Trade Port International, a subsidiary of Vantage Group, has welcomed Porter Airlines as a key partner at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (HIA). This partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to expand and modernize the airport’s facilities and services. As part of the collaboration, Trade Port has committed to a substantial $400-million investment agreement with the City of Hamilton. This deal, which was signed last fall, outlines plans for an extensive upgrade to both passenger and cargo transportation infrastructure at the airport, a project that will span the next 49 years.
Porter Airlines, which is Canada’s third-largest airline, will contribute to Hamilton International’s growth by offering services that connect the airport to key destinations across Canada. The announcement of this partnership was met with enthusiasm from airport officials. Cole Horn castle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, expressed his excitement about Porter’s arrival, emphasizing the alignment of their premium economy services with the airport’s long-term vision. He stated that Porter’s superior onboard experience and domestic flight offerings would be a perfect match for the airport and its community.
As part of the initial phase of the airport’s renovation, several upgrades will be made to the airport’s physical appearance and operational efficiency. These include a redesigned exterior with newly expanded canopies aimed at enhancing curbside operations. The terminal’s interiors will also be refreshed, including improvements to the check-in counters, screening areas, seating at the gates, and baggage claim zones. The redevelopment will incorporate architectural features inspired by the natural geography of the surrounding region, adding a unique aesthetic touch to the airport’s atmosphere. In addition, digital signage and lighting systems will be upgraded to improve navigation and the overall passenger experience.
Looking ahead, future developments will introduce passenger jet bridges, a significant upgrade that will allow direct boarding from the terminal to the aircraft — a first for Hamilton International. These bridges will be part of broader terminal infrastructure improvements designed to accommodate expected increases in air traffic as the airport grows. This modernization effort reflects the airport’s commitment to positioning itself as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Construction for these upgrades is slated to begin in February, with several components of the renovation scheduled for completion before Porter Airlines begins operations at the airport. Stantec and PCL will serve as the lead firms for architectural design and construction management, ensuring that the project meets both aesthetic and functional goals.
Porter Airlines is set to start its service at Hamilton International in early June 2025, offering daily flights to four major Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver. Michael Deuce, the CEO of Porter Airlines, highlighted the airline’s excitement about introducing its premium service to Hamilton. He sees the market as ripe for expansion and believes that these initial routes will set the stage for further growth, potentially leading to additional services from the airport in the future.
Hamilton International is already Canada’s third-largest cargo airport, having handled 156,000 tones of freight in 2021. While passenger flight options have been limited in recent years, with only a few services from airlines like Play, Swoop, and WestJet, the arrival of Porter Airlines marks a major step in revitalizing the passenger side of the airport. This expansion will not only enhance the region’s connectivity but also foster new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers.
Trade Port International, known for its expertise in airport management and development, continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Hamilton International. As the primary entity responsible for managing the airport since 1996, Trade Port, through its parent company Vantage Group, is dedicated to delivering world-class airport facilities and services that will benefit both passengers and the local economy for decades to come.