THUNDER BAY – 2011 was the busiest year ever for Thunder Bay International Airport. The airport hosted 719,500 passengers, eclipsing the 2010 volume of 691,826 which represents a 4% increase year over year. The increased interest in the mining sector, and in particular the “Ring of Fire” appear to be the big factors in the increased growth.
Scott McFadden, President & CEO of the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) attributes the growth to the strong economic activity in the region, and availability of high quality, low cost air service. In 2011 both Bearskin Airlines and Wasaya Airways introduced larger aircraft on some core regional routes. Air Canada and Porter Airlines also added new aircraft and more seats between Thunder Bay and Toronto, our busiest corridor.
“And 2012 starts with customers having the greatest choice ever for direct, non-stop flights to sun destinations,” said McFadden noting that WestJet, in addition to its regularly scheduled service to Toronto and Winnipeg, is offering non-stop service to Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Air Transat, and Sun Wing Vacations also offering weekly non-stops to Montego Bay, Varadero Cuba and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In addition, Porter is offering ski and golf packages to Mount Tremblant Quebec and Myrtle Beach Florida respectively, with Air Canada continuing to offer its full range of Air Canada Vacations products.
Visit the Thunder Bay International Airport website at www.thunderbayairport.com for more information.