Increased cargo tonnage at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport during a pandemic year

GREATER MONCTON, NB – The total cargo tonnage for 2020 at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) was 20.4 thousand metric tonnes all together. This is an increase over the previous year from 18.9 thousand metric tonnes. This equals to an 8% growth year over year. Although about 12% of all air cargo volumes at YQM, the international freighter volumes grew by close to 50% year over year.

This increase is the second largest in the country, after John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) for Tier 2 airports, which is a measure related to the size of the airport (Excludes Canada’s top 8 largest airports).

“As we kick off 2021, the upcoming Chinese New Year typically increases demand for live lobster which is wonderful news for the lobster export industry as well as the cargo logistics supply chain in our region. This is why we continue to see larger aircraft like Atlas Air and Kalitta Air’s Boeing 747s at this time of year. Another carrier we have been seeing again is Bluebird Nordic, an Icelandic airline that carries fish to North American markets on a weekly basis. We are also
extremely thankful for our daily domestic cargo airline partners like CargoJet and FedEx who make up the majority of our air cargo activity and contribute greatly to keeping us connected and moving shipments like vaccines, critical equipment and time sensitive goods.”, said Bernard LeBlanc, CEO of the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport.

The pandemic has meant a significant change in buying patterns and consumer behaviors. This has resulted in large increases in online purchasing activity and the growth of new habits linked to online purchasing. The recent legalization of marijuana has also led to significant inbound and outbound air cargo activity and shipments. The combination of the above has resulted in growth of air cargo volumes at YQM in 2020.

-30-

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