Edmonton International Airport Sets its own Championships Record

Edmonton – Edmonton Airports today announced two new records.

RECORD: 4 million passengers served
Edmonton International Airport has served more than 4.0 million passengers in the last twelve months; the most passengers ever served by the facility in a twelve-month period.

The total of 4,021,312 enplaned/deplaned passengers served from August 2000 through July 2001 represents an increase of 7.5 % over the previous twelve months. From 1995 through 2000, the airport has seen a 98% growth in its overall passenger movements.

The increase in passenger traffic is due, in part, to Edmonton welcoming the 8th IAAF World championships in Athletics from August 3 – 12. Over 6000 athletes, officials, and international media, in addition to thousands of spectators, arrived in Edmonton through the International Airport. Passenger traffic in July has seen an increase of over 14.3 % from last year’s numbers.

RECORD: August 13 busiest day in airport’s history
In addition, with the departure of over 6000 Championships in Athletics participants this week, passenger traffic on August 13th and 14th, were two of the busiest days on record. On August 13, approximately 15,856 travellers were served through Edmonton International Airport (EIA), compared to 11,412 travellers on the same day one year ago. August 13, 2001 now holds the record for most passengers served through Edmonton International Airport in one day. On August 14, approximately 14,233 passengers moved through EIA, compared to 12,918 travellers on August 13, 2000.

Tenant Growth
Positive growth was also announced by airport tenants, including Cara Air Terminal Restaurants, which reports that sales at Edmonton International Airport on August 12, 13 and 14 of this year were up 47% from the same time last year.

PLH Aviation, which provides Jet A Fuel to commercial air carriers at Edmonton International Airport reports that six of the eight months of 2001 have been record months for fuel provision. On August 13, PLH Aviation provided 800,000 litres of Jet A fuel, compared to an average daily fuel distribution of 650,000 litres.

AerRianta International (Duty Free) reports that sales increased by 62% on August 12, 13, and 14 compared with the same period in 2000.

Increased Summer Seat Capacity
Edmonton International Airport was served with significantly more seat capacity (number of airplane seats available from the airport) compared with the same time last year. Domestic seat capacity increased by 12%, seat capacity to U.S. destinations increased by 14%, and seat capacity to International destinations (not including U.S.) increased by 70%.

“Thank you to each and every Airport staff and volunteer who enthusiastically created a positive first impression of Edmonton, and helped our visitors on their way to an enjoyable and memorable experience,” said Scott Clements, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports. “Edmonton Airports is thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute towards the successful World Championships in Athletics.”

The opening of the South Terminal in December 2000 enabled the airport to double the size of its operations base, thus accommodating an increase in passenger traffic.

Land Development
Significant land developments at the International Airport this summer include construction of a new terminal for FedEx, a new hangar for WestJet, and development of Phase I of the new Air Cargo Logistics Centre.