Strategic Collaboration in Airport Development: YQM’s Vision for Operational Growth and Regional Impact
Airports do more than just handle passenger travel — they play a vital role in moving cargo, making them key drivers of economic activity for communities of all sizes. The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) is a standout example, acting as a central hub for both air and ground transportation across Southeast New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. Located in one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions, YQM is fueling economic growth in the Maritimes.
YQM experienced an 85% surge in cargo traffic following the completion of its 10,001-foot runway in 2013. Despite this impressive growth, the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority (GMIAA) realized there were still untapped opportunities in infrastructure development, cargo expansion, and investment attraction. They set out to unlock the airport’s full potential as a hub for regional economic growth.
Defining a Strategic Visions: The Cargo and Economic Growth Forum as a Catalyst for Airport Management and Innovation
Looking to unite leaders, identify growth opportunities, and outline a plan to drive sustainable growth in the region, GMIAA engaged Deloitte in 2024 to host the Cargo and Economic Growth Forum. The forum brought together stakeholders from government, logistics, and export sectors to craft a shared vision for Moncton’s cargo expansion, and keyed in on using the facility’s strengths — like its large runway, robust flight schedule and cold storage partner — to drive further growth.
Coming out of COVID, we refocused our strategy, recognizing the need to lean into a leadership role in driving regional economic development. The forum wasn’t just an inspiring day, it was a move toward real action, assessing what was working, identifying gaps, and defining what success would look like moving forward.
Strengthening Airport Operations Through a United and Shared Ambition
GMIAA also knew they needed better data on the goods moving in and out of the region. This led to the creation of the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport Opportunities Task Force to strengthen YQM’s role as a catalyst for regional prosperity. The task force is comprised of several municipalities including the City of Moncton, Town of Riverview, Expansion Dieppe, as well as the region’s service commission, economic organizations and other industry stakeholders.
“The task force has brought together municipal partners to the same table, keeping them updated on the airport’s progress — because this truly is an airport for the whole region,” said Burns.
Collaboration as a Catalyst
Promoting strategic collaboration among key partners is one of the task force’s key objectives. Another is sustaining inclusive connections among businesses and industry professionals across the region to enhance regional collaboration, leading to more opportunities for growth.
“Airport authorities are led by the community, for the community — and we see ourselves as a central piece of that puzzle,” said Burns. “Our role is to bring partners together, enhance collaboration, and channel energy and excitement around what’s possible.”
Investing in Moncton’s Future
Another key focus of the task force is to identify potential investments and funding sources to modernize YQM’s facilities, improve logistics, and expand its cargo capacity. Its location in the Maritimes makes YQM a hub for high-value goods like live lobster, and a key player in the region’s economy. Strategic infrastructure upgrades will give YQM the ability to support an increase in cargo volume and ensure in-demand, high-value commodities like live lobster and other seafood products reach global markets efficiently.
A Long-Term Strategic Partner in Airport Development
Since its inception, Vantage has partnered closely with YQM, providing guidance on investments such as the runway extension, which was a pivotal decision for boosting cargo operations. Vantage remains a key partner in ensuring the airport stays ahead of industry demands and opportunities.
As New Brunswick’s only dedicated cargo hub, YQM now handles more than 1,400 all-cargo flights annually, lifting more than 22,000 tonnes. And by working to expand infrastructure, foster cross-sector partnership, and align strategic goals with regional priorities, it will continue to equip itself for long-term, sustainable growth. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also build a scalable model for innovation and position the airport to promote long-term economic impact — driving prosperity for Moncton and Atlantic Canada more broadly.
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