WINNIPEG, Manitoba - January 29, 2019 - Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) ended 2018 with another strong quarter and set a new record for passenger traffic.
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport hosted 4.5 million travellers through its doors in 2018, a 4.2 percent increase over 2017's passenger total. This marks five straight years of record growth at the airport. The surge was spurred on by an increase of 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.
Commercial freight traffic also remained high in 2018, with larger planes arriving more frequently in Winnipeg. Winnipeg Richardson International Airport continues to expand our region's role as a critical transportation and logistics hub, as cargo plane tonnage, a key performance indicator for the number of goods being shipped, increased in 2018. U.S. tonnage saw a year over year increase of 17%, while domestic cargo carriers operations reflected a 2% increase.
Consolidated revenue for WAA was $34.7 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $32.1 million for the same period in 2017. Earnings before interest, depreciation and taxes were $14.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. Complete 2018 financial results will be available at WAA's Annual Public Meeting on April 24, 2019.
"Executing our vision and delivering on an ambitious strategy was central to our success in 2018," said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of WAA. "We look forward to continuing our work with supply chain partners in service of this region and to further advancing growth in our economy in 2019 and beyond."
2019 will be another exciting year for Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. WAA is refreshing/expanding areas of the terminal and doing rehabilitation work on the airfield as we continue the necessary work of facilitating the airport's growth. This fall WAA will also open its new $27 million Ground Services Equipment building.
About Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. is a non-share capital corporation meaning all net revenue is reinvested back into serving our stakeholders. WAA is responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, Iqaluit International Airport, and other affiliated businesses. WAA is a leader in transportation innovation and growth, providing excellent airport services and facilities in a fiscally prudent manner. WAA is recognized as one of Manitoba's Top Employers for 2019, the eighth year in a row.
For more information:
Tyler MacAfee, Vice President, Communications and Government Relations
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.
Media Line: 204-992-2791
