- In 2008, HSIA served over 3.5 million passengers, a new record. 3% increase over 2007
- The latest figures available (2007) show Halifax Stanfield International Airport is worth over $1.23 billion to the Nova Scotia economy on an annual basis
- It generated 12,000 direct and indirect jobs and $411 million in wages and salaries for the province. This was close to 3% of all employment in the province.
The Airport also rated high in the “nice” factor
- First in overall passenger satisfaction for airports worldwide with under five million passengers, for the sixth year in a row;
- First in the Best Airport - North America category;
- First once again in the Americas in the category of Airport People Awards.
It all sounds great, but why is this important to economic development? The airport is one of those critical players in our economy that is not only a direct generator of growth but enables the growth of other industries. Halifax could not be a regional centre of business and government without excellent air access. The recent growth of our financial service sector rest as much on our air access as our excellent labour force.
The Halifax Region Economic Strategy set two key goals a few years ago, 3% growth in passenger traffic at the airport and 3% growth of containers. At least on of our key gateway goals is in the bag. So next time you are trying to find a parking spot at the airport, understand that you’re one of 3.5 million so good luck with that. Oh wait, there’s that big new parkade…2300 spaces.
Nice.
Fred Morley
Executive Vice President & Chief Economist
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