Record Breaking Passenger Numbers in 2015

Prince George, BC – A record breaking 470,849 passengers used the Prince George Airport (YXS) in 2015; an increase of 5.6% over 2014.

President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA), John Gibson says “the 2015 Canada Winter Games played a huge role in the passenger traffic increase. We estimate 15,000 passengers associated with the Games enplaned or deplaned over the months of January through March. Combine that with a strong economy in the early months and we had a great year.”

Although passenger traffic set a new record in 2015, passenger traffic over the last quarter of the year was down 2.5%. Gibson is concerned about how strong passenger traffic will be in light of the slowdown in the economy.

“2015 kicked off on a high note as Pacific Coastal Airlines started operating non-stop flights to Victoria six days a week in January” says Air Service Development Manager, Lindsay Cotter. “Other highlights include installing multi-use furniture in the Boarding Lounge, breaking ground on the construction of a 25,000 sq. ft. cargo warehouse, opening it up in November and welcoming Rosenau Transport Ltd as the anchor tenant.”

Gibson says “the PGAA has to spend $55 million dollars over the next decade on capital projects to keep the airport operating safely. Even though we have been pressing the Federal Government for the last five years for funding support, so far there has been no relief. In 2015, we spent close to 14 million dollars on capital improvement including repaving runways/taxiways and replacing runway lighting and electrical support systems.”

A major focus in 2016 is convincing the Federal Government to help fund Infrastructure and Equipment for Small National Airport System Airports like they do for other airports our size in Canada.

Passenger numbers at a glance:

2015: 470,849
2014: 445,929
2013: 426,709
2012: 418, 589
2011: 402,438
2010: 390,340