Steady growth and new records for EIA 2011 passenger numbers
| Media Release |
Steady growth and new records for EIA 2011 passenger numbers
January 12, 2012 (Edmonton, AB) – Customer demand increased sharply at Edmonton International Airport (EIA) in 2011 with almost 6.3 million travellers going through EIA’s main terminal, nearly 190,000 more than in 2010. Business Aviation at EIA’s private terminals also grew to serve more than 500,000 passengers, for a total of nearly 6.8 million passengers served at EIA.
“Edmonton had an excellent year in 2011,” said EIA President and CEO Reg Milley. “We are delighted to see the increasing number of passengers, which illustrates a growing economy and our community’s loyalty to their airport. We’re now close to 800,000 passengers more than the current terminal was designed to manage, which makes it perfect timing to open Expansion 2012.”
Passenger numbers bounced back to pre-recession levels as demand for regularly scheduled air service grew over the course of 2011, especially towards the end of the year. 2011 saw record levels of travellers to the US and the busiest November in EIA history with over 504,000 passengers.
Numbers of Passengers Served at EIA by December 31, 2011
¨ Domestic 4,814,157 = 1.9 % growth
¨ Transborder 1,085,466 = 8.1% growth – Record high!
¨ International 377,514 = 4.9% growth
- 2011 Total 6,277,137 = 3.1% growth
¨ Business Aviation 500,000
Air service growth
With strong community support for EIA air services, passenger numbers increased and airlines responded throughout 2011. More flights to Houston will be added in February to satisfy increasing demand. Seasonal direct service from EIA to Maui was renewed with the larger Boeing 757 aircraft-and a longer season. Flights to Phoenix have also increased significantly with up to four daily flights in 2012 using larger aircraft in one of Edmonton’s fastest growing markets. As well, three direct flights per week from EIA to Cranbrook, B.C. started in June and has since increased to five weekly flights.