Nanaimo Airport vision: growth, sustainability

Nanaimo Airport vision: growth, sustainability

As a vital gateway connecting Vancouver Island to the world, Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is focused on ensuring a sustainable future for its operations.

To realize its vision, the airport plans to strengthen its infrastructure and diversify revenue. The results will enhance the passenger experience while helping YCD fulfill its role as a major transportation hub and a catalyst for the regional economy.

Creating new sources of revenue is one of Nanaimo Airport Commission’s strategic goals, to help buffer against swings in the aviation industry.

One of the plans is to monetize some of the airport’s undeveloped land by attracting investors and entrepreneurs. Three commercial areas are available. Each could appeal to new or existing businesses that support airport operations. Given the land’s proximity to the Trans-Canada Highway, the areas would have the kind of built-in traffic flow that many firms seek.

YCD also plans to develop an economic development zone on property just north of the airport. The zone would serve cargo, warehousing and similar types of commercial enterprises.

Together the plans have the potential to increase airport revenue by 30 to 40 per cent.

In the meantime, the airport continues its ongoing program of infrastructure enhancements. The latest project? Installation of a Short Simplified Approach Lighting (SSAL) system with runway alignment indicator lights.

It will provide pilots with better visual guidance during the critical landing phase, especially in low-visibility conditions like fog, rain, or snow. Passengers will reap the benefits of increased flight reliability, which translates into fewer cancellations.

SSAL is also sought after by airlines, which could further bolster Nanaimo Airport’s efforts to attract more routes.

Other infrastructure improvements the airport has made with the investment of millions of dollars include:

• Resurfaced runways and taxiways

• New high-efficiency HVAC units
• Enhanced terminal space, including expanded passenger check-in counters
• More parking stalls for airplanes, which creates the potential for a 20 per boost in business since more planes can use the space.

For more information visit ycd.ca and follow @FlyYCD.