PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Airport (YXS) had another successful year in terms of passenger numbers in 2016 with 462,007 people enplaning and deplaning.
“Coming off of a big year like 2015 where Prince George hosted the Canada Winter Games and the economy slowed down, we were anticipating 455,000 passengers” says President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA), John Gibson. “We beat expectations by 1.5% and beat 2014 passenger numbers by 3.5%.”
The month with the highest increase in passenger traffic took place in November which saw an 8% increase in traffic compared to the same month in 2015, followed by June at 5%.
In terms of passenger service, Pacific Coastal added a second flight to Victoria for the spring and summer months, while Central Mountain Air up-sized its aircraft. Later in the year, both Air Canada and WestJet increased service to and from Vancouver.
In 2016, the PGAA spent close to 2 million dollars on capital improvements including repaving aprons and replacing runway lighting and security systems.
The PGAA also made a major push for government funding in 2016. We are hopeful that come budget time, YXS will have access to government funding for improvements to customer service initiatives and airport rehabilitation.
Other highlights from the year include the grand opening of the cargo warehouse and the introduction of Amelia Bearheart, the PG Airport mascot.
Passenger numbers at a glance:
- 2016: 462,007
- 2015: 470,849
- 2014: 445,929
- 2013: 426,709
- 2012: 418,589
- 2011: 402,438
- 2010: 390,340
