Passenger numbers at the Thunder Bay International Airport has flown through the roof.
The Thunder Bay International Airports Authority annual report showed record number of passengers last year with around 720,000 people with the busiest month in October. The airport has increased its traffic volume every year since 2008.
The airport’s President and CEO Scott McFadden said the increase is because of the mining, health sciences and manufacturing sectors. With mining developments like the Ring of Fire happening, he said he expected the airport to remain a busy place.
“We have great air service from three world class carriers who offer really competitive airfares, which has stimulated demand as well,” McFadden said. “
The airport’s revenue also grew up 8.6 per cent from last year but operating expenses also increased by 8.4 per cent. The increase was to cover the damages the terminal building received after a severe storm tour off the roof as well as cover the recycling fees and design services.
But direct expenses decreased by 2.3 per cent and net income rose by 30 per cent.
McFadden said they are doing a lot to improve the airport and a number of projects are currently on the way.
One of the more anticipated projects has been the development of the Hilton Hampton Inn. The project is expected to start construction this year.
The report also highlighted the need for an air traffic transportation policy in Canada. Thunder Bay lost flights to Minneapolis, Minn. about 18 months ago. McFadden said losing those flights has negatively impacted the city economically.
“I think everyone is aware that you can save a considerable amount of money by driving south of the border,” he said. “We estimate in the region of 35,000 passengers drive to Duluth and Minneapolis.”
