YKF: The fastest growing airport in CanadaÂ
The Region of Waterloo International Airport continues to soar
Airports are special places. Gateways of excitement and anticipation, connecting us to family, friends and adventures around the World - they’re also the familiar “welcome home” mat when we return from our travels, a little bit tired and missing our own bed.
In Waterloo Region, our airport is also the place where over 500 people build their careers and is an ecosystem of aviation and aerospace industry. YKF is an important engine of Waterloo Region’s economy and new opportunities are always being explored to support the thriving and diverse economy our community needs as we grow.
Region of Waterloo International Airport has had a BIG year.
Looking back through the calendar, here’s just a few of the highlights:
YKF launched a newly constructed baggage system that can now process up to 400 bags per hour.
We installed new public art in the recently opened departure lounge and baggage claim by Sherry Czekus, James Nye and Amber Pacheco and Ernest DaetwylerÂ
Sherry Czekus
Crossing with the Light, 2019;Â
Pedestrians Crossing #1, 2015;Â
Otherwise Occupied, 2019
James Nye and Amber Pacheco
Memory and the Temporal Exchange
Ernest DaetwylerÂ
The Wall of Nightmares and Dreams
We partnered with Stockyards,
a brand-new food and beverage provider for the departure lounge (opening Spring 2024!)Â
Celebrated new airline routes with Flair Airlines — Las Vegas and St. John’s Newfoundland.
Continue to collaborate with the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics! WISA has a mission to become the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology and education and we’re proud to partner with Dr. Suzanne Kearns and her team to bring sustainability to life.
Tenants at YKF have also had an exciting year.
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre announced a new flight simulation centre and innovation hub to expand their training capabilities. Amid a global pilot shortage, WWFC is able to train 300+ pilots a year at YKF.
Chartright Air Group opened their newest facility, Hangar 64, a state-of-the-art facility that expands their private charter operation to continue to serve Waterloo Region.
The biggest accomplishment of 2023?
444500
445,312 passengers travelled through YKF.Â
350,000 more people than in 2019!Â
But it’s more than a number. We’re talking about 445,312 people travelling through YKF to make memories and connect with the family, friends and places that matter most.
445,312 people visiting their grandparents, attending their best friend’s wedding, going on a much-needed getaway, going to close that game-changing deal, seeing a loved one before they passed away, hiking that trail on their bucket list, checking out the school at the top of their list or visiting their long-distance love.Â
Looking ahead, YKF is heading into another exciting year. A refreshed Airport Master Plan will help guide the future of the airport as it climbs towards one million passengers annually over the next five years and a renewed focus on sustainability and providing Waterloo Region residents with easy, comfortable and convenient travel options.
