Record-breaking heights and more flights in 2012!
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Media Release |
Record-breaking heights and more flights in 2012!
EIA ready for skyrocketing community demand for air service
January 21, 2013 (Edmonton, AB) – Edmonton International Airport (EIA) had a record-breaking year in 2012, expanding air service and growing aviation business to meet community demand. With the Expansion 2012 project drawing to a close, EIA is now able to serve our growing numbers of passengers and flights and continues to receive immense support from customers for a world-class airport.
“Edmonton International Airport exists solely for the benefit of our region,” said EIA President and CEO Reg Milley. “To foster economic growth, air service and our airport facilities must keep pace with demand from our region. If the airport can’t meet the need, it will become an economic bottleneck. With the sustained passenger and air service growth we have experienced, Expansion 2012 has ensured the airport can continue to serve as an economic driver for our region.”
Highlights of 2012 at EIA
Record Passenger Numbers:2012 was the busiest year in EIA history with 400,000 more passengers served than in 2011. 2012 was also the first year in which more than 500,000 travellers passed through EIA’s terminal every single month!
Numbers of Passengers Served at EIA from January 1 to December 31, 2012
¨ Domestic 5,109,637 = 6.1% growth
¨ US Transborder 1,173,882 = 8.1% growth
¨ International 392,926 = 4.1% growth
¨ Overall 6,676,445= 6.4% growth –all time record!
Business Aviation: In addition to regularly scheduled airline passenger service, corporate charter flights from the private terminals at EIA increased by 15%in 2012, to19,800 landings.
New Routes: The people of the Capital Region have made clear their desire and their commitment for continued expansion of non-stop routes from EIA, and in 2012 EIA followed through on its Vision of More Flights to More Places in grand style. In direct response to community demand, United Airlines announced non-stop flights from EIA to New York City via Newark Liberty Airport. Regional air service also increased, including Northern Air Charter service to Peace River, Northwestern Air Lease’s Red Deer flights and Air Canada’s announcement of increases from one flight a day to twice a day service to Regina and Saskatoon commencing in February 2013. A weekly winter sun charter was also added to Cayo Coco, Cuba by Sunwing.
Cargo Service: EIA’s cargo services grew rapidly, including:
- The expansion of operations by Cargojet, Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive overnight air cargo services, with a newly constructed facility at EIA’s Cargo Village
- Increased daily air service by FedEx with a wide-bodied Airbus A310 air freighter between EIA and their world hub in Memphis, TN
- A new service centre opening by Lynden International at EIA
Commercial Development: EIA’s investment in commercial infrastructure paved the way for a number of new developments including:
- The creation of a new air ambulance hangar facility for STARS and Alberta Health Services
- The launch of Aurora Jet Partnership Business at EIA
- The completion of a new 4860 m2 facility, with Canada Border Services Agency as the first tenant
- The relocation of Canadian Helicopters to EIA
- Servicing 80 acres of land next to the QE2 Highway for development
- Canadian North chose EIA as its southern charter base
- North Cariboo Air expanded its charter operations at EIA with an upgraded facility.
Terminal Expansion: Expansion 2012 is nearing completion, under budget and on schedule. EIA’s new Central Hall, new US Transborder departure lounge, expanded Domestic/International lounge and expanded Canada Arrivals Hall are all open. The iconic new Central Tower and Marriott Renaissance hotel are also nearing their 2013 openings. In addition, EIA aims to be a world leader in environmental best practices. Expansion 2012 is one of the first airport expansion projects to target Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Balchen/Post Award: EIA Operations received the Balchen/Post Award for excellence in snow and ice control.
Airports Council International – North America Awards: EIA received two awards for the quality of retail service in the terminal.
- 1st Place : Best Convenience Retail Program – Mac’s Convenience Store, Hudson News, Relay
- 2nd Place: Best Specialty Retail Program – Coney Island Candy, Indigo Spirit, Red Canoe, Artizan, Mexx, iStore, A Flight of Wine & Spirits, Tech on the Go, Sunglass Hut, Kidsworks, Metalsmiths Sterling and Discover Alberta.
It has been a great year for EIA in every way, and we expect even better years ahead thanks to the support from our communities. On behalf of everyone at EIA, Thank You Capital Region!
Media Contact:
Chris Chodan
Communications
t: 780 890 8454
c: 780 700 3596