Saskatoon, SK: The Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) is a private corporation incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act as a self-financing and community focused business that is reliant on a user-pay model to fund airport capital and operations. All earnings of the SAA are retained and reinvested in airport operations and development to best serve the community and ensure the most valued airport experience in Canada.
In 2023, SAA initially experienced lower-than-anticipated passenger traffic which strengthened progressively throughout the year particularly in the summer month. As a result, annual passenger traffic of approximately 1.27 million or 86% of 2019 levels (pre-pandemic) was achieved representing the highest passenger travel since the pandemic.
SAA was excited to celebrate several other milestones in 2023 including the completion of our multi-year primary runway (09/27) rehabilitation project as part of our strategic asset lifecycle plan expected to deliver 20 plus years of utilization for our airport partners and community air service access.
Beginning in the summer, SAA was thrilled to welcome year-round, direct service to Minneapolis 3 times weekly with WestJet. Air Canada increased capacity to Toronto and returned summer service to Montreal, which enhanced one-stop connectivity through these major hubs.
Building on our success in 2023, SAA is proudly welcoming new partners, enhanced connectivity and expanded route options that directly support trade, tourism and community-valued air access that further fosters regional economic prosperity and growth in 2024 and beyond. We are excited to welcome Porter Airlines with daily year round service to Toronto in May, WestJet with expanded daily seasonal service to Minneapolis from April to October, and nonstop dedicated Montreal service with Air Canada for the summer season.
To continuously discern our guests’ most valued needs, SAA continues to participate in the Airports Council International – Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Program. We are thrilled to have achieved an overall guest satisfaction score of 4.31 (out of 5.00) in 2023 demonstrating our guest-centric airport culture and collaborative commitment to our guests. Key ASQ success factors were our new and improved website, the return of our YXE Volunteer program, and our commitment to airport cleanliness.
In 2023 SAA also reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all. In an effort to disrupt human trafficking in our community and specifically within transportation corridors, we partnered with the organization #NotInMyCity and the Saskatoon Police Service on a campaign to heighten awareness in the fight against human trafficking. This included the rollout of human trafficking awareness training for all airport staff so that our airport community is better equipped to disrupt one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada.
Finally, SAA’s investments and diligent monitoring of our sustainability program, energy consumption and carbon footprint has remarkably advanced our strategic path to achieve our 2023 target of reducing carbon emissions by 20% from our 2015 benchmark year. Looking forward, we steadfastly set our sights on a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2027 from our 2015 benchmark year.
“As we emerge from one of the most challenging periods in the history of our industry, I am confident that continued SAA success will be achieved as we leverage our strong cultural foundation that embraces commitment, collaboration of our many airport partners, and the sustained performance of the entire SAA team,” says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of theSaskatoon Airport Authority. “While we have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic passenger levels, we are optimistic that 2024 will be a year of continued growth and regional economic opportunity.”
-30-
For more information contact:
CJ Dushinski
VP Business Development & Service Quality
YXE Saskatoon Airport
[email protected]
About YXE Saskatoon Airport
YXE Saskatoon Airport is operated by Saskatoon Airport Authority. YXE Saskatoon Airport is a partner in developing Saskatoon and Saskatchewan by delivering the most valued airport experience in Canada.