North Peace Regional Airport is growing fast, according to recent Economic Impact Study

According to data collected from 2014, the North Peace Regional Airport was responsible for $24 million contributed to GDP, $18 million in household income through 302 jobs, and $8.2 million in tax revenue.

Managing Director of North Peace Regional Airport Mike Whalley says this is the first economic study done to the airport that he can recall being done as North Peace Airport Services.

“We’re anticipating continued growth – standard for an airport is 2.5% to 3% annually, and as mentioned earlier we’ve been seeing higher than that,” Whalley said. “This year alone, we’re at 9% over last year, which is pretty impressive for an economy around us that’s holding still.”

Direct flights to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary from the airport have contributed to the ‘livability’ of Fort St. John, the press release from Vantage Airport Group – which operates YXJ under contract by North Peace Airport Service – says.

It also cites the airport as a reason for Northern Lights College to appeal to international students.

The steady incline in growth has prompted discussion on expanding the airport, which would be a gradual process and done within the coming years if growth keeps skyrocketing the way it is, said Whalley.

Fort St. John’s Mayor Lori Ackerman spoke on the impact of population growth, not just financially in the case of the burgeoning airport, but socially – saying new franchises have chosen to come to the area due to more people moving here to settle down.

“You see investment here, and that’s important for our community as well. The cost of doing business has decreased as a result in the increase of airlines.” said Mayor Ackerman.

In 2014, the study recorded nearly 253,000 passengers travelling by way of the airport – a 140% increase from 2005.