Saskatoon, SK: As a community-based organization, the Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) is a private, not-for-profit corporation reliant on a user-pay model to fund airport capital and operations. While pleased to see stronger than forecasted passenger traffic for the year, the airport continues to recover from pandemic impacts on the aviation industry. In 2022 annual passenger traffic totaled 952,051, approximately 64% of 2019 levels (pre-pandemic).
Although the beginning of 2022 remained challenging for the aviation industry, the Federal Government’s removal of travel restrictions in the Fall of 2022 led to a surge in travel through the second half of the year, with passenger traffic recovering to upwards of 80% of 2019 volumes during that period.
Through partnership and collaboration with our valued airlines, our community welcomed the addition of many new routes, frequencies, and aircraft up-gauges to accommodate rising demand. Low-cost carrier Flair returned to Saskatoon with service to Toronto and Vancouver, extending operations year-round and announcing daily Calgary service beginning in 2023. The airport also welcomed Swoop Airlines to Saskatoon for the first time in June with additional low-cost service to Toronto. Our largest carrier WestJet continued to demonstrate their commitment to our market by returning nonstop seasonal service to Las Vegas, Orlando, and Phoenix, along with several sun destinations in Mexico. Additionally, we welcomed the return of Air Canada’s much-loved seasonal route to Montreal through summer, offering unique connections into Europe.
Reflecting on 2022, SAA remains committed to serving our guests through exceptional customer experience. As passenger demand increased through the year, we worked diligently with our partners to re-open retail and food and beverage options, continue on-site COVID-19 testing, and further promote our enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols.
Maintaining airport infrastructure remains SAA’s primary responsibility, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability for our airlines and guests. In 2022, SAA began the immense undertaking of the restoration of our primary runway, 09-27, of which the completion will span into 2023. Additional restoration work on Aprons 1 through 5 and the completion of work on Apron 3 provided operational improvements for general aviation operators and expansion opportunities for cargo operations.
“We sincerely value the partnership and collaboration we have seen from our airlines and community in 2022 as we continue to adapt and evolve in meeting current and future demands,” says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority. “We continue to reflect on lessons learned through the pandemic and are committed to becoming even more resilient as we look to the future.”
As we look ahead to 2023, SAA continues its collaboration efforts with airlines and the community to reflect our mission to grow our business while responsibly connecting Saskatchewan to the world. Air service, enhanced service quality, guest services, sustainability and continued investment in our core assets will continue to define our work as we strive to meet the needs of our community and our guests.
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For more information contact:
Stephen Maybury
President & CEO
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.