Greater Moncton International Airport Authority (GMIAA) update on 2019 annual results and release of their 2019 Annual Report
GREATER MONCTON, NB – Today the GMIAA’s Board of Directors and management team met to approve the release of its annual report and audited financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2019. An annual public meeting will be held for all stakeholders and the general public on September 18, 2020. Though the COVID-19 global pandemic may push this event to an online format the Board Chair Nancy Whipp and CEO Bernard LeBlanc still see this as a critical forum to share details of the year’s successes, accomplishments and new challenges stemming from the pandemic.
“The Greater Moncton International Airport Authority Inc. (GMIAA) Board was very engaged with our management team throughout 2019 in providing direction and oversight related to the airport’s vision: “Atlantic Canada’s Central Gateway to the World.” Transparency, independence and accountability continue to be an important focus of our Board”, stated Nancy Whipp, GMIAA Board Chair.
A major focus during the year was the ability to reach a memorandum of understanding with TransAqua and the City of Dieppe to allow for the undertaking of a mutually beneficial de-icing fluid disposal treatment approach. This was combined with the expansion of our apron and deicing pad infrastructure in a National Trade Corridors funded project to facilitate growth at YQM. This project received the support and assistance of $8.343 million from the Government of Canada at an announcement on August 7, 2019, by Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“Many major capital projects were undertaken in 2019. Key ones being the resurfacing of our 10,001 foot 06-24 runway and the upgrading of our luggage screening equipment and conveyors. The new Bistro Altitude has now also become accessible post-security, as well as a new elevator allowing access to the second floor (airside) is now in place and operational.”, said Bernard LeBlanc, President and CEO.
“The year was also successful in regard to maintaining ongoing aeronautical activity while additionally generating new commercial activity and flight options. Thank you to Cargojet, FedEx, Air Canada, Air Transat, Porter, Sunwing, WestJet, Moncton Flight College and our many other partners! In addition to our normal level of domestic cargo activity, a total of 31 international freighter cargo flights (Boeing 747 and 777) took place at YQM in 2019 and carried 1.8 million kilograms of live lobster to Europe and Asia while generating more than $0.16 million in incremental revenue”, added Bernard LeBlanc.
The commercial development team worked with airline partners to launch new air services in 2019 – for instance Air Canada Rouge’s Toronto service. In 2019, our sun destination partners’ traffic (our specialty!) grew by 8.2% and, Sunwing launched a Miami early in 2020 and an additional Air Transat Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, service. So, a very successful year in terms of air service development!
Our annual report shares highlights of 2019 in areas of commitment to our passengers, airport users and partners as well as commitment to environmental and operational excellence.
The CEO also notes that while 2019 was a very successful year, COVID-19 is going to be a collective challenge for the GMIAA and the aviation sector for 2020 and for years to come given the major uncertainty in regards to recovery period and what the new norm may now become.
You can find the annual report and audited financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2019 here.
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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.
Your economy. Your airport.
For more information:
Julie Pondant, Corporate Communications Specialist
506-856-5459 or 506-962-2830
jpondant@cyqm.ca