May 1, 2015
New Commercial Passenger Flight Fuel Tax Rebate to Support Economic Opportunities: Premier Selinger
Effective July 1, airlines offering regularly scheduled commercial passenger flights departing from Manitoba to a destination outside North America can obtain a fuel tax rebate on their taxable jet fuel purchases in the province, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Manitoba already offers a fuel tax rebate for international cargo flights and we’re pleased to extend this opportunity to airlines offering commercial passenger flights,” said Premier Selinger. “This new initiative will make Manitoba a destination for airline services, providing stronger economic opportunities in the province.”
Effective July 1, the new fuel tax rebate will save qualifying airlines the Manitoba fuel tax of
3.2 cents/litre on their jet fuel purchases made here.
“Today’s announcement regarding a proposed international fuel tax rebate improves Manitoba’s competitiveness and will undoubtedly enhance our region’s attractiveness to carriers providing international air service,” said Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The future of our community’s development relies on improving connectivity, thereby creating jobs and growing the economy. We commend the Province of Manitoba on this initiative to advance our position in and access to the global marketplace.”
Flights with a destination outside North America, including Hawaii, will be eligible for the rebate. The rebate will not apply to charter flights or passenger flights to the United States, Mexico or the Caribbean.
The premier noted there are already approximately 198 passenger flights in and out of the airport each day.
“We believe this new measure will bring more direct flights to Manitoba, making it easier for Manitobans to travel abroad,” said Premier Selinger. “This will support new jobs and new opportunities for Manitobans, strengthening our provincial economy and linking us with communities around the world.”
In 2014,the number of passengers boarding at James Armstrong Richardson International Airport hit a record high, reaching 3.67 million, an increase of 5.3 per cent over the previous year.
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