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    Air Service Development

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    HomeBusinessAir ServiceAir 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:

    • Centre for International Governance
    • Institute for Quantum Computing
    • Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
    • Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research

    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.
    • Accelerator Centre
    • Communitech
    • Velocity

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

    • Rockwell Automation
    • Heroux-Devtek
    • Centra Industries
    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:

    • University of Waterloo
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • Conestoga College
    • University of Guelph

    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

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      • Safety
        • Submit a Safety Concern
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    • Construction
      • Airport Improvement Projects
      • Altering An Existing Building or Lands

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