Halifax Stanfield International Airport Developments

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by someone123

Yeah, those are both odd.

Many transit systems have airport surcharge fees. Realistically I don't think their ridership would go down much if the fee were in the $5-10 range.

I'm also wondering if these buses are going to get swamped. Halifax may be small but its airport is about as busy as Winnipeg or Ottawa. Ottawa runs buses every 10-15 minutes (I assume they've had buses for years of course). It'll be pretty miserable if the 30 min or 1 hr frequency buses can't take passengers, and I doubt they'll be able to get extra buses out to the airport very easily. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it goes, and if the buses can't handle it people will have to get taxis, which is no worse than before.

I don't think it's unreasonable to start out with 30/60 minute frequencies and then move up from there. They are getting new buses of the similar type so its not like they couldn't increase the frequency in 3 months when the next route update is done, since they would have the buses anyway.

The airport surcharge here is $8 plus the regular transit fare of $2.75 and our BRT (Route 300) runs every 30 minutes. I have to say, I'm surprised how underused it is, I love it. I can walk from my condo to the stop in front of my work and be at the airport is 30 minutes with few traffic issues.

In terms of MacDonald versus McKay, this might be an attempt to make sure that the route can serve as much of the urbanized area of Halifax/Dartmouth as possible - so I would assume this route would feed/be fed from other routes to help it do well. That said, I suspect the next update will see the frequency change. With all the workers at the airport, plus the adjacent hotels - I think this route will do well.

[q12]

Airport Construction Projects Update:

• TERMINAL EXPANSION: south end area of main terminal building to make terminal uniform from end to end (new glass facade)
• New Loading Bridges
• BELL BOULEVARD EXTENSION: reconfiguration to loop back to Highway 102
• RUNWAY 05-23 EXTENSION: from 8,800 ft to 10,500 ft UNDER CONSTUCTION
• ALT Brand Hotel at terminal (Le Groupe Germain) UNDER CONSTRUCTION http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...88#post5562388
• Hotel off-site (Marriott Courtyard) UNDER CONSTUCTION
• 2nd Starbucks on main level Arrivals, NOW OPEN
• Metro Transit MetroX Airport Service NOW OPERATING

Some pictures of the new bus service. They are now accepting all carry-on and checked luggage.


http://www.hiaa.ca/schedules/hotel.html


http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...40201820_n.jpg

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...2666244&type=1


http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/to...t-bus-8col.jpg
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...s-luggage.html

[SekishikiMeikaiHa]

Aerial view of the airport:

[Jstaleness]

Nice. How tall are you?

[SekishikiMeikaiHa]

Originally Posted by Jstaleness

Nice. How tall are you?

About 10,000 feet when the picture was taken

[halifaxboyns]

Shows a great perspective of how much room there is to expand the airport for terminal reserve land. I remember speaking to someone from the airport who was saying that the taxiway onto the tarmac had originally been planned to extend over 14-32 and then another parallell taxiway to 14-32 created that would link up to the threshold of 05-23 but for whatever reason they didn't propose it in the master plan. That said the photo shows how if the AC Jazz hanger were to move, the terminal could further expand when/if the demand warrented it.

[q12]

Delta’s Halifax-to-LaGuardia daily flights ready for takeoff

July 10, 2012 - 7:01pm BY COLLEEN COSGROVE BUSINESS REPORTER

http://thechronicleherald.ca/busines...dy-for-takeoff

Delta Air Lines is once again giving Nova Scotians a chance to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

As of today, 50-seat regional jets destined for LaGuardia Airport will depart Halifax Stanfield International Airport twice daily.

“Halifax has become an important feed-in for Delta’s LaGuardia hub in New York,” Jerry Staples, the vice-president of marketing and business development with the Halifax International Airport Authority, said Tuesday. “It’s good for them and it’s good for us.”

One of three major airports in New York City, LaGuardia’s central location is an added convenience for business travellers and tourists alike, Staples said.

The fact that travellers clear United States customs in Halifax adds to the convenience factor, Staples said.

The year-round, twice-daily jet service is part of Delta’s largest route expansion to LaGuardia in more than 40 years. The airline has increased its service to LaGuardia by 60 per cent, adding 100 new flights and 26 new destinations.

Saturday service from Halifax to Atlanta, Ga., and daily service to Detroit, Mich., from now until October are also part of Delta’s expansion.

“An important part of our strategy to become the preferred airline in New York is connecting to key business markets, and that includes daily jet service between Halifax and LaGuardia,” Gail Grimmett, Delta’s senior vice-president in New York, said in a news release.

Delta Air Lines pulled its services out of Halifax last fall as part of a corporate restructuring related to its merger with Northwest Airlines.

The airline reinstated service with temporary, daily flights to New York (John F. Kennedy) at Halifax Stanfield in April. The daily service to LaGuardia is now Delta’s only Halifax-to-New York connection.

