News Release - June 20, 2018

CVAC Reports on Airport Operations at Annual Public Meeting

The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) reported on another successful year at its Annual Public Meeting held June 20th. Some of the highlights, key achievements and accomplishments for the 2017/18 fiscal year were:

• A record 378,875 passengers passed through YQQ. This represents an increase of 3.7% over the previous fiscal year and an 18% increase over the past five years.
• A strong financial statement was reported with increased revenues and decreased expenses resulting in a net surplus of just under $1.4 million.
• New daily service from both Air Canada (Calgary) and WestJet (Vancouver) was announced in 2017/18.
• YQQ maintains a low-cost operating environment compared to other Canadian airports with one of the lowest Airport Improvement Fees.

"YQQ continues to be a strong growth story for both Air Canada and WestJet," comments CEO Fred Bigelow. "In the past year we have seen our airlines add capacity, increase frequency and offer new flights for convenient access to both inbound and outbound travellers. It's positive to see the airlines recognize the opportunity in our market."

"The contribution YQQ makes to a strong local economy cannot be understated," remarks CVAC Board Chair Frank Van Gisbergen. "Not only does the global connectivity offered through our air service contribute to increased tourist traffic to the Comox Valley, it allows our local residents to travel conveniently, making our community a desirable place to live."

A traffic forecast study undertaken by CVAC has revealed the airport terminal will reach capacity between 2023-2028, signaling a terminal expansion is on the horizon. "Our focus will be on planning for a variety of major capital projects over the next years in order to handle the anticipated capacity increases," states Bigelow. "Our strong financial position will play a major role through the planning and execution of these projects."

YQQ's 2017/18 Accountability Report can be found on the Comox Valley Airport's Website by Clicking Here.

About the Comox Valley Airport

The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is an economic driver for Northern Vancouver Island, supporting about 500 direct jobs including airlines, airport management, security, food and beverage, retail and ground transportation. The airport and tourism business community together generate $367 million in Gross Domestic Product and $701 million in direct economic output for the community. YQQ is operated by the Comox Valley Airport Commission, which was established in 1996 as a non-share capital and not-for-profit organization to operate the civil aviation facilities, including the terminal and apron at YQQ. The airfield and its associated systems, including air traffic control, are operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force at 19 Wing Comox on a continuous 24-hour basis.

CVAC Contact:

Maxine Montgomery
Marketing Development Manager
Direct: 250-890-0829 ext 253
cell:250-218-7566
mmontgomery@comoxairport.com