Abbotsford International Airport slashes fees, attracts new WestJet business

The Lower Mainland’s alternative passenger airport is spreading its wings in an attempt to take a larger share of the region’s commercial air travel market.

Earlier this week, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) announced that its airport improvement fees would be dropped by 50 per cent. In addition, fees for aircraft parking, loading bridge connection and bag-handling have been eliminated.

The announcement of YXX’s new fee structure was also paired with WestJet’s decision to add one daily flight between Edmonton and Abbotsford beginning in June 2015. This will increase the WestJet Encore route’s frequency to three daily flights.

“The leadership demonstrated by Abbotsford International Airport sets a standard we hope others will follow,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO in a statement. “Airports that help us keep operational costs low also allow us to keep fares competitive and stimulate network and fleet growth.”

Currently, WestJet flights provide the Fraser Valley and eastern communities of the Metro Vancouver region with strong connecting service through Calgary and Edmonton to its entire network. The airline operates a total of 46 weekly non-stop direct flights from YXX to Calgary (32), Edmonton (13), and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (1).

YXX’s new incentives are expected to attract additional new direct flights to the airport.

Feature Image: WestJet via Shutterstock