Calgary International Airport - Record Level Passenger Volumes

January 17, 2006   |  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2006   
       
Calgary International Airport - Record Level Passenger Volumes
10 million passengers in 2005

Calgary, AB. – Passenger volumes at Calgary International Airport reached an all-time high with Canada’s fourth busiest airport surpassing 10 million annual passengers in 2005.
 
Statistics reported by the airlines reflect growth in all sectors for a total of 10.2 million passengers, equating to an increase of 10.7 percent, or one million more passengers than 2004. The sector with the largest percentage increase was flights to or from the United States with an increase of over 14 percent.
 
“Exceeding 10 million annual passengers reflects steady post-9/11 air travel recovery and growth for our province, region, city and airport,” commented Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. “An increase of 30 percent in three years is outstanding.”
 
The cargo sector has also experienced significant growth in the integrated courier sector and dedicated all-cargo scheduled and charter flights. Cargo tonnage has doubled since 1999 with an estimated 126,000 tonnes in 2005. In September 2006, the Airport Authority will host the world’s largest international air cargo conference.
 
Facility development at Calgary International Airport has kept pace with growth through phased, incremental expansion of airfield and terminal facilities. The air terminal facility is now double in size from 1992 and there have been three major expansions to cargo aircraft handling facilities. Total capital investment by the Airport Authority, since assuming responsibility for Calgary International Airport from the Government of Canada in 1992, exceeds $800 million. The Authority will invest an additional $50 million in capital improvements in 2006.
 
“We were also pleased to advise our airline and small aircraft operators there will be zero increase to Calgary aviation landing and terminal fees in 2006,” added Atkinson. “Effective facility and fiscal planning along with meaningful input from our airline stakeholders has permitted Calgary to remain among the lowest cost major airports in Canada.”
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit, non-share capital corporation, responsible for the management, maintenance and development of Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport under long-term lease from the Government of Canada. Calgary International Airport is Canada’s fourth busiest airport serving over ten million passengers annually.
 

For further information, contact:  Bryce Paton, Calgary Airport Authority
                                                     Office: 403-735-1322