News | 290 days ago |

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is preparing to implement the next phase of its current 10-year capital plan to upgrade its facilities, expand current services and enhance the passenger/visitor experience at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

“Halifax Stanfield is one of the most critical pieces of transportation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada,” says Tom Ruth, HIAA President & CEO. “Over half of all the air passengers and air cargo that move in our region pass through our airport. We’ve accomplished a lot since the airport was transferred from the federal government 12 years ago but there is more to be done to ensure that Halifax Stanfield continues to be a global leader in customer service and a key driver in regional economic growth.”

Highlights of HIAA’s comprehensive capital plan include the following major infrastructure improvements:

  • Expand both Domestic/International and US Preclearance check-in halls to accommodate new passenger processing models for increased capacity and efficiency;
  • Upgrade baggage handling and baggage screening systems to improve security and increase efficiency;
  • Extend the main runway to 10,500 feet to accommodate larger cargo and passenger aircraft;
  • Expand the US Preclearance holdroom to increase capacity;
  • Replace three emergency response/fire vehicles for greater safety;
  • Reconfigure airport roadways to increase traffic capacity; and
  • Expand and upgrade utility infrastructure.

“These improvements are required to meet the needs of our current and future passengers and visitors, allowing us to compete effectively for new business and to adapt to the long-term needs of our airline partners,” says Ruth.

There are three ways major Canadian airports like Halifax Stanfield can fund necessary capital improvements – reinvest operating surpluses, borrow, and use the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). Like other airports, HIAA uses all three. Operating surpluses will continue to be reinvested; funds from HIAA’s two bond issues will continue to be used; and the AIF is being changed to $25 from $20, effective January 1, 2013. This change will be reflected on airline tickets sold on or after October 1, 2012 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after January 1, 2013.