The
Prince Rupert Airport has a large economic impact
on the local economy. Reliable air service is
essential for large industries and goods and
services to the north coast.
In
1990 an economic impact study was done to determine
the benefits the Prince Rupert Airport had on
the economy of Prince Rupert and the results
were very impressive. The airport was found
to have a direct impact of $22 million dollars
a year and it was also found that 379 jobs in
Prince Rupert resulted from the business done
through the airport.
A
similar economic impact study was completed
in November 1999 and the results again were
impressive with a direct impact of $15.1 million
dollars and 184 person years of employment generated
by the airport and its tenants. A 2000 impact
study was completed with an employment impact
of 159 jobs and $12.4 million dollars and 2001
with 164 jobs and $12.8 million in revenues.
Without
a doubt the commercial activities conducted at
the Prince Rupert Airport generate significant
revenues and support much needed jobs throughout
the area. The Prince Rupert Airport Authority
has faced a number of challenges since taking
over the airport, including reduced flight schedules,
a shift to smaller aircraft sizes, decreasing
passenger volumes, and the ongoing logistics issues
related to the airport’s island location.
Although
the economic impact of the airport has fallen
in recent years, the results of an economic
impact study show that the Prince Rupert Airport
continues to be a major economic driver for
the region and provides an important service
to the people who live and work in the City
of Prince Rupert and surrounding areas.
