The dozens of people assembled inside the small airport terminal in Stephenville, N.L., rose to mark the good news. Applause echoed off unused airline customer-service counters and unstaffed rental car kiosks.
They had just heard Carl Dymond announce ambitious plans he called a “game changer, in every way shape and form” for the western Newfoundland town that has had its economic struggles over the years.
A $200-million investment into airport infrastructure and the community. A plan to manufacture cargo drones, “some of the biggest in the world.” The return of major airlines, and scheduled passenger service. The creation of thousands of jobs.