YQM Achieved a Remarkable Recovery in 2023

GREATER MONCTON, NB, May 7, 2024 – During its Annual General Meeting today, the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority Inc. (GMIAA) announced that more than 600,000 passengers passed through the airport in 2023, reflecting a 28% increase from 2022. With the growing demand for travel, the airport was able to increase airport revenue by 31% compared to the previous year. Additionally, YQM experienced its most successful year for cargo yet. The GMIAA’s Board of Directors are delighted with these strong results and foresee acceleration as the airport progresses into 2024 and beyond.

“In 2023, we witnessed a remarkable growth and recovery, and I am proud to see the progress and resilience of YQM. Our collective efforts will continue to position YQM as the airport of choice in Atlantic Canada in both air freight and passenger travel throughout our region in 2024,” said the Chair of the Board of Directors, Luc Elsliger. “I want to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication as well as our valued passengers and partners for their support throughout the year.”

YQM facilitated a total of 1,477 cargo flights in 2023, with 33 flights being international, handling a combined cargo weight of 22,032 metric tons. This marks a notable 7% increase from the previous year’s figures, making it the most successful cargo year for YQM to date.

In June, YQM introduced new direct non-stop flights to Calgary and Edmonton with WestJet. Following a successful summer with daily flights, WestJet extended year-round non-stop service to Calgary twice a week beginning in the fall. Additionally, to end the year on a high note, Air Transat kicked off its charter flights to sunny destinations just before the Holidays this past December.

With financial assistance from Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund, YQM completed the expansion of the Apron VIII to accommodate more aircraft, as well as the extension of the de-icing pad, which enabled the airport to accommodate more flights for people and goods. The main terminal parking lot was also expanded with 300 additional spaces.

The GMIAA’s leadership and Board launched and started the implementation of the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan in the past year, which focuses on four strategic priorities: passenger services, cargo services, land and infrastructure development and carbon reduction.

A strong recovery allowed for the airport to reignite its financial investments in environmental stewardship. YQM’s unwavering pledge to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction were recognized through two important initiatives this past year – the airport achieved Level 1 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program with Airports Council International (ACI) and received the “Rookie of the Year” Award from Green Economy New Brunswick.

“It’s been exciting to watch the increased flow of passengers inside our terminal throughout the year in 2023 and I’m looking forward to continuing to work towards creating an exceptional experience for our people, passengers, and partners while enhancing economic growth in the region in the next year,” said GMIAA’s President and CEO, Courtney Burns.

Learn more in YQM’s 2023 Annual Report, which was also released today.

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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.

Media relations
Sheila Lagacé, Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist
M: (506) 850-2592
slagace@cyqm.ca