YQQ Surpasses Industry Trend for Growth in 2011

VANCOUVER, Jan. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) announced today that it served 308,937 passengers in 2011, an increase of 4.2 per cent or 12,370 passengers over the previous year. This new data puts YQQ well above the minimal passenger growth experienced by most airports across North America, as reported by Airports Council International.

"YQQ is experiencing a healthy rate of growth compared to other North American airports that saw passenger numbers increasing by less than one per cent in 2011," explained YQQ CEO Shirley de Silva. "This increase surpasses our own passenger growth goals and helps to support our message to airlines that the Comox Valley Airport is an excellent place in which to do business."

With an average increase of 1,031 passengers per month, de Silva says YQQ is in an excellent position for continued growth in 2012.  She attributes YQQ's robust passenger numbers to the airport's strategic marketing efforts and the establishment of Air Transat and Nolitours new direct route to Cancun, along with Flair Air's new charter to Fort Nelson.

The airport's busiest month was August, which saw a total of 34,580 passengers - an increase of 992 passengers over the same month in 2010.  The busy holiday travel month of December saw a total of 26,711 passengers or an increase of 1,978 passengers for the same time period in the previous year.

"Our strategic plan lays out the direction for steady, sustainable passenger growth until 2015, surpassing our pre-recession high," said de Silva.  "As we strategically market our current routes in 2012, we will also continue our efforts to bring additional complementary air service to YQQ."

The Comox Valley Airport Commission's strategic plan estimates an annual passenger increase of three per cent, which could place YQQ's passenger numbers as high as 344,125 by 2015.

For more information about YQQ's strategic direction visit: www.comoxairport.com under about us/reports.

Media Contact:

Christianne Wile
Comox Valley Airport Commission
Phone: [phone] ext.253
Cell: 250-218-2249
[e-mail]