Canadian Airline Could Be On The Way To DBIA

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Daytona Beach, FL - A Canadian airline could soon be on it's way to Daytona Beach International Airport. An incentive package along with a formal proposal was given to Sunwing Airlines on Tuesday in order to get the ball rolling. Jay Cassens, Director of Business Development for DBIA, said the airport contributed $125,000 towards the incentives. The Halifax Area Advertising Authority Board unanimously voted to match that amount. Sunwing is contributing $180,000 towards the advertising and marketing campaign. Cassens went on to say that Visit Florida could provide funding support in the form of a $250,000 matching grant. Sunwing could begin offering seasonal service nonstop from Toronto to Daytona twice a week in late January 2019, possibly on Mondays and Thursdays. If the deal goes through, Sunwing would be required to offer service to Daytona Beach for at least four consecutive months. It would be the first airline at DBIA to offer flights to an international destination. Typically, airlines expect incentives from smaller airports like Daytona to partially offset startup costs. Airport Director Rick Karl said even with the offer of incentives, there are no guarantees. "Canadians are viewing the U.S. with increased skepticism in light of the increased tensions between Canada and the U.S. over trade concerns.