In 2018, YQM achieved its best ever passenger traffic and dedicated intermodal freighter traffic results!
DIEPPE, 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 its best passenger traffic ever in 2018, with 681,437 passengers over the course of the year.
YQM reached its highest passenger traffic ever, surpassing its previous record in 2014 when western destined mobile worker traffic reached its peak. One major distinction observed in 2018 was that all of these passengers flowed through our main terminal building and via scheduled airline partners rather than western oil company workers who mainly used chartered aircraft from the Fixed Based Operations (FBO).
The year was also significant in that YQM achieved a record volume of dedicated intermodal international air cargo freighter tonnage with 16 flights by Kalitta Air and Ethiopian Airlines carrying close to 1000 metric tonnes of live lobster to destinations such as China and Europe.
“I’m so proud to be able to announce that 2018 was our best year in passenger numbers ever!,” said Bernard LeBlanc, President and CEO of the airport. “As New Brunswick’s busiest airport and knowing the economic impact our airport has on the economy of our community, we are confident that we will continue to grow and prosper in the face of growing competition and constant industry changes. We continue to work hard at making YQM the ‘Atlantic Canada’s Central Gateway to the World!’ and are grateful for the continued loyalty of our customers, airlines and partners in the business community and government.”
2018 has been a significant year for YQM, among the accomplishments YQM:
- Successfully completed its 2018-2038 Master Plan
- Increased its southern destination line-up
- Updated the parking lot infrastructure – including payment automation, cell phone waiting area and an additional 52 new parking spots
- Attained level 2 Carbon Accreditation Certification (carbon footprint reduction)
- Implemented key energy efficiency initiatives such as LED lighting in the terminal building
- The airport also had very positive financial results in 2018. These will be provided at our annual meeting on May 3, 2019.
Also important to note that this winter, YQM along with its airline partners, will be offering 11 weekly direct non-stop flights to southern destinations. New for 2019, Air Transat has added extra weeks to all of their destinations, starting off the season sooner, in order to cover the New Brunswick March Break.
2019 is anticipated to be a very active year with major capital program reinvestments planned. Planned key capital initiatives for 2019 include runway 06/24 resurfacing, continued focus on carbon reduction and energy efficiency improvement projects such as apron floodlighting replacement and fleet replacement.
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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