Year In Review: Johanne Gallant On Fredericton Airport’s Growth In 2022
To cap off 2022, Huddle sat down with some of the key figures in Atlantic Canada’s business community – folks representing everyone from tourism operators to energy producers to the startup world.
We asked each to reflect on the challenges, successes, and surprises that most impacted their industries and the lives of Atlantic Canadians this year.
In the latest of several conversations we will bring you before the new year, Huddle reporter Sam Macdonald chatted with Johanne Gallant, the president and CEO of the Fredericton International Airport Authority.
Her answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Q: What was the most exciting milestone for the Fredericton International Airport in 2022?
Seeing more airlines bring more flights to the airport. Porter Airlines adding a second flight was exciting, and it was interesting to see that Porter was invested in adding service to our airport. We now have a non-stop flight that goes directly to the Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto. If you’re following Porter these days, they’re in expansion mode, so it’s really great to partner with them.
We’re seeing high volumes and building frequency with Air Canada flights, so we’re not where we were before the pandemic, but things are going in the right direction.
We’re also excited Sunwing (Airlines) is coming back next winter. After a couple of years of no sun destinations offered at our airport, it’s really great to be able to start selling those services for next winter.
Q: What kind of year do you feel like it was for airports operating in New Brunswick?
I call it a year of recovery, and I’m optimistic. We have a brand new terminal and passenger experience and we’re in the position to grow for the future, so I’m very optimistic we’re going to continue to grow.
Q: What was the greatest challenge for the Fredericton International Airport, airlines, and airports in general in 2022?
We came out of the pandemic, so we’re excited to see that the passengers want to fly. It’s mostly leisure but corporate flights are starting to increase. I’m focused on building the business and providing a service to our passengers. Every year has its challenges, but it’s a lot of positivity coming out of the pandemic.
I think one of the challenges we’ve all seen the most in the air industry is labour. Coming out of the pandemic, we’ve had labour shortages at all levels – retailing, ground handling and pilots.
Fortunately, here at YFC, we seem to be pretty solid at all levels, but we are hearing and seeing the impact of the labour shortage in the industry.
Q: What was the most important thing to happen in the airline industry in 2022?
I think the removal of those restrictions – and the opening of borders and travel – were the biggest thing.
Q: Looking forward, what are you expecting to see going into 2023?
The word I use is growth – I think we’re going to continue to grow.