trend-defying growth expansion 2012 - Edmonton Airports ...

from Mexicana. The oil sands contributed hugely to
the addition of this service because of the number of
workers from Mexico who are employed up north.
Northern traffic helps even out seasonal traffic
flows, since a lot of the work happens in winter
when numbers slump at most airports. Even before
I came aboard, the success of a northbound Mexican
tour program that ran for three years showcased
what Western Canada offers and helped establish
traffic potential. We also treat our carriers well. We
haven’t raised landing fees for years, making us one
of the more affordable airports in Canada. Mexicana
certainly gave us kudos for making the Edmonton
startup one of their easiest ever – that reputation
coupled with success in filling seats helps make the
case to other airlines.
Q What do you think is one of the biggest challenges
for EIA air service development in the coming year?
A We’ve invested in some good databases that allow
us to look at airline tickets issued in our catchment
area. We now know, for example, that almost 20 per
cent of Edmonton customers who purchase tickets
from travel agents are still driving to Calgary to catch
flights. There are two jobs that the airport has to take
on to fix this. The team at home in Edmonton needs
to convince those travellers to use our own non-stops.
My job is to go out and sell that traffic potential to the
airlines to develop new routes.
Q Which non-stop flights is EIA looking to attract now?
A We’re aggressively seeking out continental Europe,
and we have a list of US targets. We’re also looking to
Eastern Europe, and places in Asia like the Philippines
– again to support the movement of workers. Landing
those flights is a challenge, because historically carriers
send traffic through their designated hubs. One key
to selling ourselves as a community is using the services
we have – nothing will sell Edmonton faster than
filling those non-stops with customers day after day.
EiA pAssEnGEr GroWtH
2008
2007
2006
2005
2008
2007
2006
2005
2008
2007
2006
2005
DOMESTIC PASSENGERS
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
millions
4,349,081
3,772,953
5,106,860
4,936,592
INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS
171,533
143,696
317,700
386,563
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
millions
TRANSBORDER PASSENGERS
594,803
693,378
810,318
943,911
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
millions
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