EDMONTON – Things continue to look up for the Edmonton International Airport, which saw 8.2 million passengers in 2014, breaking the previous record set in 2013.
Travel to the United States went up 8.5 per cent in 2014, while international travel grew 13.1 per cent. It was also a big year for new airlines and routes out of EIA.
Icelandair began year-round service to Reykjavik in the spring, adding additional flights during the summer.
American Airlines began service to Dallas-Fort Worth in April, and in October added a non-stop flight to Los Angeles.
In November, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced new non-stop passenger and cargo service to Amsterdam, beginning in May 2015.
“Adding three major international air carriers is a great show of confidence that opens new destinations for leisure travellers, and new opportunities for business,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO.
The airport’s two largest carriers – Air Canada and WestJet – increased overall seat capacity.
There was also much fanfare when the world’s largest aircraft – the Antonov An-225 – landed at the airport in June.
WATCH: The An-225 lands at the Edmonton International Airport, live on the Morning News.
Cargo services grew for the fifth year in a row, with over 370,000 square feet of new facilities announced or completed. Three major freight carriers – Cargojet, DHL and FedEx – all began flying larger planes into EIA to accommodate higher volumes and larger shipments.
EIA said commercial development was also strong, with over $330 million spent or committed in private investment. The Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel opened and a second Shell Aerocentre was built. Canadian North also announced a new pilot training centre, housing a Boeing 737 flight simulator.
“With outstanding support from our community, from our passengers, and from our business partners, 2014 has been another great year for Edmonton International Airport,” said Mr. Ruth.
The Edmonton International Airport has been Canada’s fastest-growing major airport for the past 10 years and the fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic.
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