Hamilton International reports significant growth in passenger and cargo numbers for first half of 2017
Hamilton, ON (August 14, 2017) – John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is pleased to welcome The Honourable Marc Garneau MP and Minister of Transport tomorrow August 15, 2017. The Minister will meet with Airport officials as well as take a tour of the airside facilities and the Airport grounds. Hamilton International is also pleased to announce that for the first half of 2017, the Airport has seen significant passenger traffic growth of 127% with 269,901 passengers compared to 118,890 passengers the same period last year, making it one of the fastest growing airports in Canada. That number is expected to further grow to close to 500,000 passengers by year end.
In addition to passenger growth, the Airport continues to be Canada’s largest overnight express cargo airport. Through the first half of 2017, Hamilton International’s cargo volume has increased 19% placing Hamilton International at the centre of goods movement in Canada. The Airport continues to maintain the position as a hub for e-commerce in Canada connecting to its destinations coast to coast and beyond to global markets in Europe and South America.
To support this growth in passenger and cargo traffic at the Airport, since 2016, over 100 new jobs have been added by the Airport and its tenants. Through this growth phase, Hamilton International continues to contribute to the economy of the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, Ontario and Canada. “This is an exciting time for Hamilton International as more and more passengers, including middle class families, students and millennials, discover Canada from Hamilton – Your Low-Cost Airport” said Vijay Bathija, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “According to our consumer surveys, the Airport is seeing passengers originate from the entire Southern Ontario region and in addition, up to 10% of the passengers are originating from Buffalo and the Upstate New York region to take advantage of low cost travel options and cheaper parking. Passengers are also travelling to destinations in Europe via efficient connections. We thank all our valuable passenger and cargo airline partners, tenants and customers, as well as employees for their contribution to the growth achieved to date.”
With growth comes the need to improve and upgrade facilities. Hamilton International has been busy throughout 2017 with several capital projects all designed to enhance the passenger experience at the Airport. One of the many great additions to the Airport is the new covered and heated international walkway, providing passengers returning from warm winter vacations the ability to connect to the terminal easily after they disembark from their flight in the upcoming winter season.
Terminal upgrades include new parking pay stations. These new stations are more efficient and easy to use. These improvements along with countless others such as road repaving (both terminal access and airside) and a renovated Duty Free shop shows a commitment to investing in the Airport and providing outstanding customer service.
Minister Garneau will conclude his tour with media availability at 3:45 p.m.
Who: The Honourable Marc Garneau, MP, Minister of Transport
What: John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport visit and tour
Where: John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Terminal Building
When: Tuesday August 15, 2017 – 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.