John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport experienced significant growth in its air cargo traffic, outpacing the rest of Canada, according to the latest data released by Statistics Canada. Hamilton International facilitated more than 156,000 tonnes of cargo in 2021 a 59 percent increase compared to 2017. It is also significant as cargo volumes declined across Canada an average three percent in the same period.
“This steady growth in cargo activity can be attributed to the accelerated shift to e-commerce, alongside the increased demand and movement of a variety of essential medical supplies during the pandemic,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International. “As the largest domestic overnight express cargo airport and the third largest cargo freight airport in Canada, Hamilton International is a key economic driver and vital transportation hub for the Hamilton region and across Ontario.”
Hamilton International’s 2021 Economic Impact Study, completed by ICF International Incorporated, found that Hamilton International delivered 4,720 jobs and $1.5b in total economic output, with 2,770 jobs and $1b of that directly attributed to its cargo business. Cargo operations at the Airport have experienced a 29 percent growth in all areas, including employment, labour income, value added and industry activity, over the past five years:
Cargo Operations Economic Impacts in Hamilton 2017 vs. 2021
Cargo Operations Impact Employment Labour Income Value Added Industry Activity
2017 2,150 $159.7m $255.8m $789.2m
2021 2,770 $205.5m $329.3m $1.0b
Growth 620 (+29%) $45.8m (+29%) $73.5m (+29%) $210.8m (+29%)
*Source: Hamilton International Airport 2021 Economic Impact Study
So much for the Climate Emergency.
Lets’ grow the airport traffic it’s great for the economy.
Not so good for the planet.