(Lincoln, NB, May 14, 2015) To steal a line from an old Frank Sinatra classic – “it was a very good year”. That was the general sentiment today at the Annual General Meeting of the Fredericton International Airport Authority.

It was revealed at the annual meeting that in addition to record-breaking passenger numbers, revenues over the past fiscal year were up 9.2% over the previous year. “That’s very healthy growth, but the really positive news is that this is the third year in a row YFC has grown. This is a trend, not an exception,” said new CEO Johanne Gallant.

Gallant’s optimism is fuelled by several factors, none the least of which was the arrival last month of WestJet service. “We all knew it would take time to build numbers on the twice-daily WestJet flights, and even though it has only been a couple of weeks, the passenger numbers are very positive.”

As well, Air Canada’s numbers continue to remain strong.

Gallant says the airport is also benefiting from the support of the local community. “We know we’re in a competitive marketplace. Travellers have options when it comes to airports, and we’re seeing that more people are now choosing YFC because we’re conveniently located and our flights are increasingly competitively priced.”

The CEO says other reasons for the unprecedented optimism are the return and expansion of Sunwing next winter, and the airport’s planned terminal expansion, on which negotiations are continuing in a positive direction.