(MIAMI, October 4, 2016) – Canadian carrier First Air announced that it will begin charter passenger flights to Miami International Airport from Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope, Ontario, starting on February 4, 2017, on behalf of Celebrity Cruises. The carrier will utilize B737-400 aircraft seating 136 passengers for the weekly charter service.
First Air will add to MIA’s current service to Canada, which includes flights to Montreal by American Airlines and Air Canada, as well as to Toronto with American Airlines, Air Canada and WestJet. Canada is MIA’s eighth-busiest international market, with more than 765,000 passengers annually. First Air will join MIA’s current selection of 107 passenger and cargo-only airlines – the most of any U.S. airport.
“We welcome First Air to our growing roster of airlines, and look forward to welcoming the hundreds of cruise passengers they will bring to MIA,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. González. “In addition to having more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, having the world’s busiest cruise port in our community also continues to attract more and more airlines to our airport.”
With 70 years of flying experience, First Air is the leading airline in Canada’s Arctic, providing scheduled service between 32 northern communities and connections to Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg and Edmonton. First Air is wholly owned by the 9,000 Inuit of northern Quebec through the Makivik Corporation.
Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA’s vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.