Halifax Stanfield Airport set to open new air cargo logistics park in early 2021

Aug 22, 2019: Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is set to construct a new air cargo logistics park that will benefit the entire region.

Federal government has contributed $18 million to the construction of facility, whereas the provincial government has contributed $5 million. In addition to this, HIAA has also contributed $13 million.

The new cargo processing and logistics facility, according to the airport, ‘the largest in Atlantic Canada’, is expected to open in early 2021.

“HIAA is thankful for the financial partnership with the federal and provincial governments to construct the cargo facility, as well as support from many other partners and stakeholders such as Halifax Regional Municipality, who worked alongside HIAA to prepare and submit a successful funding application,” said the airport in its official release.

The facility will be built on 25 acres of vacant land at Halifax Stanfield and will include a new cargo apron area, buildings for cargo handling, an aircraft de-icing facility and associated operational areas both airside and groundside.

Cargo exports out of Halifax Stanfield have seen five consecutive years of record growth. Overall, air cargo exports created a total economic output of $514.1 million for the provincial economy.

According to the Canadian hub, the new air cargo logistics park will create job opportunities for its community, in the short term. Further, in the long term, it will add storage capacity for its seafood products that are destined for global markets, which adds value to the local fishery and supports rural communities in Nova Scotia.

Joyce Carter, president and CEO, HIAA was joined by Sean Fraser, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Central Nova; Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil; Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality; and Wilbert Marshall, Chief of the Potlotek First Nation, at a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the beginning of construction on the Halifax Stanfield Air Cargo Logistics Park.

In 2018, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island’s economy also benefited from Halifax Stanfield’s cargo services, with $65.7 million worth of goods exported through Halifax, creating a total economic output of $100.1 million for those provinces.

Premier Stephen McNeil said: “I’m pleased to see more opportunities for businesses in Nova Scotia and the region to get their high-quality products to market. Growing our exports will help create jobs at home and strengthen our economy.”