[Ben_Dover]

December 7, 2011

Icelandair Cargo Returns to Halifax Stanfield
Start-Up Schedule Timed to Meet High December Demand

Halifax, N.S. – Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has announced that, starting today, Icelandair Cargo will once again operate scheduled air cargo service at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA).

“Our team is very pleased to welcome Icelandair Cargo back to Halifax,” says Jerry Staples, HIAA Vice President Marketing & Business Development. “And the timing couldn’t be better. Having this new service start in December – typically our busiest month for air cargo – is great news for seafood shippers,” he says.

The weekly scheduled service will operate with a B757 freighter on Wednesday’s from Halifax to Reykjavik, Iceland and on to Liege, Belgium. The flight will arrive at Halifax Stanfield at 11:30 a.m. and depart for Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik at 1:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to be back operating in Halifax after a three-year absence,” says Gunnar Mar Sigurfinnsson, Managing Director for Icelandair Cargo. “We look forward to renewing our relationship with the local airport and business communities,” he says.

“The addition of this new dedicated air cargo service provides a significant opportunity for exporters in our region to reach markets in Scandinavia and other points in northern Europe and demonstrates the priority we place on growing our cargo business,” adds Staples.

Work is currently underway to extend the main runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Extending the runway from 8,800 to 10,500 feet will allow the airport to handle larger wide-bodied and heavy aircraft. This will enhance the airport’s position as a key international air cargo and passenger hub.

The project is being jointly funded by Halifax International Airport Authority, the federal government through Transport Canada and the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, and the Province of Nova Scotia.