Victoria International Airport will upgrade its lighting system and improve its bottom line with a $4.3 million injection of federal funding.
The airport will receive just over $1.3 million to upgrade approach lighting that will see the installation of land-based and water-based lighting systems for Runway 09 and extend the existing float-plane dock at Patricia Bay to accommodate the new system.
The airport will also get about $3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services.
Annie Koutrakis, parliamentary secretary to the minister of transport, said Victoria International is a key transportation hub not just for Victoria, but for much of Vancouver Island.
“It connects us with family and friends, helps us discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Victoria businesses,” she said. “This funding will enhance airport safety for travellers, air crews and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”
The infusion is a big deal for an airport that lost an estimated $50 million in revenue over the last two years of the pandemic and was forced to make cuts to stop bleeding red ink.
Airport chief executive Geoff Dickson said in total Ottawa has injected about $10 million in “vital” funding to keep the lights on when the airport lost 98 per cent of its revenue during the pandemic.
“Ten million is huge,” he said, noting they were able to take advantage of pandemic relief measures like the emergency wage subsidy and other programs to keep people working and the operations running. “We’re very grateful that the federal government recognizes the economic importance of Victoria International Airport to the broader region. And what I’ve always said is a key contributor to a vibrant economy is a vibrant airport.”
The airport appears to be finding its vibrancy again. In April, Dickson said, flight activity and passenger numbers were at about 73 per cent of 2019 levels, while May appears to be on track to hit 80 per cent.
“It’s a really good sign,” he said. “And when we look ahead into the summer, scheduled capacity [flights] is at 103 per cent of 2019.”
Dickson said they are seeing the public is ready to travel again.
