The Calgary Airport Authority Propels Continued Growth at YYC in 2014

February 12, 2015   |  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2015 

(Calgary, AB) - Calgary International Airport (YYC) had another record-breaking year welcoming over 15.26 million passengers in 2014, an increase of 6.6 per cent over 2013. Cargo also grew to over 128,000 tonnes, an increase of 5.5 per cent. The significant growth in both passenger and cargo volumes is reflective of the airport’s strength as a major transportation hub with an extensive route network, along with an unparalleled commercial development program led by The Calgary Airport Authority.

“With more than 200 flights per day to 78 non-stop destinations, YYC is among the best-served airports in Canada,” said Garth Atkinson, President and CEO for The Calgary Airport Authority. “As one of only two airports in Canada to offer non-stop passenger and cargo service to both Europe and Asia, YYC has established important connections to markets around the world, ensuring business and leisure travellers have some of the most effective and efficient air access.”

YYC sees more service to more destinations

In 2014, YYC continued to welcome many new destinations, increased frequencies and more capacity on passenger and cargo routes. In addition to a number of U.S. and sun destinations, some of the additions at YYC included:
• WestJet introduced new service to New York (JFK), Prince George & Penticton
• KLM announced capacity increases on its Calgary to Amsterdam route
• British Airways introduced its first Dreamliner in Western Canada at YYC
• Air Canada upgauged to 777-300 on its London-Heathrow and Frankfurt routes
• Air Canada rouge began operations out of YYC introducing Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix
• Cargolux service increased to three times weekly
• Cathay Pacific Cargo commenced twice weekly with B747-800 service to Hong Kong

Land Development at YYC Continues to Take Off

YYC’s Global Logistics Parks continued to be busy with activity in 2014. The airport is a leader in offering strategic airside access and on-airport multimodal facilities so that businesses at YYC can continue to grow. The airport boasts more warehouse, logistics, and distribution space than any other airport in the country with over 3 million square feet.

Land Development at YYC in 2014 included:

• Phase 2 development of the Cargo Village, which includes a new specialized cargo building
• Phase 1 of Norcal’s “Airways Crossing” development, which included an 87,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant industrial building.Construction also began on the 40,000 sq. ft. second phase
• Construction began on the 103-room second phase of the Clique Hotel Calgary Airport
• Bandera Ventures completed construction of two multi-tenant industrial buildings totaling over 200,000 sq. ft.
• Hopewell completed its sixth building with 144,000 sq. ft. of multi-tenant industrial space
• Executive Flight Centre Development entered into a long-term lease to build an industrial charter terminal and aircraft hanger

Airport Development Program (ADP) Takes Shape

The ADP provides much needed airport capacity, vital to our airport partners’ growth and development. It includes two major projects at an over $2 billion investment for the Airport Authority.
Runway Development Project

At 14,000 feet, YYC’s fourth runway is the longest in Canada and became operational as of June 28, 2014. Runway 17L/35R is equipped with a Category III (a) Instrument Landing System, over 5,000 LED inset and edge lights, and associated infrastructure such as taxiways and an aircraft parking apron. The Calgary Airport Authority celebrated the opening of its new runway by inviting 1,400 runners to Run the Runway on June 14 and 10,000 guests were invited to Roam the Runway on June 15.

The new runway was recognized as a one of Alberta Construction Magazine’s Top 2014 Projects and as the Project Management Institute (Southern Alberta Chapter) Project of the Year for Engineering and Construction.

International Facilities Project

At the end of 2014, the new International Terminal made significant progress with 96 per cent of glass installation for the exterior walls complete, granite flooring installation was 56 per cent complete and over 92 per cent of the baggage handling equipment had been installed. Some of the latest announcements as part of this major terminal expansion included the Delta Hotels and Resorts introducing its newest product with an additional four-star hotel at YYC, along with new elements such as processes that will seamlessly connect travellers through the domestic, transborder and international concourses. It will also include a new Compact Transit System — small vehicles that will carry up to 10 passengers at a time — moving travellers quickly and efficiently from concourse to concourse.

Springbank Airport (YBW) Reaches New Heights


Springbank Airport is a reliever airport for YYC and is operated by The Calgary Airport Authority under long-term lease from the Federal Government. It provides a wide range of commercial and private aircraft services.

2014 highlights included:

• 146,773 aircraft movements representing a 8.9 per cent increase over 2013
• Bow West Development commenced construction of a new 12-bay hangar with expected completion in early 2015.
• The Springbank Airport Business and Pilots Association hosted an Airport Open House in September for the local community, showcasing some of the businesses and their activities at YBW.

ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of Calgary International (YYC) and Springbank (YBW) Airports. YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, generating over $8.2 billion per annum in economic activity.

For more information please contact:

Jody Moseley
Director, Corporate Communications & Marketing
The Calgary Airport Authority
Phone: 403-807-9143
Email: jodym@yyc.com 

-30-