The Manitoba government is providing $4.8 million to Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) to improve direct flight connectivity from Winnipeg to major international markets, which will help businesses retain and attract investment and skilled workers.

“WAA is a crucial partner to Manitoba’s economy, connecting Manitobans to the world,” said Cliff Cullen, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister for Manitoba. “More convenient and direct flight options will benefit Manitoba businesses’ ability to attract talent and investment and contribute to our economy.”

The province’s $4.8 million investment will support WAA’s efforts to secure direct flight service to strategic business and popular leisure destinations. WAA is working with airlines to establish and re-establish direct, multiple-weekly frequency flights between the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and other major cities, the minister noted.

“WAA exists to serve our community and central to that is growing our province’s connectivity to meet the needs of everyone who lives and works here… Manitobans will benefit from better access while our province’s economy will benefit from more trade, tourism and business,” said Nick Hays, president and CEO, WAA.

The $4.8 million investment is part of the province’s $50 million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund, administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, to provide businesses and industries with the support.

(Image: Winnipeg Airports Authority, YouTube)