Hamilton International Airport

[JakeLRS]

Originally Posted by BCTed

Why would WS increase the YYC service?

Westjet is a predatory airline. Step into their turf and they'll come back at you.

In 2016, Westjet cut YEG and YHZ service for the first time since they came. Flair came around and picked up Westjets slack and then Westjet reversed course and re-introduced those routes.

Kitchener-Waterloo use to never have more WS service then us. But right now, they have some days with double daily YYC flights because of Flair. They didn't need the extra capacity at YHM because they would just charge a premium from flying from YHM since there was no competition.

Example: In April 2024
YKF-YYC: $66 on Westjet one-way
YHM-YYC: $112 on Westjet one-way

The difference? Only a 100% markup from Hamilton because Westjet has no competition on the route from YHM, where as YKF has Flair.

Ironically, as I typed this and checked Westjets website, they lowered the price of YHM-YYC over the summer from $400 to $225 one way.

[urban_planner]

I really hope that the airport doesn't even entertain Westjet. They've jerked them around enough.

[Djeffery]

Westjet regularly increases London to Calgary in the summer to 2x most days, and the only competition from Flair is the 2x weekly to Vancouver for a couple months. Wouldn't be a shock if they increased YHM as well, although if they did now, it would be obviously a reaction to Porter.

[shoelessjoe]

The Aeroquay at YUL has 2 jetways out of ground level. Have seen them used by Westjet, Transat, Air Inuit and Canadian North. I've never used them so I don't know if it's stairs or an escalator that goes up to boarding level.

[LikeHamilton]

Porter sales must be doing well. They have added a 2nd flight to/from Vancouver starting June 29th.

[urban_planner]

They have also adjusted the flight times to Halifax.

[BCTed]

Where do you learn about the flight additions and adjustments?

Edit: I see a Tweet about the added Vancouver flight: https://x.com/flyyhm/status/1907157062179561621

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by BCTed

Where do you learn about the flight additions and adjustments?

Edit: I see a Tweet about the added Vancouver flight: https://x.com/flyyhm/status/1907157062179561621

My best source is the Canada Airports Thread on the Canada forum here lol

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

My best source is the Canada Airports Thread on the Canada forum here lol

Some very knowledgeable posters there! I often have to look up the acronyms, but that's a small price to pay to learn what's going on.

[mattgrande]

I'm flying to Halifax next month, and was disappointed to see Porter doesn't fly out of YHM until June

[YYCguys]

Originally Posted by mattgrande

I'm flying to Halifax next month, and was disappointed to see Porter doesn't fly out of YHM until June

Would love an update on the terminal renovations, if you can, please and thank you!

[HamAviMech]

Deleted post

[LikeHamilton]

Looks like a new management team @ YHM

NEWS RELEASE

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Announces New CEO and New Executive Managing Director

Hamilton, ON; April 15, 2025:

radePort International Corporation (TradePort), a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Group, announced the appointment of Peter Tong as Chief Executive Officer and Ed Ratuski as Executive Managing Director. These strategic leadership appointments position John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International or Airport) for continued success as the Airport enters a new phase of expansion and innovation.

Peter Tong brings extensive industry experience to Hamilton International, having held leadership positions at Vantage Group since 2018 and serving on TradePort’s Board of Directors for the past three years. His instrumental role in transformative developments at Hamilton International includes securing the new 49-year lease agreement with the City of Hamilton, spearheading the ongoing terminal enhancement project and supporting strategic engagements with the Airport’s airline partners and stakeholders. As Chief Executive Officer, Tong will drive Hamilton International's strategic initiatives, while maintaining his leadership responsibilities at Vantage Group.
 
"I am honoured to step into this pivotal role at Hamilton International during this transformative period as we refresh the passenger experience, strengthen our position as a leader in Canada's cargo sector, and advance Airport land and infrastructure development," said Tong. "The Airport has established an impressive foundation, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to deliver even greater value to our passengers, Airport partners and regional stakeholders."

Joining Tong on the Airport’s new executive team is Ed Ratuski, who also brings a proven track record of success in the aviation industry having guided numerous airports worldwide successfully through complex redevelopments. Ratuski has been a key member of the Vantage Group for 17 years, excelling in various operational and leadership roles, including positions with Hermes Airports in Cyprus, LaGuardia Terminal B and JFK Terminal 7 in New York and, most recently, as Executive Managing Director of Kamloops Airport in British Columbia. As Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International, he will oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the Airport.

"Hamilton International is well-positioned to continue its role as a leading gateway in Southern Ontario, leveraging the strong catchment area and emerging opportunities for cargo, passenger and land development in the region," said Ratuski. "I'm excited to collaborate with Peter as CEO, and the entire Hamilton International team as we build on our strengths, elevate the travel experience and support our Airport partners’ continued success."

Hamilton International also extends its sincere appreciation to Cole Horncastle, the Airport’s outgoing Executive Managing Director, as he transitions to a new role with Vantage Group as Director, Global Advisory Services. Horncastle dedicated more than a decade to Hamilton International and has successfully led the organization to serve as an economic engine, facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods in a strategic transportation corridor.

"We sincerely thank Cole for his dedication and significant contributions to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. His leadership has been instrumental in our success, and we are thrilled for him as he embarks on this exciting global opportunity with Vantage Group," said Ron Foxcroft, Chair of the TradePort Board of Directors. "At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Peter and Ed to the team. Their combined experience and expertise across the aviation and airport sectors will be a tremendous asset to Hamilton International, and we look forward to the impact they will have at our Airport and in the broader region."