Delta’s service in Halifax is part of what Staples said will likely be a series of new carrier announcements in the coming weeks, thanks to the runway expansion that begins this month.

The $28-million extension of the airport’s main runway is set to be completed by November.

“This extension will put a huge focus on our cargo activity,” Staples said.

“Some large carriers are signalling their interest in coming back ... so it’s safe to say we can expect more announcements in the coming weeks on passenger and cargo carriers coming back on line.”

[q12]

Halifax Stanfield to Upgrade Facilities and Services

http://www.hiaa.ca/default.asp?id=19....1.262.291.666

August 2, 2012

Requires Airport Improvement Fee Adjustment

Halifax, N.S. – 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.

Projects at Halifax Stanfield to be funded by the AIF are determined through a consultation process with the airlines that serve Halifax. The AIF is collected by the airlines from departing passengers, and is added to the price of each originating airline ticket, which represents about 40 per cent of all Halifax Stanfield passengers. It does not apply to arriving or connecting passengers.

“Responsible, effective management of the growth and development of the airport is essential to ensure its long-term financial health,” says Ruth. “We are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, both as Nova Scotia’s principal air connection to the world and as a huge economic engine for our community. These facility improvements will help us fulfill those responsibilities.”

“Management of this critical asset requires that we budget and manage our resources to create modest annual surpluses, allowing us to maintain moderate aeronautical fees charged to airlines to enhance our competitive position; maintain our A+ credit rating; and maintain a debt per enplaned passenger ratio that is below the average of the other major airports in Canada,” adds Ruth.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by q12

Halifax Stanfield to Upgrade Facilities and Services

http://www.hiaa.ca/default.asp?id=19....1.262.291.666

August 2, 2012

Requires Airport Improvement Fee Adjustment
.
.
.

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.

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It is great to see all the improvements taking place but I am concerned with the high Airport Improvement Fee of $25 (starting January 1 2013).

When will the runway extension be complete? Have the improvements to the south end of the terminal started?

[q12]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

This will mean that Halifax will have the longest runway east of Montreal for a Canadian Airport. We will be about 300' longer than than Gander which is the longest in the maritimes. Put another way, the runway will be 3.2 km long.

Almost the longest, Goose Bay's longest runway is 11,000 feet.

Originally Posted by fenwick16

It is great to see all the improvements taking place but I am concerned with the high Airport Improvement Fee of $25 (starting January 1 2013).

When will the runway extension be complete? Have the improvements to the south end of the terminal started?

Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and even Sydney charge $25 departure fees.

The runway should be finished in November.

The south end terminal (Domestic/International check-in halls) construction hasn't started yet as far as I know. However if they are also expanding the US Preclearance holdroom capacity and US Preclearance check-in halls then very soon we could see both North and South ends of the terminal under construction.

[halifaxboyns]

This will mean that Halifax will have the longest runway east of Montreal for a Canadian Airport. We will be about 300' longer than than Gander which is the longest in the maritimes. Put another way, the runway will be 3.2 km long.

[halifaxboyns]

The exterior seems to be going up quite quickly on the airport hotel...

[q12]

Cargojet Sprouts Brussels Flight

http://www.halifaxgateway.com/en/hom.../cargojet.aspx

Cargojet is streamlining Eastern Canada’s seafood export market with the addition of a direct flight from Halifax to Europe. The newly scheduled ‘fish flight’ addresses the challenge of trucking European-bound lobster to airports in Montreal or Boston by getting the fresh seafood to market a day faster.

Recognized as Canada’s largest air freighter service, Cargojet offers on-time reliability. Its fleet of 13 allcargo aircraft transport over 550,000 pounds of time sensitive air cargo each business night, predominantly to major cities in Canada and also into the U.S., and Europe.

Market demand for air cargo’s fast delivery to market is on the rise, primarily due to the short production cycles of high tech goods like iPhones and consumer demand for international delicacies. This is especially true for Atlantic Canada, a region that supplies 55 per cent of the worldwide lobster market.

“Cargojet offers shared capacity and costs to multiple shippers so customers only pay for the space they need.” Porteous says. “Essentially, we make it easier and more accessible for businesses to grow regionally, nationally and globally.”

Cargojet has 44 commercial agreements signed with multiple international carriers providing customers airfreight connections around the world.

Over 29,000 metric tonnes of cargo is shipped annually via the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. This number is expected to grow as the airport extends its runway to 10,500 feet. A longer runway enables the airport to handle larger wide-bodied aircraft and positions Halifax as a major air cargo gateway.

This new website has some interresting information about Halifax's advantage as an east coast gateway. http://www.halifaxgateway.com

This was in the herald today listing some of the impressive statistics last year in 2011:




Here is some more statistics from the gateway's website.

