The Little Land of 300,000 people that Could...again

Sue's Blog often refers to Iceland when drawing comparisons with Newfoundland and Labrador in various industry sectors. Today is another one of those days.

Yesterday to the delight of many people and business (for now) - Air Astraeus announced regular direct flights from Newfoundland and Labrador to the UK and return. The mighty Air Canada - did the Canadian thing not too long ago and virtually eliminated the service and moved that flight to Halifax.

So when Canada bails despite the undeniable viable route for business and pleasure travellers - Iceland steps to the plate. Yes this northern "country" of 300,000 people continues to thrive in all significant economic indicators - and has managed to put together a competitive and profitable route between NL and the UK.

Their interest in expanding tourism to our province is great news and smart on their behalf. The beauty of this land and the hospitality of her people continues to draw people from around the world. They come for the icebergs - the whales - the fresh air - clean water - incredible adventure tourism - and the friendliness of the population renowned worldwide.

The real question here is why Canada's namesake airline abandoned an economically successful service? Newfoundland and Labrador is the oil capital of Eastern Canada and industry travellers expressed their displeasure in the decision. Forcing people to go to Halifax or Nova Scotia may be great for the economy there - but it is not reflective of the practical service needed.

It is time for our local entrepreneurs - especially in the regional airline business to see if they can get some money action in this group.

Here for the record is the makeup of this airline group:

ASTRAEUS BECOMES PART OF NORTHERN TRAVEL GROUP

A new leisure group, Northern Travel Holding ("Northern Travel"), has been formed by the Icelandic investment groups, Fons (who will hold 44%), FL Group (34%) and Sund (22%).

Northern Travel has acquired the following travel related investments:

" Sterling Airlines (100%)
" Iceland Express (100%)
" Astraeus (51%)
" Ticket, the Swedish stock-market quoted travel agent (29.3%)
" Hekla Travel, the largest travel agent in Denmark (100%)

It remains ever questionable how industry in Canada works against the development of our rich province. Part of the problem is our patience with the less than fair treatment we get in this country - and part of it is the makeup of Canada's confederation. We must continue to move forward despite it - and around it - if necessary.

As for the airline sector - we must find a way to make Labrador travel affordable and competitive.