MESA, Ariz. — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and NewLeaf Travel Company today announced new charter service from Canada to the Phoenix East Valley. The service, beginning in January 2017, will offer sun-seeking Canadian visitors convenient access to all the amenities the greater Phoenix region has to offer. NewLeaf/Flair Airlines will operate three nonstop flights each week from Calgary starting on Jan. 19, and once weekly nonstop service from Edmonton starting on Jan. 21.  Flights can be booked starting today at www.gonewleaf.ca.

“Providing the opportunity to head south with ultra-low prices was a goal of NewLeaf’s right from the start,” said NewLeaf President & CEO Jim Young, “and we’re thrilled to make this announcement.”  

Mesa Mayor John Giles, Chairman of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Authority commented, “Tourism is a vital part of our economy, and growing that sector is one of our Board’s key initiatives. NewLeaf’s nonstop flights to Gateway Airport will create additional opportunities to connect with our Canadian neighbors and will help support thousands of jobs in Arizona’s tourism industry.”

The Arizona Office of Tourism reports that more than one million Canadian residents visited Arizona last year, spending an estimated $1.1 billion during their visit to the State.  Canadian residents also account for more than 90 percent of internationally-owned residential property in Maricopa County. 

“Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is excited about the launch of NewLeaf service from Calgary and Edmonton, and we welcome sun-seeking Canadian visitors looking to enjoy all that greater Phoenix has to offer,” said J. Brian O’Neill, A.A.E., Executive Director/CEO of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.  “We look forward to sharing our many golf courses, lakes, hiking trails, award-winning restaurants, and entertainment venues with them during their stay in the Valley.”

For more information about Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport please visit www.gatewayairport.com.

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About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport:

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA).  PMGAA consists of representation from Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix, and Apache Junction. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service to 38 cities via Allegiant and welcomes more than 1.3 million passengers each year.  Corporate, military and general aviation customers are served by Gateway Aviation Services, a 24-hour full service FBO located just north of the passenger terminal.

About NewLeaf:

NewLeaf Travel Company in partnership with Flair Airlines began flying on July 25th, 2016. Flights are booked through NewLeaf and operated by Flair Air, a licensed Canadian airline with experienced crews and pilots. NewLeaf Travel Company Inc. is a privately-held Canadian company with headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Learn more at www.GoNewLeaf.ca

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Ryan Smith, Strategic Communications/Government Relations
Phone: 480-988-7617
Email: rsmith@phxmesagateway.org