Study of Ontario’s Airports and Aerodromes
The vibrancy of Ontario’s aviation sector is supported by a network of approximately 200 airports and aerodromes located throughout the province. Recognizing the importance of this network of airports, the Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) was formed in 1985 with the vision to “…lead Ontario’s airports and aerodromes to be the safest and most efficient in the world.” In 2021, AMCO’s Board of Directors acted on the concerns being articulated by its members regarding the financial supports available to airports in Ontario by commissioning the Study of Ontario’s Airports and Aerodromes with the assistance of HM Aero. The scope of the review included:
The preparation of a primer on the key characteristics of Ontario’s airports;
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the economic and social benefits of these facilities;
A review of the external environment and contextual forces that are currently affecting airports in Ontario; and
Analysis of the operating and capital funding challenges faced by Ontario’s airports, the degree to which existing funding programs address the requirements of airports in Ontario, and unmet needs that must be addressed to ensure long-term viability.
HM Aero identified a significant financial challenge faced by Ontario’s regional and community airports, with only 5% of respondent facilities identified as being financially self-sustaining prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. HM Aero prepared a series of recommendations for new capital funding support at the provincial level supported by a review of other jurisdictions, as well as improved federal support.
In support of its mandate of being an effective airport advocate, AMCO is using the Study of Ontario’s Airports and Aerodromes as a resource to support calls for increased municipal, provincial, and federal support to these critical assets.
Client: Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO)
Services:
Airport Industry Review
Economic Impact Analysis
Social Impact Analysis
Financial Sustainability Analysis
Advocacy Support
Project Completed: June 2022
Report Link: AMCO Website
