John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Celebrates a Milestone Year in 2023
Hamilton International is pleased to share its 2023 Year in Review annual report, spotlighting significant operational achievements, infrastructure investments, and community initiatives undertaken throughout the year. The report also emphasizes the airport's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership across all business and management practices.
Major Investments and Infrastructure Enhancements
The year kicked off with an exciting announcement: a multi-million-dollar investment from Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund for the Gateway Expansion and Sustainability Project.
This ambitious $46.9 million project, funded jointly by the federal government and TradePort International Corporation (the airport's operator), aims to boost cargo capacity and support the seamless movement of goods by strengthening, expanding, and rehabilitating key airport infrastructure. As Canada’s largest domestic overnight express cargo airport and the third-largest by payload, Hamilton International played a pivotal role in the nation's supply chain, handling an impressive 746 million kilograms in total cargo aircraft billable weight in 2023.
Passenger Growth and New Airline Partnerships
2023 also marked a resurgence in passenger travel at Hamilton International, with 820,011 passengers passing through the airport, nearing pre-pandemic levels. A highlight of the year was the addition of PLAY, a low-cost Icelandic carrier, to the airport's network. Launched in June, PLAY offers direct flights from Hamilton to Reykjavik, with connections to over 30 European destinations, including major cities like Amsterdam, Dublin, Copenhagen, London, and Paris. This new service provides Hamiltonians with more affordable travel options to Europe and strengthens the airport’s position as a growing international gateway.
Community and Employee Engagement
Hamilton International continued to foster a positive work environment and inspire future aviation professionals through various initiatives in 2023. These included mental health first-aid training for airport workers, cooperative education, and experiential learning partnerships, as well as scholarships and bursaries. The airport demonstrated its commitment to community involvement by contributing over $90,000 in financial and in-kind resources to local organizations. These efforts help integrate a Sense of Place, connecting employees with the communities they serve and supporting local initiatives through sponsorships and donations.
Commitment to Sustainability and ESG Leadership
The airport's dedication to ESG leadership was evident in 2023 with several ongoing and new initiatives aimed at sustainability. Significant progress was made towards achieving net-zero emissions, with the completion of a Decarbonization Assessment and an Investment Grade/Net-Zero Energy Audit, which will guide the airport's strategy from 2024 to 2030. Operational efficiencies were implemented to reduce fuel consumption, waste collection and diversion efforts were enhanced, and the focus on employee health and well-being was intensified. Hamilton International’s investments in the local community further underscored its role as a responsible and engaged corporate citizen.
A Strategic Location with Unmatched Capabilities
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, owned by the City of Hamilton and managed by TradePort International Corporation, a subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group, is a vital international gateway for both affordable travel and express freight. Its strategic location and 24/7 uncongested operations make it an attractive choice for passenger and cargo carriers serving the Southern Ontario market. By incorporating best-in-class practices from around the world, Hamilton International continues to be an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, driving economic growth and fostering strong community partnerships.
As Hamilton International reflects on a successful 2023, it looks forward to building on these achievements and continuing to serve as a key player in Canada’s aviation sector.
