Hamilton Airport Does it Again - Best Canadian Growth Numbers in 2021 with 2022 looking even better

By Staff

December 15th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

The Hamilton airport people report that they have done it again. Statistics Canada data.

Their growth numbers were the best in Canada for the year 2021 according to Statistics Canada.

Hamilton International facilitated more than 156,000 tonnes of cargo in 2021, which reflects a notable 59 percent increase as compared to 2017 and as compared to an average three percent decline across Canada in the same period.

A Lynx Air plane arriving in Hamilton on its inaugural flight.

“This steady growth in cargo activity can be attributed to the accelerated shift to e-commerce, alongside the increased demand and movement of a variety of essential medical supplies during the pandemic,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International. “As the largest domestic overnight express cargo airport and the third largest cargo freight airport in Canada, Hamilton International is a key economic driver and vital transportation hub for the Hamilton region and across Ontario.”

Hamilton International’s 2021 Economic Impact Study, completed by ICF International Incorporated, found that Hamilton International delivered 4,720 jobs and $1.5b in total economic output, with 2,770 jobs and $1b of that directly attributed to its cargo business. Cargo operations at the Airport have experienced a 29 percent growth in all areas, including employment, labour income, value added and industry activity, over the past five years:

Hamilton International offers cargo partners significant advantages, including its strategic proximity to Ontario’s 400-series highways, the Greater Toronto Area, and the U.S. border. The Airport also has 24-hour landing capability, a dual runway system of 10,000ft and 6,000ft, and dedicated Canada Border Services Agency staff on site, all of which support quick turnarounds for cargo carriers. Hamilton International was also designated as a Foreign Trade Zone Point in 2020 Ontario – providing businesses that import/export goods or manufacture products in Hamilton access to direct support on a range of duty deferrals and tax exemptions.

“Hamilton International is a thriving multi-modal hub and has become one of the fastest growing cargo airports in Canada. We are proud to work with numerous cargo partners to ensure Ontarians can ship and receive the goods they need reliably, safely, and efficiently,” added Horncastle. “The Airport is a vital gateway in Southern Ontario’s strategic transportation corridor and looks forward to continuing to grow cargo and passenger activity in the years to come.”

Ron Foxcroft: Chair of the city owned John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport

Chair of the city owned Hamilton Airport, Ron Foxcroft said: “Management and Stakeholders are delighted with the success of John C Munro Hamilton International Airport achieved in 2021.  He adds that: “We have our numbers for 11 months of 2022 and expect to exceed budget for the year.   We are kicking serious butt at the airport, because we have a Championship Management Team.

Personal, vacation and business travel increased as passengers resumed post pandemic travel. Customers were happy with the friendly and efficient    service levels  minus gridlock flying out of Hamilton.    In 2023 passengers levels have the opportunity to exceed pre pandemic levels, as ultralow cost carriers continue to grow in Hamilton.   John C Munro Airport is the fastest growing overnight express cargo airport in Canada.   World class cargo operators at Hamilton, see continued growth in 2023.   Leadership at Hamilton with Cathie Puckering, Cole Horncastle , Dina Carlucci, and their team with the help of the shareholder Vantage Airport Group, plan to exceed budgets and forecasts in 2023.”

About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International 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.