Contribution to the Economy
St. John’s International Airport Authority stimulates economic activity by providing an efficient transportation facility that opens up Newfoundland and Labrador to the world. Every day, thousands of people travel through this facility for the purposes of business and leisure, such that 70% of non-resident air travellers entering and exiting our province do so through St. John’s International Airport.
We have entered a period of rapid growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. As the gateway to the province, we realize the importance of enhancing and expanding our facilities and services in order to ensure that not only do we contribute to the growth of the region but also that we do not hinder that growth. It is for this reason that we have embarked on an ambitious Airport Improvement & Expansion Plan that will enhance and expand our airport as we build capacity to 2 million passengers by 2021.
The growth of our Airport and that of the region itself would not be possible without the increased seat capacity offered by our airline partners. Since 2008, the availability of seats for purchase to and from St. John’s International Airport has grown by 40 per cent. We regularly promote our Airport and region to existing and potential airline partners in an effort to secure new routes and enhance existing ones. It is our aim to provide as much choice as possible to you, the traveling public.
Economic Impact Study
In 2016, the Airport Authority commissioned InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. to determine the economic footprint of the Airport. The results of the study clearly indicate that the St. John’s International Airport is an economic engine, having a substantial impact on the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
St. John’s International Airport Authority is a significant employer for the city and an important facilitator of economic development. A portion of its economic importance is reflected in the estimated 3,830 total full-time equivalents (FTEs)[1] of employment that is supported or facilitated by the airport and the $388 million and $822 million contributed to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic output, respectively.
The results clearly indicate St. John’s International Airport Authority and its airport partners play an important role in facilitating the growth of the Province’s economy. Economic Impact Study (2017) Click here to read our previous report: Economic Impact Study (2011)
[1] FTE = full-time equivalent of employment. For purposes of this study, one full-time equivalent of employment corresponds to 1,832 hours of work annually.
