At John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Serving nearly one million passengers annually, the airport is a growing gateway for air travel and cargo operations in Canada’s largest catchment area, the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of YHM, to delve into his fascinating career and the intricate operations at the airport.

In our Fast Five interview, Cole shares:

• His career journey
• A typical day managing a bustling airport
• Innovative solutions to unique challenges
• The significance of strategic partnerships
• Entertaining anecdotes, including the most intriguing cargo item handled at YHM

Whether you’re passionate about aviation, transitioning from a different career, or simply curious about the inner workings of an airport, this interview offers a wealth of knowledge and engaging stories. Join us as we uncover the vibrant life behind the scenes at Hamilton International Airport.

Visit our John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Location Profile

What inspired you to work in the aviation industry/at an airport? Can you explain how your past experiences led you to where you are now?

During school, it was my goal to become an accountant with a CPA, CA designation, and that led me to my first career opportunity at KPMG Hamilton, where I obtained my CPA, CA designation.  While at KPMG, the John C Munro Hamilton International Airport was one of my main clients.  I was able to get to know the great team at the airport, as well as the operating environment, which was clearly fast paced, challenging and unique, something not all accountants get to experience.  My first experience at the airport was in the Purolator facility, where Hamilton International had offices on the second floor.  I will always remember the great views of the airfield, the sound of aircraft engine run-ups, and most notably, the smell of jet fuel! I enjoyed my time and was lucky enough to get a call from Vantage executive Cathie Puckering to join the team, which is something I am truly thankful for, as I now have a combined 15 years of airport experience.

What is the most exciting part of your day-to-day at the airport?

No two days are the same, and each day brings new challenges.  One of the coolest things I have experienced was learning how to drive on the airfield and communicate with the air traffic control tower, something I would never have imagined was in my career path! What is most exciting is leading our great team at the airport, who always rise to the occasion to deliver exceptional customer service to our stakeholders.  I am always left with a feeling of pride when our team comes together to solve some of the most complicated scenarios.

I imagine that operating a small-to-medium sized airport, you occasionally encounter a challenge requiring a creative solution with limited resources. Can you share an example?

There are many unique requests at airports that require creative solutions. One such situation occurred recently when we were approached to be a location for filming Fubar 2 in the summer of 2024, which included a significantly large team, firearms, and even a tank.  As part of the request, we had to figure out a way to allow for filming to occur on the passenger apron while not impacting our operations.  Our team did an amazing job of creating solutions to ensure the filming was a success without impacts while maintaining regulatory compliance, with the added benefit of getting to see Arnold Schwarzenegger in person.

What types of partnerships are most beneficial to your airport? Can you give an example?

Partnerships are extremely important at the airport and no two partnerships are the same.  We maintain partnerships with all our stakeholders, government agencies, and the public to ensure a safe, efficient operation, meeting our customers’ operational needs while being cognizant of the impacts on the community.  As a unique airport in Canada that is operated fully by Vantage Group on behalf of the City of Hamilton, our partnership with the City is key in order for Vantage Group to deliver our vision, to be recognized by the world as the best global gateway in Canada for affordable travel and goods movement.  The City recognizes the importance that Vantage plays in Hamilton with our industry-leading investment and operational practices, and we are very proud to have one of the longest private public partnerships for delivering airport operations in Canada, with the City and Vantage Group recently signing a new, 49 year lease.

What is the most interesting piece of cargo handled at Hamilton?

Hamilton International is the third largest cargo airport in Canada, and we regularly encounter unique shipments as carriers choose Hamilton because of our competitive advantages, which includes a 10,000 foot runway, unrestricted airfield, and commitment to customer service that ensures our partners’ success. Shipments throughout the years have included items such as the first COVID 19 vaccines to arrive in Canada, as well as multiple animal charters for horses, pigs and cows from South America.  The most interesting item to date, though, must be Drake’s Bugatti, handled with care by our partners at Cargojet.