Halifax Stanfield International Airport contributed $1.26 billion to the Nova Scotia economy in 2011 and was once again a significant source of employment for the region, according to a recent economic impact report.
In 2011, direct employment created by the airport was 5,260 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, with the major employers at Halifax Stanfield - including IMP Group, Air Canada, and Jazz - together employing 2,096 FTE staff or almost 40% of the airport’s workforce.
In total, 12,040 jobs are attributable directly and indirectly to the airport, which accounts for 2.7% of employment in Nova Scotia as a whole.
As a result, the total wage and salary impact of Halifax Stanfield on the provincial economy was $480.6 million in 2011, while airport community employees contributed an additional $57.7 million in personal income tax to the province and $25.3 million in retail sales tax.
Tom Ruth, CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, said: “Together, the airport authority and all of our airport partners have a tremendous impact on Halifax and the province as an economic generator and growth enabler.
“Even in the face of global economic challenges, Halifax Stanfield continues to play an important role as an employer and contributor to the Nova Scotia economy, growing in value by $11 million over 2010.”
The report, conducted by Chris Lowe Planning and Management Group, found that since operational transfer of the airport from the federal government in 2000, Halifax Stanfield and the airport tenants have contributed more than $450 million in renovation and new construction impacts, generating 7,565 construction-related jobs and $284 million in wages and salaries.
These projects represent more than 70% of airport-related capital improvements in Atlantic Canada.
The study confirms that the “Halifax Stanfield community” – made up of airlines, aerospace, airfreight firms, the airport authority, retailers, restaurants, and other companies supporting the air transportation industry – is a major economic, fiscal and employment generator for the Halifax Region and Nova Scotia.
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