Growth in both passenger and cargo segments delivered 4,720 jobs and $1.5b in economic output, demonstrating the positive impact that the Airport has on the City of Hamilton
Hamilton, ON (February 24, 2022) – John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport continues to be a key driver of economic activity in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area and broader Ontario region as demonstrated by its most recent Economic Impact Study. ICF International Incorporated was commissioned to assess the Airport’s 2021 passenger and cargo volumes along with capital spending activity and draw comparisons to the previous study conducted in 2018 (using 2017 inputs).
2021 Economic Impact Study Results:
Increase over 2017:
Hamilton International is a growing international gateway for affordable passenger travel and experienced an impressive increase in Passenger Activity, which peaked in 2019 while the past two years have seen dramatic fluctuations in passenger air travel due to the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. After 2019, the Airport’s growth in Passenger Activity was muted by declines between 2020 and 2021 which removed 120 jobs or a -9% decrease to 1,190 jobs. Indications that activity planned for the summer of 2022 may resemble 2019 levels remains promising for the recovery of this important segment.
In 2021, Hamilton International saw steady organic growth in its cargo activity due to the rise of e-commerce and further accelerated by pandemic relief. As the largest domestic overnight express cargo airport in Canada, Cargo Operations at the Airport continues to exhibit the greatest overall impact by generating 2,770 jobs (+29% increase over 2017) and $1 billion in industry activity. Similarly, spin-off Capital Investments have continued to grow as a result of cargo facility development and other airport infrastructure improvements. Several expansion projects by Airport partners included DHL and KF Aerospace who increased capacity to address their respective growth needs. Spending on the Airport’s Capital Investments in turn generated 760 jobs – an incredible +1800% increase from 2017.
As a result, Hamilton International is proud to be responsible for a total 4,720 jobs (+1,220 or +35% increase since 2017) and ultimately, an impressive $1.5b in economic activity in Hamilton. ICF further concluded that impacts are felt beyond the immediate Hamilton region, creating a greater impact Province-wide. When factoring in the economic impacts to Ontario, an amazing 9,810 jobs and $2.7b in economic impact is attributed to activity related to the Hamilton International Airport and further validates its strength as an important economic engine for the City and the region.
To view the full Economic Impact Study, please click here.
About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, John C. Munro Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.
Media Contact
Please direct media inquiries to media@flyhamilton.ca.