Saint John Airport President and CEO Derrick Stanford. (staff photo)
Atlantic Canada’s Airports lost more than six million passengers in 2020 and $140-million in revenue.
After all the cost-cutting measures, there was a net loss of over $80-million
Speaking to the House of Commons Transport Committee last week, Derrick Stanford, Saint John Airport CEO, said the unemployment rate in Atlantic Canada in the airline sector is now over 50 per cent.
“2021 is not looking much better. We are down from over 140 routes to just 29 with only nine of those connecting us to the rest of Canada,” Stanford said.
Stanford said the recovery line for the re-start of travel is getting further out of reach while their financial losses grow.
Stanford said another year of projected low revenue will have a significant impact on the St. John’s Airport.
“The airport is forecasting a savings of approximately $450,000 from federal rent relief.
By comparison, their borrowing to get through the pandemic is currently anticipated to peak at $30 million. Much more needs to be done,” Stanford said.
Stanford said Atlantic airports have also asked for operational and infrastructure support and he repeated a call to see financial support for the national air carriers.
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