The Abbotsford International Airport announced that 2016 brought in a record setting amount of passengers—with a total of 530,643 people, a major increase of 42,810 from 2015.
YXX Airport has been under development over the past several years with renovations made to its major terminal and the addition of an international customs building.
The airport’s growth allowed for an 8.78 per cent increase of passengers from 2015 to 2016.
“Abbotsford International Airport has a vision to be recognized as a competitive regional gateway promoting high quality economic growth and development,” said Braun. “YXX is achieving that vision with this year’s record passenger volume. By seeing more people through the gates, the airport will continue to support the economic vitality of the local community and establish its role as a vital regional transportation network.”
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One of their core strategies that came into effect to achieve this goal was being able to grow the business through exisiting concessionaires, partners and airlines and making new connections.
“Over the past two decades our airline has brought millions of guests in and out of Abbotsford, and we are continually impressed with the team’s collective commitment to service, efficiency and low cost. We reference Abbotsford’s low cost and fees as a model to be emulated by other airports. WestJet looks forward to working with the team towards another banner year in 2017,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice President, Commercial.
Another key factor was the introduction of NewLeaf Travel Company, which offers a cheaper alternative, with many flights based out of Abbotsford.
“The success and growth of Abbotsford International Airport begins with the strategy to create and develop relationships with industry and community partners,” said Jim Young, President and CEO of NewLeaf Travel. “NewLeaf Travel Company is privileged to be among those partners as Abbotsford continues to be a high performing destination for NewLeaf’s route network.”