Windsor Airport (YQG) is poised for growth in its passenger services and its cargo operations, says president and CEO Mark Galvin
The impending arrival of a $5-billion electric vehicle battery plant to support Windsor-Essex’s booming automobility sector, along with a future mega-hospital and the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge will result in growing demand for cargo and logistics that YQG is ready to answer, says Galvin.
“We see great opportunities to grow.” On the passenger side, the airport is working with new and existing airlines to add routes to YQG’s offerings, as it continues to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.
“We have a strong strategic location from which we can leverage markets both in Canada and the U.S. Six million people live within an hour’s drive of Windsor-Essex.”
The airport now serves nine destinations through five airline partners – Air Canada, Porter, Flair and seasonal routes by WestJet and Sunwing. More than 380,000 passengers yearly flew in and out of the airport prior to the pandemic.
“Our travellers find it is fast through security and an efficient, hassle-free experience overall.”
Routes to Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary have been very successful, as are offerings to Cuba and Mexico. YQG will add a direct flight to Tucson, Ariz. via Flair in December.
“We are serving the destinations Canadians want to fly and are finding ways to complement what is offered at the Detroit airport. We find that once Americans fly through Windsor once, they do so again.”
“Our job is to provide a choice of airlines, destinations and models for our region. The more choices, the better.”
Adding to the value proposition of YQG, is the presence of maintenance, repair and overhaul company AAR, which works in a 143,000-square-foot hangar at Windsor Airport.
“That’s a very important aspect for the industry. When we are talking to prospective airline partners, it’s an attractive asset for us to have that kind of expertise and facility directly on site.”
