May 7, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlottetown, PE – The Charlottetown Airport Authority Inc. (CAA) proudly unveiled its annual report for the fiscal year 2023 at its Annual Public Meeting this morning at YYG Charlottetown Airport.
Key highlights from the 2023 annual report include:
- Record Passenger Traffic: CAA experienced a surge in passenger numbers, surpassing all previous records as 402,686 travellers chose YYG as their preferred airport. This reflects an 18% increase from the previous year, and 5% over the previous record year in 2019.
- Expansion and Infrastructure Development: CAA embarked on an ambitious expansion project to meet growing travel numbers, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate the passenger experience. The most notable development was the completion of The Dock which has increased terminal capacity for departing passengers with an outdoor lounge – the first of its kind in Canada.
- Investments in Sustainability: Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, CAA intensified its efforts towards sustainability initiatives. From the installation of EV chargers to reaching Level 3 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program for the first time, CAA is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.
- Focus on the Passenger Experience: CAA has prioritized enhancing the passenger experience at YYG, focusing on customer service, convenience, and amenities. In 2023, CAA undertook a passenger experience audit which has led to the creation of a new internal passenger experience training program for all staff and tenants – The YYG Connection.
- Community Engagement and Partnerships: CAA continued to foster meaningful partnerships with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders. Through initiatives such the new Indigenous welcome piece in arrivals to supporting local charities and events, CAA is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the economic and social well-being of our region.
CAA Board Chair Steve Loggie expressed gratitude to passengers, partners, and employees for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the year. “CAA’s 2023 annual report underscores the support we receive from our passengers and stakeholders as well as the unwavering dedication and commitment of our employees,” Loggie remarked. “As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing efficient air services and facilities that exceed the expectations of all our stakeholders.”
The Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture for the Province of PEI, as well as City of Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown provided remarks at today’s meeting.
“As the Charlottetown Airport Authority celebrates 25 years, the Province of Prince Edward Island would like to recognize the significant contribution of YYG to our province through supporting trade, population growth and our tourism industry,” said Minister Deagle. “YYG has continued to evolve their operations with visitor experience at the forefront. Reliable, safe, year-round air access is critical for our province’s success. 2023 has been a big year for air traffic and we know that 2024 is set to be even bigger and the province will continue to be here to support this momentum. I congratulate YYG and their staff for all their hard work and wish them a safe and successful year ahead.”
“On behalf of the City of Charlottetown, I’m proud to extend my sincerest congratulations to the hardworking staff at YYG for a tremendously successful year in 2023,” said Mayor Brown. “A record five airlines operated out of YYG and as a result we saw noticeable growth in our volume of winter visitors. With more than 400,000 people passing through our airport last year, the improvements to this facility upheld the strongest values we hold as a community, and for that, I thank all staff members for their thoughtful and dedicated work.”
The Airport Authority also took the time to look ahead to the future of air travel for PEI and outline plans for the Air Terminal Building Expansion project. This project is a $40 million investment in YYG that is planned to be completed in 2027.
“We are certainly pleased with the 2023 results announced today and are optimistic that 2024 and beyond will continue to see more options for air access on PEI,” adds Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown Airport Authority. “Our recent success and future growth projections are fueling this historic investment in our terminal facilities. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders on this and other initiatives so that we can deliver on our vision of providing an exceptional Island experience at YYG.”
The 2023 Annual Report can be found at flyYYG.com.
About the Airport Authority
Charlottetown Airport Authority Inc. assumed operational and financial responsibility for the Charlottetown Airport on March 1, 1999. The Board of Directors oversee the affairs of the airport with a mission to provide a safe, secure, and fiscally responsible airport that connects PEI to the world and drives economic growth. In 2023, more than 402,000 passengers travelled through the airport on an annual basis, generating more than $100 million in total economic activity in Prince Edward Island.
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Contact:
Doug Newson, CEO
Charlottetown Airport Authority Inc.
902-566-7997 x222