Most travellers passing through the Nanaimo Airport probably give little thought to its economic importance in the region, or its economic potential.

The airport is a major economic driver and that role is about to expand considerably with completion of the first phase of its expansion in December.

Airports are important to a thriving economy. Poor winter reliability has long held the airport and the community back, while competing airports in Comox and Victoria grow, helping both those regions develop.

The Nanaimo Airport serves an area with a population of about 220,000. Many now choose to travel to Comox or Victoria for their medium-distance flights. While both airports have seen expanded use, Nanaimo's numbers have fallen slightly.

That should change as users switch to a closer, more convenient airport. Proponents hope a better airport will attract a new air carrier and it will be Nanaimo's turn to enjoy the jobs and economic growth that come with improved air transportation.

Reliable air transportation is not be the only factor in a healthy economy but evidence from the Island's other two airports is persuasive.

"If people need an example, compare it to Comox. Crown Isle was struggling and then WestJet signed on to come to Comox from Calgary and the numbers jumped dramatically," said Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan. "There were people buying properties adjacent to that site so they could come in the middle of winter for skiing and golf and fly back.

In Nanaimo, the Cable Bay golf course and Sandstone development project are tentatively scheduled to start and funding is in place for a cruise ship terminal.

"Comox demonstrated that in itself is an economic generator and I know the aircraft people, Mike Hooper and his staff, are working hard to attract a big aircraft operator to come in," said Ruttan.

Two daily Calgary flights create the equivalent of 44 full-time jobs at Comox Airport, according to a consultant's study.

A 3,000-metre military runway complete with instrument landing equipment and lighting gave Comox a leg up. When Comox taxpayers expanded the air terminal in 2004, use of that airport rose.

Employment grew, too. By 2007 the airport employed 193 people, a 103 per cent increase from 2003. The expanded terminal led to a tourism increase of 12 per cent and created 11,300 jobs in the same period.

The Capital Regional District has enjoyed steady growth, including a thriving high-tech sector that would not have been possible without a reliable airport.

The Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo has not lived up to its potential since opening in 2008. Better air service won't address Nanaimo's bed shortage but it will expand the conference centre's reach.

"It allows us to source out more conferences in other provinces, so I see that as a completely positive influence to the region, not Nanaimo alone," said Denise Tacon, VICC general manager.

Speedy, reliable access to the Island can make a big difference to the Calgary vacationer or Edmonton boomer looking for recreation property today, with an eye toward retirement in a few years.

Comox Valley's Crown Isle resort took off when the air terminal expanded and skiers, golfers and vacationers started arriving.

"The important thing is to fix reliability of the airport to the best of our ability," said Russ Burke, Nanaimo Airport Authority board vice-chairman. That will happen in December, breaking a major barrier to long range aircraft serving Nanaimo.

Ruttan remembers a similar problem while on Nanaimo Port Authority board, trying to attract companies like Princess and Carnival cruise lines during the early 1990s.

"Their position was: 'No. You want us, you build it,' " said Ruttan.

But the Nanaimo Port Authority couldn't spend the millions involved in upgrading without a commitment from carriers. Provincial funding helped solve the chicken-and-egg problem and Ottawa later stepped in to help with more money.

The airport authority wants scheduled flights to Calgary, Edmonton and Seattle and even points in eastern Canada, with charters to sun destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.

Starting in December, Nanaimo will be on a more equal footing with Comox and Victoria airports.

A 500-metre runway extension and improved instrumentation and lighting will boost reliability during takeoffs and landings so aircraft can use the facility in all but the worst weather.