2018 In Review
Well, we did it — 5 million passengers travelled through yow in 2018!
This milestone is important for many reasons, and it validates many of the projects we worked on throughout the year that will allow continued growth. We have often said that our passenger volumes are closely linked to the local economy; our results confirm that Ottawa-Gatineau is in growth mode.
Passenger terminal building celebrates
15 years!
On October 13, 2003, YOW’s new Passenger Terminal Building quietly opened for business in the early hours of the morning after much anticipation from passengers, employees, and the community at large. The airport went from an antiquated, inefficient and cramped 1960s-era building to an airy, architecturally beautiful, and award winning, state-of-the-art terminal. In the 15 years that followed, we opened a second phase of the terminal, expanded parking facilities several times, upgraded many systems, and been honoured year over year for providing a great customer experience in a clean, efficient terminal building.
If the past 15 years are any indication, the next 15 will be as exciting, if not more so. As you will read in this report, YOW is set to embark on multiple projects that will span the next five+ years. Individually, they are enormous and complex. Together, they will transform the airport and the customer experience for decades to come.
To grow strategically
The Authority firmly believes that airport growth must make sense – both operationally and financially. Growth must address actual and forecasted need rather than an unrealistic and unsustainable build-it-and-they-will-come approach. Passenger growth must contribute to increased non-aeronautical revenues so that we can keep aeronautical fees as low as possible and keep the cost of flying as low as possible for the benefit of the community.
To pursue excellence
Finding new and better ways to engage with our customers, employees, campus partners, and airport stakeholders all contribute to our pursuit of excellence.
Strategic initiatives / Five-year projections
The Authority’s Strategic Plan was collaboratively developed with the Board of Directors and Senior Management Team, and is based on five key Strategic Directions that are still the focus of Airport Authority activity.