October 18, 2023
Bigger and busier than your average small town in Nova Scotia, Halifax Stanfield is home to nearly 4,300 full-time equivalent employees working at 100 different organizations that support a variety of tourism, trade, investment, and immigration activities.
Employment is just one area where Halifax Stanfield contributes to the provincial economy. Halifax International Airport Authority’s (HIAA) 2022 Economic Impact Study recently completed by Canmac Economics Ltd. underscores that Halifax Stanfield is a significant economic engine that accelerates the growth of Nova Scotia’s economy.
Halifax Stanfield consistently punches well above its weight in the air transportation industry. It is the 8th busiest airport in Canada, with airport operations and supporting activities generating an impressive $3.4 billion to the provincial economy in 2022.
“Knowing that the airport plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and connecting the province and city to the global economy is a matter of great pride,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “Halifax Stanfield serves as an important hub in Atlantic Canada, and gateway to Canada from Europe and the U.S. Northeast. We appreciate our many partners and service providers who choose to operate here in Halifax and who work together to deliver an elevated and comfortable experience for our travellers, business people and visitors.”
Direct and spin-off airport activities created nearly 19,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the province in 2022, contributing $997 million to Nova Scotia’s total labour income. These results showcase the airport’s resurgence and readiness for new growth opportunities despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, air visitors to Nova Scotia spent 67 per cent more and stayed 53 per cent longer than road visitors, on average. Tourists who visited by air through Halifax Stanfield generated $705 million for the Nova Scotia economy, demonstrating the value of air service connections into the province in supporting the tourism industry and its operators.
Cargo operations also contributed to the airport’s overall economic impact. In 2022, cargo export values reached $655 million, with seafood – primarily live lobster – accounting for more than half of the total exports. Cargo processed at Halifax Stanfield in 2022 totalled 37,000 metric tonnes, the second highest volume on record.
The airport’s success is a testament to the incredible partners who choose to do business here and contribute to the prosperity of Nova Scotia.
“Top-tier air freight logistics like those supplied by Halifax Stanfield are critical to the delivery of live lobster to national and international markets,” explained Stewart Lemont, Managing Director of Tangier Lobster Company Limited. “We have a strong commitment to sourcing locally whenever possible, which is why we choose to air freight 92% of our Tangier Lobster shipments from Halifax Stanfield. They are a key partner in the Atlantic Canadian seafood industry and offer temperature-controlled handling, specialized flight options for seafood transport, and a cutting-edge airport infrastructure that supports our mission to consistently deliver the highest quality to our valued clients.”
Airport infrastructure investments made by HIAA and its partners in 2022 generated an economic benefit totalling $45 million, with investments focused on the expansion of air cargo handling facilities and aircraft parking; terminal building accessibility enhancements; beginning construction of a new taxiway at the end of Runway 14; and airfield restoration and construction activities.
“We take immense pride in our role and will continue to work with our partners to accelerate the growth of our communities by connecting people and goods to the world,” said Joyce Carter.
2022 By the Numbers:
- $3.4 billion in annual economic contributions
- 3.1 million passengers or an average of 8,500 passengers daily
- 39 domestic, transborder (U.S.), and international passenger destinations served
- 16 passenger and 11 cargo airline partners