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YYC Calgary International Airport experienced another year of strong growth ending 2017 with 16.3 million passengers travelling through the airport.
The 3.8 per cent year over year increase is more than double the increase from the year before (1.3 per cent) as a result of the many enhancements to airlines services and frequencies.
In December 2017, YYC welcomed its 16 millionth passenger, marking a milestone for the airport. These increases signify resiliency and confidence in the city and at the airport, following periods of unprecedented economic challenges.
With an unparalleled number of seats per capita, Calgarians enjoy more direct flights than their Canadian peers. YYC serves 80 non-stop destinations globally and with new additions and more investment in the customer experience, 2018 will bring even more growth to YYC.
YYC continues to be a leader in connecting Albertans to goods from all over the world. YYC’s cargo operations grew significantly with more than 147,000 tonnes of cargo moving through the airport, an increase of 7.7 per cent from 2016. With 69 weekly flights to a number of important economic markets, the airport is responsible for moving 75 per cent of all of Alberta’s air cargo.
“The strength of our passenger and cargo volumes indicates a positive economic future for the city, as people continue to come to Calgary to experience our famous hospitality,” said Bob Sartor, president and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.
“It is a very optimistic sign that we were able to grow in 2017, and is a result of strategic partnerships that allow us to offer some of the best air services and connection options to our guests.”
In 2017, the expansion of YYC’s already impressive route network was further enhanced by additional routes, providing even more choice to Alberta passengers looking to experience the world.
WestJet, focused on building its largest hub in Canada at YYC. It increased winter services with 52 additional flights and celebrated the inaugural services for several destinations including Mesa, Belize City and Nashville.
Among many other milestones, WestJet announced Denver and Mexico City service from YYC beginning in 2018 and also announced WestJet Link, a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal out of Calgary.
YYC saw more growth through its other important airline partners who increased seats and frequency on many routes in 2017. This included additional capacity on Air Canada’s London, Hawaii and Newark services, along with additional frequency to San Francisco.
KLM added more seats on its Calgary to Amsterdam service, and U.S. airline partner Delta Air Lines, continued to enhance its capacity to its hub airports.
YYC was able to welcome these additions through its recent expansion of both its terminal and airfield. In its first full year of operation, the International Terminal welcomed nearly five million passengers and over 4.8 million bags from more than 21,000 flights.
With an additional 24 aircraft gates and new innovations and technologies to enhance the guest experience, the facility has been a positive asset in bringing the world closer to Alberta.
