Labrador and Canada as a whole. PAL Airlines recognized the vital role of regional aviation but acknowledged that, since the pandemic, many routes have become committed to exploring options to address affordability, MP Yvonne Jones emphasized the need for collaboration. “Addressing the high costs of regional air travel requires cooperation from all sides—community members, PAL Airlines, and both federal and provincial governments—to make air travel accessible and affordable for everyone.”
“We feel good about our visit today and look forward to continuing our work with PAL Airlines to improve aviation services for all Labradorians,” concludes MP Jones.
