Charlottetown, PEI – On March 1st, 2009 the Charlottetown Airport Authority will celebrate its tenth year of operation since assuming operational and financial responsibility for the Airport from the Federal Government on March 1, 1999.

The Charlottetown Airport has become a success story for Prince Edward Island. The Authority has led the airport to a 50% traffic increase, adding more carriers, new destinations and most recently an expansion of the international arrivals area to the terminal building.

"We are extremely pleased with everything we have accomplished," noted Gordon MacInnis, chair of the Authority. "I assure you it wasn’t always easy; with a decline in traffic in the early part of 2000 and then 9/11, we had an uphill battle. I think the turning point was the introduction of two new carriers in 2005; this led to more destinations, more competition and reduced fares, as a result more people began to fly to and from Charlottetown."

MacInnis continued, "The Authority board is a true reflection of the community, made up of provincial and municipal government representatives and private sector business leaders. Our board is always looking to the future to see how we can continue to grow service for Islanders."

Negotiations to transfer Charlottetown Airport began March 26, 1997, following the signing of a letter of intent by the Charlottetown Airport Authority and Transport Canada. A common understanding was reached on July 22, 1998, between the two parties on financial issues. On December 14, 1998, an agreement was reached to transfer the airport following a transition period and the airport was officially handed over during a celebration on March 1st, 1999.

"I look forward to celebrating this milestone with our staff, board of directors, and service providers at that airport," noted Doug Newson, CEO of the Authority. "The airport has been operated by the community for the past ten years and we should all take pride in what we’ve accomplished by working together. We would also like to acknowledge the support we have received from the residents of PEI. None of this growth and success would be possible without their support and as we continue to grow services at the Airport, we look forward to seeing more and more residents of Prince Edward Island use our facilities."