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A recently released study, undertaken by Intervistas Consulting for the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), examines the economic impact and benefits to the local economy from potential new air service in the Comox Valley - one of the fastest growing regions of British Columbia. According to the Canadian Airport Council, an association providing a voice to Canadian airports, "Canada's airports are engines for economic development in the communities they serve and one of the most important elements of local infrastructure."
"An airport connects a community to the rest of the world and promotes economic wellbeing within that community. The economic impact of a new air service is impressive and demonstrates what an important investment YQQ is for the Comox Valley as a whole," said Comox Airport CEO Shirley de Silva. Within the context of this study, the definition of economic impact is a measurement of the spending and employment associated with the aviation sector of the economy. The key aspects assessed include the employment impact of air service operations and servicing as well as visitor spending. This study examines economic impact based on three categories:
A once daily year-round domestic air passenger service operated with a 119-seat B737-600 aircraft. A once daily year-round transborder air passenger service operated with a 70-seat Q400 aircraft. A once weekly seasonal international air passenger service to Europe operated with a 250-seat aircraft. One of the study's findings reveals that the combined direct annual economic impact of air service operations/servicing and visitor spending of one transborder flight alone can generate up to 122 person years of direct employment , 4 million in direct wages, 6.9 million in direct GDP and 13.5 million worth of direct economic output. In addition, the report includes estimates of non-local visitor spending impacts on accommodations, local transportation, food & beverage, recreation & entertainment and souvenir shopping, etc. It indicates that "the potential of once daily year-round transborder air service is expected to bring a total expenditure of over $9 million each year". It also points out that the arrival of passenger flights generates labor hours for individuals with jobs related to passenger handling, baggage, cargo and the aircraft. The final report is located on the YQQ website. It outlines numerous findings and demonstrates the extent of the potential economic benefits to the surrounding communities that are associated with the air travel and passenger services.
With its central Vancouver Island location, the Comox Airport serves as an important air transportation link for the area providing connections to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Visitors to the area can experience lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain views along with some of the finest sport fishing, skiing, hiking, golfing and camping.
PETE HUDSON
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