2019 was a very successful year for YQM!

GREATER MONCTON, NB – As a result of combined efforts from its key airlines partners, Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Sunwing and Air Transat, the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) achieved one of its best passenger traffic years ever in 2019, with 674,406 passengers. Past record years were over 681K in 2018 and over 677K in 2014.

This is great news considering the impact in the market related to the Boeing 737 Max grounding issue. Airlines continue to be very challenged in regards to fleet management and deployment as a result of 737 Max being withdrawn from their networks. Three of our key carriers have seen very significant impacts with 24 aircraft for Air Canada, 13 for WestJet and 6 for Sunwing being withdrawn from their respective networks and aircraft inventory until this matter is resolved.

2019 was another hugely successful year for domestic cargo activity at YQM with 1,775 aircraft movements from our partners Cargojet, FedEx, and EVAS. Similarly, YQM achieved a record volume of dedicated intermodal international air cargo freighter tonnage with 31 flights by Kalitta Air and Ethiopian Airlines in 2019 carrying 1,842,567 kilograms of live lobster directly to China or to European markets.

“Many thanks to everyone for your efforts in growing our passenger volume and cargo activity in 2019!”, said Bernard LeBlanc, President and CEO of the airport. “With the economic impact that our airport has on the economy of our community and region, we continuously work hard at positioning ourselves to increase our growth and activity at YQM. We remain grateful for the loyalty of our customers, airlines and partners in the business community and government.”

2019 has been a very significant year for YQM, with key accomplishments such as:

• Completion of a 6150-foot runway 06-24 resurfacing project
• Attainment of level 3 Carbon Accreditation Certification (carbon footprint reduction – only one of 5 Canadian airports in this league)
• Increase in our southern destination line-up and addition of the Air Canada Rouge offering

It is also important to note that this winter, YQM along with its airline partners, will be offering 12 weekly direct non-stop flights to southern destinations. New for 2020, Air Transat has added an extra rotation to Punta Cana which means you have the option of leaving on Wednesdays or Fridays to Punta Cana over a 10-week period. Another new addition is Miami offered by Sunwing! This will allow easier connectivity to cruises and another destination in Florida.

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About Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)

YQM is a progressive airport and the leading airport in the central Maritimes. 24/7/365 – everyone associated with the airport strives to provide superior air service to passengers travelling all over the world and to the global cargo industry -safe, convenient, efficient, bilingual and businesslike.

YQM also strives to maximize its contribution to local and regional economic and community development – it currently drives over $665 million of economic activity annually, making it one of the top private-sector economic contributors to New Brunswick’s economy. YQM is a member of Vantage Airport Group.

Your economy. Your airport.

For more information:
Julie Pondant, Corporate Communications Specialist
506-856-5459 or 506-962-2830
jpondant@cyqm.ca