Fredericton International Airport continues to take off with nine per cent growth in June 2017
Planning a trip soon? You’re in good company, as western and central New Brunswickers continue to take off in record numbers, with the Fredericton International Airport reporting nine per cent growth in passenger traffic year-over-year this June.
“Travel is a way of life and a business necessity, now more than ever,” says Fredericton International Airport President & CEO, Johanne Gallant.
“These numbers show that Air Canada and WestJet are doing a great job of serving the Fredericton market, bringing choice and convenience to our travellers year-round, and that travellers are taking advantage of our increasing number of sun destinations with Air Transat and Sunwing.”
With YFC adding another year-round air carrier this fall, Porter Airlines, the airport authority expects that traffic will continue to grow, as it has for the past seven years. While this is great news for the community and airport, it does present challenges.
The terminal at the Fredericton International Airport exceeded the capacity it was designed to handle over ten years ago, and although the airport authority have found creative ways to accommodate the growth in air service, ultimately, the building needs to be expanded. Design work has been completed, and through sound financial management, the airport authority is able to fund one-third of the $30-million project from its own revenues. It has been seeking partnership with the provincial and federal governments for the remaining amount, and is optimistic that this funding will be confirmed soon.
“This project is critical,” emphasizes Ms. Gallant. “Porter is launching September 12, and we continue to grow our sun destinations with a total of 5 flights already announced for the Winter 2018 season. This terminal needs to expand so that the airport can continue to be a driver of economic growth for our region.”
The renovated and expanded terminal will accommodate up to 500,000 passengers annually; improve energy efficiency; enhance the departures area with a café, play area for kids, more seating, and more washrooms; create a more efficient installation for the security lines, including adequate space; add ticket counters; improve traffic flow; and be an ambassador for our vibrant community, leaving visitors, potential investors, business travellers, and dignitaries with a first and last impression that positively represents the region.
The Fredericton International Airport (YFC) serves over 377,000 passengers annually and offers direct daily service to the major hubs of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, along with seasonal service to sun destinations. Through direct, indirect and induced economic activity, YFC brings 513 jobs, $8.5-million in taxes, and $24-million in GDP to New Brunswick every year.