YYC Surpasses Another Passenger Volume Milestone in 2008

February 24, 2009   |  

Calgary, AB. – The Calgary International Airport (YYC) reached new heights in 2008, with passenger volume increasing 2.0%, to 12.5 million passengers annually, making YYC the third busiest airport in Canada, after Toronto and Vancouver.

It was a busy year at YYC. The airport welcomed Lufthansa and Mexicana Airlines with new scheduled non-stop service to Frankfurt and Mexico City, respectively. Most recently, KLM announced new service to Amsterdam beginning May 2009, increasing our passengers’ options for non-stop service to Europe. Throughout 2008, we also saw the addition of many new domestic and international destinations, along with increased frequencies to current destinations.

“YYC is Alberta’s premier international and cargo gateway. The airport is well positioned to continue to grow and develop as Alberta’s economic gateway to the world,” said Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. “YYC will continue to move forward with our mandate to focus on growing Calgary International Airport to meet the needs of our growing community and region.”

To accommodate YYC’s growth, The Calgary Airport Authority began construction on a new 1600 stall parkade, scheduled to open in the fall of 2009. Several airside and groundside improvements were completed, keeping Calgary International Airport at the ready for the projected double-digit growth over the next ten years.

The Calgary Airport Authority also plays a key role in the community, and was recently named as one of Alberta’s Top 40 Employers. Also in 2008, The Calgary Airport Authority initiated an airport-wide customer service program aimed at enhancing our passengers’ experience at YYC. Passenger experience enhancements also included the introduction of free Wi-Fi throughout the Air Terminal Building, a free Cell Phone Lot and new digital TV service.  
 
YYC, It Starts Here  
 
Passenger air service development highlights, announced or commenced in 2008 include:  
 
Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz
Announced new service to Chicago and Newark
Air Transat
Began new service to Paris
British Airways
Increased their non-stop flights to London, Heathrow to seven days a week
KLM
Announced new service to Amsterdam effective May 2009
Lufthansa
Began non-stop service to Frankfurt effective April 14, 2008
Mexicana
Began non-stop service to Mexico City effective June 1, 2008
WestJet
Announced new service to Newark, San Diego, San Francisco and Grande Prairie and started new service to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta
  For further information, contact: Jody Moseley, The Calgary Airport Authority Media Line: 403-735-5899