Hamilton International recently announced and is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar terminal enhancement project ahead of launching new daily direct air service with Porter Airlines to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Halifax this June, alongside continued service from existing airline partners, including WestJet, Air Canada Landline and Sunwing. Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey. Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the Airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.

[LikeHamilton]

I have been at the airport recently and construction has been going gang busters. There is hardly any place, wall, floor, ceiling that has not been taken apart. All of the check-in counters have been removed. All of the walls have been primed and at least half of the open ceilings have been repainted. Even the front has had all of the old canopy removed and the new steel work for the new canopy installed and the old concrete removed.

In the boarding lounge, the arrivals hallway has been removed, making the place look larger. Detour YHM Café and Bar is being renovated will be rebranded. All of the gate area has been demolished and a new glass wall similar to what is at Billy Bishop Airport is being installed.

Considering that it was only announced on February 4 and has to be finished by May 31st, they have done a lot but have a lot more to do. The grand reopening is on June 2nd with Porter starting June 3rd. This weekend is helping with no flights Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Play and Sunwing have ended and WestJet changes to a 6 am departure and a 12:31am arrival leaving the terminal empty during the day for 18 hours.

As to bridges, that is phase 2 that will start apparently in June according to a workers on site. They have purchased 9 bridges from LaGuardia Airport terminal B (that Vantage Group manages), and they are wrapped ready to be shipped. Apparently from workers I talked to the first bridge maybe in service by the end of the summer and the 2nd one in the fall. The rest of the bridges depend on how well Porter does.

I listened to a podcast on the spec.com with Scott Radley interviewing the airport’s new CEO, Peter Tong, and executive managing director, Ed Ratuski. They stated that they are here to make passenger service a priority at Hamilton International.

I am posting a new picture that has not appeared anywhere before online. This picture was laminated (hence the poor quality) and taped to the wall outside between the front doors with the other two pictures that they have published everywhere. I don’t know if it was a mistake putting it out there but here it is. It shows, I believe, the final look of the expansion. I could not get it all in, but it shows a large expansion of the airport (the white roof area) on the east side of the terminal, 9 bridges and the planes in the picture are all porter planes. The front of the airport is what phase one is to look like.

I think they really mean it this time to do a full expansion of the terminal, and that Porter is planning a large expansion of flights themself at YHM. Porter still has 38 – Embraer E195-E2’s on order.

20250422_183420 , on Flickr

[YYCguys]

Thanks for the update! Looks promising and exciting! I wonder if Porter chipped in some funds for the renovation. And I wonder if Porter will squeeze WestJet out of YHM.

[LikeHamilton]

Originally Posted by YYCguys

Thanks for the update! Looks promising and exciting! I wonder if Porter chipped in some funds for the renovation. And I wonder if Porter will squeeze WestJet out of YHM.

I believe Porter is chipping in and there is not much to squeeze!

[YYCguys]

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

I believe Porter is chipping in and there is not much to squeeze!

This is true, re: “not much to squeeze”!

[BCTed]

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

I have been at the airport recently and construction has been going gang busters. There is hardly any place, wall, floor, ceiling that has not been taken apart. All of the check-in counters have been removed. All of the walls have been primed and at least half of the open ceilings have been repainted. Even the front has had all of the old canopy removed and the new steel work for the new canopy installed and the old concrete removed.

In the boarding lounge, the arrivals hallway has been removed, making the place look larger. Detour YHM Café and Bar is being renovated will be rebranded. All of the gate area has been demolished and a new glass wall similar to what is at Billy Bishop Airport is being installed.

Considering that it was only announced on February 4 and has to be finished by May 31st, they have done a lot but have a lot more to do. The grand reopening is on June 2nd with Porter starting June 3rd. This weekend is helping with no flights Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Play and Sunwing have ended and WestJet changes to a 6 am departure and a 12:31am arrival leaving the terminal empty during the day for 18 hours.

As to bridges, that is phase 2 that will start apparently in June according to a workers on site. They have purchased 9 bridges from LaGuardia Airport terminal B (that Vantage Group manages), and they are wrapped ready to be shipped. Apparently from workers I talked to the first bridge maybe in service by the end of the summer and the 2nd one in the fall. The rest of the bridges depend on how well Porter does.

I listened to a podcast on the spec.com with Scott Radley interviewing the airport’s new CEO, Peter Tong, and executive managing director, Ed Ratuski. They stated that they are here to make passenger service a priority at Hamilton International.

I am posting a new picture that has not appeared anywhere before online. This picture was laminated (hence the poor quality) and taped to the wall outside between the front doors with the other two pictures that they have published everywhere. I don’t know if it was a mistake putting it out there but here it is. It shows, I believe, the final look of the expansion. I could not get it all in, but it shows a large expansion of the airport (the white roof area) on the east side of the terminal, 9 bridges and the planes in the picture are all porter planes. The front of the airport is what phase one is to look like.

I think they really mean it this time to do a full expansion of the terminal, and that Porter is planning a large expansion of flights themself at YHM. Porter still has 38 – Embraer E195-E2’s on order.

20250422_183420 , on Flickr

So the white expansion is for a future phase? Is that right? Do we know if that is already a go or if it is just the hoped-for outcome?

[ScreamingViking]

Based on the satellite view, this would be a huge addition (including natural light from the roof) and involve taking down a building or two to the east to expand the apron. Nice.

I wonder how else it would reconfigure the floorplan.

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

20250422_183420 , on Flickr

[Rg2016]

Originally Posted by BCTed

So the white expansion is for a future phase? Is that right? Do we know if that is already a go or if it is just the hoped-for outcome?

Isnt it that a plane bridge dock requires a two story structure?

Or this one has a flight of strairs going up the bridge?