BAR Canada applauds BC initiative

The Board of Airlines Representatives in Canada (BAR Canada) applauded the BC government’s move to eliminate its jet fuel tax. The tax, scheduled to be retired on April 1, added a two-cent levy per litre of jet fuel on international flights. The absence of the tax will make BC airports, particularly Vancouver, more competitive with airports in Alberta, Washington State, Alaska and California, which have no such tax. “The elimination of the fuel tax will make carriers more competitive in the marketplace by decreasing costs up to $16 million annually. It lays the groundwork for increased air service to/from BC and ups the potential for tourism between international destinations and Western Canada. In addition, Vancouver Airport will freeze landing and terminal fees until 2015. This is more good news,”said Cherif Gemayel, chairman of BAR Canada.