Cargo tonnage facilitated through Hamilton International is nearly 60% higher than it was in 2017
Hamilton, ON (December 14, 2022) – John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport experienced significant growth in its air cargo traffic, outpacing the rest of Canada, according to the latest data released by Statistics Canada on December 8, 2022. Hamilton International facilitated more than 156,000 tonnes of cargo in 2021, which reflects a notable 59 percent increase as compared to 2017 and as compared to an average three percent decline across Canada in the same period.
“This steady growth in cargo activity can be attributed to the accelerated shift to e-commerce, alongside the increased demand and movement of a variety of essential medical supplies during the pandemic,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International. “As the largest domestic overnight express cargo airport and the third largest cargo freight airport in Canada, Hamilton International is a key economic driver and vital transportation hub for the Hamilton region and across Ontario.”
Hamilton International’s 2021 Economic Impact Study, completed by ICF International Incorporated, found that Hamilton International delivered 4,720 jobs and $1.5b in total economic output, with 2,770 jobs and $1b of that directly attributed to its cargo business. Cargo operations at the Airport have experienced a 29 percent growth in all areas, including employment, labour income, value added and industry activity, over the past five years:
Cargo Operations Economic Impacts in Hamilton 2017 vs. 2021
*Source: Hamilton International Airport 2021 Economic Impact Study
Hamilton International offers cargo partners significant advantages, including its strategic proximity to Ontario’s 400-series highways, the Greater Toronto Area, and the U.S. border. The Airport also has 24-hour landing capability, a dual runway system of 10,000ft and 6,000ft, and dedicated Canada Border Services Agency staff on site, all of which support quick turnarounds for cargo carriers. Hamilton International was also designated as a Foreign Trade Zone Point in 2020 Ontario – providing businesses that import/export goods or manufacture products in Hamilton access to direct support on a range of duty deferrals and tax exemptions.
“Hamilton International is a thriving multi-modal hub and has become one of the fastest growing cargo airports in Canada. We are proud to work with numerous cargo partners to ensure Ontarians can ship and receive the goods they need reliably, safely, and efficiently,” added Horncastle. “The Airport is a vital gateway in Southern Ontario’s strategic transportation corridor and looks forward to continuing to grow cargo and passenger activity in the years to come.”
To view the full data from Statistics Canada, visit: Table 23-10-0254-01 Air cargo traffic at Canadian airports, annual
To view Hamilton International Airport’s 2021 Economic Impact Report, visit: https://flyhamilton.ca/hamilton-international-airport-continues-to-drive-significant-economic-benefits/
About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, John C. Munro Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.
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