An Economic Engine Worth More Than $3 Billion to the Nova Scotia Economy

Halifax Stanfield is contributing more than ever to Nova Scotia.

We’re helping build the economy: contributing more than $3 billion to the provincial economy in 2017, a 7.2 per cent increase from 2016.

We’re making connections: a record-breaking 4 million passengers were served at Halifax Stanfield in 2017.

We’re going global: a record 34,051 metric tonnes of freight was processed at Halifax Stanfield in 2017. The impact of air cargo exporters on the provincial economy in 2017 was $510 million and in December of last year alone, an estimated $30 million in lobster was shipped from Halifax Stanfield. Every fully loaded Boeing 777 cargo freighter to Asia created 16 person-years of employment in Nova Scotia and contributed $1.5 million to the province’s economic output.

We’re getting people here: almost one-third of the province’s visitors entered Nova Scotia through the airport, contributing over $1billion to the provincial economy in 2017. As an example, every flight arriving at Halifax Stanfield from Europe creates up to seven person-years of employment in Nova Scotia and contributes almost half a million dollars to the province’s economic output.

The 2017 figures are according to the latest economic impact report released today, which was produced by The Chris Lowe Group.

“The success of our airport increases our province’s economic growth. The airport creates jobs, connects people and transports goods and ideas around the world. It’s one of the most critical pieces of transportation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada,” says Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “The airport community generates an incredibly positive impact on the entire province and beyond, which benefits us all.”

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is a significant employer, with 5,725 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in 2017. Major employers include IMP Group and Jazz Aviation who together had 1,778 full time equivalent staff, or almost 31 per cent of the airport’s workforce.

Activity by Nova Scotia air cargo exporters and expenditures by visitors entering Nova Scotia at the airport generated more jobs throughout the province. The direct employment associated with airport operations, airport tenants, air cargo exports and air tourists equaled 14,270 full time equivalent jobs. The direct and spinoff employment for all activities associated with Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 34,535 full time equivalent jobs with 16.5 per cent of those based at the airport. For every job at the airport, 6 more jobs are created in the province.

For every dollar the airport generates, the broader economy of Nova Scotia receives $2.69 in economic output.

“Halifax Stanfield is an ideal gateway for tourism, trade, investment and immigration and is an important contributor to Nova Scotia’s economy. We’re proud to be a part of enhancing the success and prosperity of our province,” adds Carter.

Summary of the 2017 Economic and Fiscal Impacts

The full report can be viewed here.