Halifax cargo activity increased 5% in 2021
Recovery is expected to continue as new carriers enter market, and cargo logistics park begins operations.
Halifax Stanfield processed 34,769 metric tonnes of cargo in 2021, an increase of 5.4 percent from 2020. The value of exports in 2021 was C$496 million ($397 million), up 6.3 percent from the previous year.
Recovery is expected to continue as exports remain strong, new carriers enter the market, and the new Halifax Stanfield Air Cargo Logistics Park (ACLP) begins operations.
"The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly underscored the importance of air cargo to global supply chains," says Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). "Air cargo has supported our collective fight against Covid-19 through deliveries of PPE and vaccines, maintained local jobs through exports of Nova Scotia products, and aided our communities through efficient transport of e-commerce orders. In every instance, air cargo has played a critical role in moving important goods to and from our region."
Cargo was transported by 12 carriers, and Nova Scotia seafood, specifically live lobster, continued to be the top export. In 2021, 15,765 metric tonnes of live lobster valued at C$293 million ($234 million) were shipped from Halifax Stanfield to Asian and European markets. Other top exports were medical equipment (C$53.2 million) and aerospace-related parts (C$41.4 million).
Carriers, including Air Canada Cargo, are expanding cargo operations at Halifax Stanfield. "Our long-standing and strong bond with Atlantic Canada and the Nova Scotia community makes the first Canadian expansion of our freighter network not only a natural and obvious fit but also one that makes us tremendously proud," says Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial – Cargo at Air Canada. "We are thankful that we can continue to play a pivotal role and indeed increase our support to the robust and growing trade sector in the region."
Overall, Halifax Stanfield cargo exports contributed C$664 million ($531 million) to the provincial economy. With eight cargo aircraft aprons now available and cold storage capabilities coming soon, ACLP will make shipping products by air even easier for Nova Scotian businesses and enable more cargo carriers to operate out of Halifax.
