Passenger Performance Grows At Gander

6.5% increase in traffic YTD

(October 9, 2014) Passenger traffic at Gander International Airport (CYQX) has grown 6.5 per cent as of the end of the third quarter.

“Patronage continues to trend upward and our prospects are very encouraging,” said Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) President and CEO Reg Wright. “The summer season was the strongest we have seen in quite some time. Passenger numbers at Gander have doubled over the last decade and we aim to accelerate that growth in the coming years.”

In 2013, the airport posted a six per cent growth over the previous year, representing the highest passenger totals since 1989.

Mr. Wright said additional seat capacity, strong non-resident tourist visitations and a stable regional economy have all contributed to the increase in passengers.

“Airports are a strong bellwether for the economy they serve,” he said. “Our expectation is that we will post a 25-year high for passengers by the end of this year.”

The airport authority said the lengthening of Air Canada’s seasonal nonstop Toronto service, Sunwing Airline’s addition of Orlando to its winter charters for 2015 and sustained strong demand of existing routes all bodes well for future.

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region.

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For further information, contact:

Reg Wright, President and CEO

Phone:  (709) 256-6668    Email: wrightr@giaa.nfca