Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 26 seconds.
The year 2018 ended on a high note for Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). The airport welcomed 1.7 million passengers, a 6.2 per cent increase over the previous year.
“In 2018, we welcomed 104,000 more passengers than in 2017. This is a significant increase for YQB and represents the 17th consecutive year of growth,” stated Gaëtan Gagné, president and CEO of YQB. “Over the past several years, we have made significant investments in the development, modernization and expansion of our facilities to respond to growing global traffic, remain competitive and offer a world-class passenger experience. I would like to thank our employees for their remarkable work to fulfil our promise of excellence. Clearly, their effort is paying off as more and more passengers are choosing YQB.”
Growing airline presence
In 2018, many airlines have increased travel to and from YQB. WestJet has added a new route to Calgary International Airport, and increased the number of flights from YQB to Toronto. American Airlines has doubled its flights to the United States, including more flights to Philadelphia, and will continue expanding in 2019, adding summer flights to Chicago. The arrival of Air Canada Rouge for the Quebec City to Montreal and Quebec City to Toronto routes have also been very well received by passengers. Air Transat also has more of a presence in YQB, having added more summer flights to Montreal to help its passengers travel to Europe. Finally, Sunwing has added Puerto Vallarta as a destination, pleasing sun-seekers in the Quebec City area.
All eyes on Quebec City in 2019
The organization aims to continue its route development efforts. To that end, it is particularly proud to welcome Routes America, the largest route development forum in the Americas, which is being held for the first time in Canada. From Feb. 12 to 14, hundreds of influencers from the airline industry will gather in Quebec City to plan and negotiate the future of air services while discovering the area’s beauty and business potential.
