Terminal upgrades will position the Airport for continued growth as Porter Airlines set to launch service from Hamilton
Hamilton, ON (February 4, 2025) – Today, TradePort International Corporation (TradePort), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vantage Group, unveiled plans for a significant enhancement of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International) terminal facilities to position it for continued air service growth along with the introduction of flights by its new strategic airline partner, Porter Airlines. Airport and airline executives were joined at the announcement by key municipal, provincial, and federal government leadership, along with community stakeholders.
The new partnership with Porter’s air service commitments and TradePort’s investments were facilitated by the landmark new 49-year management lease signed between the City of Hamilton (City) and TradePort in September 2024. The long-term collaborative partnership between the City and TradePort, in place since 1996, has positioned the airport as a critical driver of connectivity, economic growth, job creation, and community partnerships for Hamilton and the surrounding region. Under the new lease, efforts to expand air service, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient operations will continue – starting with planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey. Additionally, future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
Porter will initiate service at Hamilton International beginning in early June 2025, introducing daily service from Hamilton to four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.
“Hamilton International was one of Vantage Group’s very first network airports and we have been proud to partner with the City of Hamilton to steward the Airport’s management and development over the past nearly 30 years.” said George Casey, Chair and CEO, Vantage Group. “Through a shared commitment to operating excellence and strategic relationships with many partners, Hamilton International has grown as an important gateway for tourism and business and a critical creator of local jobs and economic impact. We are proud to continue this work with today’s announcement and our new partnership with Porter Airlines.”
“We are delighted to welcome Porter Airlines to Hamilton International as a strategic airline partner, as we invest in the success of our airport today and well into the future,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “Porter’s elevated economy service, on-board experience and air service connecting passengers to and from key destinations across Canada are a perfect fit for the stress-free, convenient airport experience we offer here at Hamilton International.”
“The Porter experience is something that travellers in Hamilton have never seen before,” said Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines. “Our team takes great pride in delivering amenities that make flying something to look forward to and doing so with an emphasis on care and service. Hamiltonians and their neighbours have long deserved a commitment such as what Porter is making, with four routes connecting them across the country. We see significant opportunity in this market to expand our network across North America and believe that the community can support these initial flights – which will position us to consider offering additional service from Hamilton.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to Hamilton’s John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and to see Vantage Group’s continued investment to enhance passenger facilities. This is a major win for the City of Hamilton and will significantly transform our airport’s passenger service offerings. For years, the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport has been home to Canada’s largest domestic overnight express cargo service, fueling our community’s economic growth and creating jobs,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “But Hamiltonians have also longed for more robust passenger options to serve travellers from our city and surrounding communities. The strategic partnership between Porter Airlines and Vantage Group/TradePort, with whom the city recently completed a successful new long-term lease, is a significant investment that will rejuvenate and boost passenger services and will benefit residents, businesses, and the broader region for decades to come.”
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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 Group – a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory services. 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, 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. Visit flyhamilton.ca to learn more.
About Vantage Group
Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory services. Since 1994, Vantage’s corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location. Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve. Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors. Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.