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| Jan. 11 / 05 |
Traffic movements up at YQX in 2004 |
Gary Vey, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority, today announced details of the airport's traffic performance for 2004, which saw increases in overall traffic, and significant growth in corporate aircraft and cargo carrier patronage.
Total aircraft movements grew 7% over 2003 levels. The airport has increased annual traffic movements by 14% since 2001.
Corporate aircraft movements grew 28% as the size of the global business jet fleet continues to expand.
"Gander is the premiere intermediate stop for transatlantic corporate traffic," Mr. Vey said. "Some 21% of corporate aircraft flying the Atlantic stop at Gander, whether they need fuel or not. We are well positioned to garner a further share of this market, even as it modernizes and trends toward longer-range aircraft."
Cargo aircraft movements also grew by 20%, and international charter traffic recorded a small increase over 2003. Transited international passengers grew slightly with 153,957 passengers movements.
Military traffic was down almost 20% over 2003, as armed conflict overseas stabilized. Nonetheless, military traffic was up over 2001-2002 levels.
Cargo transshipment at Gander grew 21% over 2004, with cargo carriers exchanging some 500 tonnes of goods for distribution throughout the Americas.
In terms of domestic passenger performance, YQX enplaned and deplaned 84,573 passengers, a marginal increase over 2003.
"We are somewhat disappointed with our passenger performance," Mr. Vey noted. "These numbers reflect our continued efforts to reclaim portions of our market lost to competing airports, and reduced overall seat capacity at Gander. We have confidence we will grow passenger traffic in 2005 as service is enhanced and new routes introduced to reflect the needs of our market."
However, Mr. Vey said he is generally pleased with traffic in 2004, particularly given a first quarter that was marked by a difficult winter.
"To secure our long-term future, we must continue to operate from a position of financial stability," he said. "Together with our community and business partners, and with the continued hard work and cooperation of our employees, there is no doubt that we will continue to enjoy significant growth at Gander International Airport which will contribute to the growth and diversification of the economic base in central Newfoundland."
Details of the airport's financial performance for 2004 will be released at its Annual General Meeting later this spring.
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.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Vey, President and CEO
(709) 256-6668
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