Halifax Gateway’s convenient and
modern infrastructure and services
include:

• The only U.S. preclearance
facility in Atlantic Canada and
24/7 customs services

• A natural, ice-free harbour that
is only one day’s sail from New York

• At 65 feet…the deepest cargo
berths on North America’s east coast

• On-dock, double-stack rail service
to over 43% of the North American
population

• The Atlantic Gateway–Halifax
Logistics Park with transloading
services minutes from Border Services
and next to 5 major highways.

[q12]

Updated route map from the airport's SOAR Halifax magazine

[fenwick16]

Here is something for Airport enthusiasts: (EDITED: I see the NS Lung Association website is currently down. But it was a notice for a 5K run at the Halifax Airport alongside the extended runway scheduled for Sunday, Oct 28, 2012)

(source: http://www.hiaa.ca/ and http://www.ns.lung.ca/runwayrun/ )

[halifaxboyns]

The value of Halifax Stanfield International Airport as a Nova Scotia asset increased by about $11 million to a total of $1.26 billion in 2011, says the facility’s operator.

An economic impact report released Tuesday by Halifax International Airport Authority said the airport and its partners had tremendous impact last year on Halifax and the province as an economic generator and growth creator.

“Even in the face of global economic challenges, Halifax Stanfield continues to play an important role as an employer and contributor to the Nova Scotia economy,” Tom Ruth, authority president and chief executive officer, said in a news release.

Among other things, the report said there were an equivalent of 5,260 full-time jobs linked directly to the airport in 2011.

“About two-thirds of airport community workers live in rural areas of Nova Scotia, and their total wages and salaries amount to over $325 million,” Ruth said.

Major employers include IMP Group, Air Canada and Jazz, all of whom provide the equivalent of 2,096 full-time jobs, about 40 per cent of the airport workforce.

The airport’s 2011 economic impact study shows the facility’s $1.26 billion value as an asset is based on gross output generated by airlines, air freight firms, retailers and other companies involved directly or indirectly with the air transportation industry.

The rest of the Chronicle Herald story is located here.

[halifaxboyns]

The new hotel is looking really interesting. I love the way the sign looks on the roof - it's very interesting.

[halifaxboyns]

Interesting article playing up Halifax's geography and how YHZ will play a crucial role in the 'Halifax advantage' (as I call it).

Location, location is what it’s about
Stanfield International Airport is one of the crucial components that enhance Halifax’s geographic advantages. (TED PRITCHARD / Staff)

Some commercial operators are coming to Halifax to check out how Nova Scotia might help them benefit from megaprojects underway in Newfoundland and Labrador or proposed for Canada’s North.

“It’s really important we get particular companies here to show them what’s happening in the background here,” Nancy Phillips, executive director of the Halifax Gateway, said Tuesday.

The logistical infrastructure involved in handling megaprojects in Atlantic Canada has implications for businesses interested in transporting goods to and from the region, she said.

A delegation of North American business representatives is to arrive today for two days of talks and tours that are part of the Halifax Logistics Park Summits, which are sponsored by the Halifax Gateway Council. A delegation from Europe visits Nov. 27-28, while a group from Asia visits next March.

Joyce Carter, Halifax Gateway Council chairwoman, said Halifax has geographic advantages when it comes to benefiting from the estimated $100 billion in megaprojects underway, or scheduled to begin, in Atlantic Canada in coming years.

The rest of the herald story is here.

[q12]

November 15, 2012

Extended Runway Fully Operational

Right on schedule, the newly extended main runway (05/23) at Halifax Stanfield International Airport is fully operational today. Construction to lengthen the runway to 10,500 feet is now substantially complete. The runway is open and being used.

Since September 26, 2011, work has been underway to extend the runway by 1,700 feet, with 1,330 feet added to the south end (by Old Guysborough Road) and 370 feet at the north end (toward Enfield).

Work included excavation, backfilling, and paving, associated airfield electrical and lighting components, connecting service roads, relocation and replacement of major navigational aids on both runway ends, and replacement of the Category II high intensity approach lighting system at the north end of the runway.

Flight operations began early this morning with the following first flights:

First cargo arrival: Flightcraft B727 at 5:09 a.m.
First cargo departure: Cargojet B727 at 5:10 a.m.

First passenger arrival: WestJet B737 flight # 228 from Calgary at 6:24 a.m.
First passenger departure: Air Canada A320 flight # 603 to Toronto at 5:50 a.m.

http://www.hiaa.ca/default.asp?id=19....1.262.291.666

Airporter firm may rev up service again
November 16, 2012 - 6:38pm BY REMO ZACCAGNA BUSINESS REPORTER

http://thechronicleherald.ca/busines...-service-again

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the news q12. I wonder if they will now consider extending the other runway by 1000 - 1500 feet?