Niagara District Airport: Third Party Operator Needed
Niagara District Airport is located in the heart of the Niagara Region positioned to benefit businesses and tourists with its central location. The airport consists of a 5,000ft runway, 24hr customs clearance, and onsite jet refueling. Approximately seventy-five aircrafts are based at the airport where all capabilities of a major airport are provided without the delay, hassle and expense. In the right hands, this landmark remains an attractive, profitable piece of property.
The Niagara District Airport remains a significant part of history in Niagara and should remain prestigious within the community. The NDA opened September 13th, 1929 on the eastern side of St. Catharines, making it ninety-two years old today. Following the outbreak of WWII, the airport was handed to the federal government operating under the British commonwealth air training plan. Nearly 2,000 pilots had graduated under the Number 9 Elementary Flight Training School established in 1940. Following WWII, the city of St. Catharines regained possession of the airport. The airport is now formed under the Niagara District Airport commission, composed of members from three financially supporting municipalities.
The Niagara District airport is seeking out a third party operator to grow the facility, thus supporting the regional economy. The NDAC has revealed a request for proposal to begin the process of finding a third party to operate the facility. The NDAC is looking for a partner who shares the same vision that will encourage regional economic growth while enhancing quality of life in the surrounding areas. This airport offers local transportation and works to support the tourist industry providing massive potential for an operator to grow and expand on this investment, giving a taste and appreciation for commercial business.
At the core, airports work to connect people and move products. This specific facility offers a grand amount of untapped potential for the third party operator. With the utilization of it’s current capabilities, the NDA could see seven times the passengers if flights are maximized. A partner is needed for this facility to reach its full potential and operate as a healthy, growing and fully supported airport, with upward motion toward expansion. The airport currently calls for larger hangers to increase the size of the planes it accommodates. The airport also offers opportunities for airport maintenance and repair operations. Investment in these facilities will help compete in the aviation industry and has potential for massive return on investment. The Niagara District Airport is not only requiring an investment in the facility itself, but in the Niagara economy and its surrounding commercial/ residential spaces.
FlyGTA Airlines joined the airport in September of 2016, benefiting both Niagara tourism and it’s access to the GTA. With expedited flights known for their short travel time, the addition of this airline increased access to downtown Toronto, Billy Bishop airport, and Porter Airlines routes, allowing travellers to meet connecting flights in a fraction of the time, just across Lake Ontario. In providing this route expansion to neighbouring regions, passengers experience a more hassle-free travel experience, which eliminates the traditional stresses associated with access, location, and scheduling. Serving as a perfect example of convenience and strategy, this begs the question “what further transportation opportunities could be created at The Niagara District Airport to map new locations and routes to not only nearby regions, but International destinations?” There is a significant, profitable opportunity here for a third party operator to affect change and establish travel solutions which benefit the local economy and transportation sector for years to come.
The process has been initiated to identify a third-partner operator who can support the capital investments necessary to ensure the long-term success of the airport and thrive in the air sector across Ontario. It is important that this role be filled by a party who is looking to further enhance the value of the airport to the economic development of business in Niagara, and contribute to the overall operation and development of the area and its surrounding businesses.