Airport Authority Unveils its 10-year Vision for Airport Improvements
February 2, 2011
“As the principal gateway to our province,
The Authority’s long term capital plan, sized at approximately $150 million, will focus on resolving many of the operational constraints that have emerged as passenger traffic growth over the past decade has surpassed the levels for which the Airport was originally designed. This significant growth trend is expected to continue well into the future as the province’s economy continues to expand. Highlights of the improvements include the following:
·Expansion of the Airport Terminal Building – The present Airport Terminal Building is operating well above its original design capacity, and will be expanded in two phases to accommodate the existing demand and the anticipated growth in activity levels. Phase One will involve an extension on the Terminal Building’s east end, and will provide a new pre-board security area with a provision for optional full-body scanners, expanded departure lounge facilities, as well as enhanced passenger services. Detailed planning for Phase One will commence in 2011, with completion of this Phase slated for 2015.Phase Two will begin in 2016 with a focus on the west end of the Terminal Building, enabling new jet gates, an expanded baggage area, further expansion and improvements to the departure lounge and the international arrivals area.
·New Airport Access Road – Improved access to the expanded Terminal Building and public parking facilities will be accommodated through the construction of a new, 4-lane Airport access road off Portugal Road.
·Expanded Vehicle Parking Facilities – Parking facilities for both public parking as well as rental cars will be expanded to meet the increased demand.One option under consideration is the construction of a multi-level parking garage.
·Passenger-loading Jet Bridges - Additional passenger-loading jet bridges will be installed that can accommodate large jet aircraft as well as smaller, regional aircraft that are utilized for intra-provincial travel.
·Additional Apron Space - Expansion and rehabilitation of the Terminal Building Apron will facilitate operational safety and accommodate growth in aircraft movement and parking.
·Ramp Services and Cargo Building – A new building will be constructed to the west of the Terminal Apron that will improve cargo facilities and increase the efficiency of operations.It will also facilitate the growth in the number of companies operating at the Airport.
·Airfield Upgrades & Rehabilitation - Life-cycle replacement and rehabilitation of the airfield runways and taxiways, upgrades to the airfield lighting systems, as well as replacement and enhancement of the Authority’s fleet of vehicles are incorporated into the plan.
·Conversion to LED Lighting – All lighting fixtures in the
The 10-year capital plan does not currently include the Airport Accessibility Initiative as the Authority has yet to hear from the federal and provincial governments confirming their intentions for a financial partnership on this critical project.
This 10-year capital plan will be financed primarily with new credit facilities secured by the Authority, likely a combination of bond and bank financing. As is the case with other Canadian airports, these credit facilities will be serviced and repaid with revenues generated through an Airport Improvement Fee, or AIF, paid by all passengers boarding a commercial aircraft here in
“The long-term financial sustainability of our Airport is based on responsible and effective management of the Airport’s growth.The increase in AIF will allow the Authority to secure, service and repay the debt required to develop and expand our Airport, and to deliver the level of service demanded and expected at our province’s premier transportation gateway. I am confident that the community we serve, as well as all travelers using our Airport, will understand the benefits of the development we are commencing.” said Mr. Edison.
St. John’s International Airport Authority is a private, not-for-profit organization with the mandate to provide the region with a safe, cost-efficient transportation facility that is a catalyst for economic growth.Under the provisions of a long-term Ground Lease with the Federal Government of Canada, the Airport Authority is responsible for the airport’s operations on behalf of the community it serves.
Schedule
Airport Improvement Fee Comparison
(Fee per Departing Passenger)
NL Airports:
City
|
AIF (April 1, 2011)
|
|
$20
|
|
$20
|
|
$20
|
Stephenville
|
$20
|
*Goose Bay
|
$20
|
Selected Canadian Airports:
City
|
AIF (April 1, 2011)
|
|
$20
|
*Fredericton
|
$20
|
*Sydney, NS
|
$25
|
*Saint John, NB
|
$20
|
|
$15
|
*Charlottetown, PEI
|
$15
|
|
$25
|
|
$20
|
|
$30
|
|
$25
|
|
$20
|
|
$25
|
|
$25 (originating pax); $8 (connecting pax)
|
|
$20
|
|
$15
|
|
$20
|
|
$20
|
* The majority of airports in Canada, including St. John’s International Airport, collect Airport Improvement Fees (AIFs) from departing passengers.These fees can only be used to fund passenger-affecting capital projects.The airports identified by the asterisk in this list charge Passenger Facility Fees (PFFs) that can be used for both operating and capital expenditures.