Air Service Development

Join one of Canada's most innovative communities!

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is located in Waterloo Region, in southwestern Ontario, Canada - just 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area. Known as “Canada’s Silicon Valley”, the Region boasts the second largest number of start-ups in North America. Poised for continued growth, the Region's young, affluent population is expected to reach 923,000 by 2051.

Increasing demand for air travel

From 2011 to 2016, the Region’s population grew 5.5 per cent to 583,500 residents. This exceeds both the national and provincial growth rates. Despite this, Waterloo Region remains one of the most under-served markets of its size in Canada.

Conservative forecasts show that, by the mid-2030's, demand for air travel in southern Ontario will exceed airports’ capacity of 70 million passengers per year. Estimates put demand for Toronto Pearson alone at 65 million passengers, despite its optimum capacity of approximately 50 million passengers. The Southern Ontario Airport Network was created to address these capacity issues, and YKF is one of eleven commercially significant airports working together to support the growing demand for air travel.

Planning for the future

To meet growing demand YKF is implementing a $375 million, 20 Year Airport Master Plan. Staggered over five phases, the expansion plan will allow YKF to proactively respond to regional demand and capacity challenges. Visit our Airport Master Plan page for full details.

Why fly to Waterloo Region?

A strategic location with the right demographics

The Region of Waterloo International Airport is 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area, located alongside Canada's Highway 401. Three million people - 10 per cent of Canada’s population - live within a one-hour drive of YKF. Waterloo Region is part of a broader economic region in southern Ontario call the “Golden Horseshoe” which is home to 9.7 million people.

With its young, fast-growing, affluent population, the Region of Waterloo is the ideal place to grow your business:

One of the largest and fastest growing regions in Ontario. With a population of 587,165 in 2021, the region has the tenth largest population in Canada and fourth largest in Ontario.
From 2016 to 2021, the region’s growth rate was 9.7 per cent. This exceeds both provincial (5.8 per cent) and national (5.2 percent) growth rates.
Media age 39.1, lower than both provincial (41) and national (41) median age.
In 2016, over half the Region's residents aged 25 to 64 had a college or university education.
Average household income $86,930 which is higher than the national average $80,940.

Source: 2016 and 2021 National Census

A forward-looking, diversified economy

Real Gross Domestic Product in Waterloo Region climbed from $25.8 billion in 2015 to $27.01 billion in 2017, exceeding Canada’s national growth rate.

From Google to Toyota, COM DEV to OpenText, the Region was built on innovation. It has strong technology and manufacturing bases, and is a global leader in many sectors, including:

Advanced Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence
Automotive, Connected and Autonomous
Business and Financial Services
Food Processing
Industry 4.0
Information and Communications Technology
Quantum and Nanotechnology
Security

For more information about Waterloo Region's economy please visit Waterloo EDC.

There are over 150 globally renowned research centres located in Waterloo Region, including:

Waterloo Region is the second largest innovation super cluster in North America. We have an established community support system that helps new technology companies start, grow and succeed.

The Region is home to a thriving aerospace cluster with over 85 aerospace businesses that together employ more than 3,200 residents. Companies include:

Access to world class talent

Waterloo Region is home to some of the finest academic institutions in the world. Many rank among the top 100 global institutions. Eight universities and colleges are within commuting distance, and together they offer 22 aerospace-related programs. Academic institutions located in and around Waterloo Region include:

YKF is also home to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), one of Canada’s largest professional flight schools. WWFC offer accredited academic programs and early entry programs with airlines to develop and hire new pilots.

Infrastructure Details

YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Their AAA credit rating allows the airport to secure long term capital financing for strategic infrastructure investments. Current features of YKF include:

Two Runways - 7,000 feet and 4,100 feet
CAT1 Instrument Landing System (ILS)
NAV Canada Control Tower 07:00 - 23:00
Class C Airspace
Airport of Entry (AOE) / 180 with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) onsite 07:00 -23:00 (No Fees)
CAT 7 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) available
Secure access to Code C (B-737) and D (B-757) Taxiways
Two full service Fixed Based Operators (FBOs)
Three fuel providers

Support Services

Chartright Air Group - FBO, fuel, ground handling
Telephone: 1-800-595-9395
Website: www.chartright.com

Executive Aviation - Ground handling
Telephone: 519-453-5370
Website: www.executiveaviation.ca

Flite Line Services - FBO, fuel, ground handling
Telephone: 1-877-663-6612 / 519-514-0530
Website: www.fliteline.ca

Summit Fuel Services - World Fuel Services Network - Fuel
Telephone: 519-497-8091
Website: www.summitfuelservices.ca

Contact(s)