Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 54 seconds.
Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil has inaugurated its primary runway, following a major upgrade that will enable it to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A220/320.
The improvement marks the beginning of an ambitious development strategy that will see Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil become a regional air transport hub in Quebec, offering affordable, high-quality air transport services to South Shore and Montérégie residents.
Conducted in accordance with rigorous Transport Canada standards, the runway reconstruction was made possible through an investment of $17 million, more than $13 million of which was provided by the Canadian Government Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
Next step: airport terminal
This strategy is aligned with the Politique de mobilité durable – 2030 (sustainable mobility 2030 policy) of the Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l’Électrification des transports, and as such, the airport will draw on the support of the Quebec government through its Fonds d’appui au rayonnement des régions (regional support fund or FARR) to prepare a master plan, which will notably include a framework for an airport terminal and the creation of an associated project office.
The plan will be published in early 2019 and will also define how best to develop the facility to position the airport as efficient and affordable, attract airlines–particularly low cost carriers–and promote the expansion of regional air transport.
Public consultations will also be held to ensure that the project reflects the needs of local citizens, municipalities and businesses.
“Our aim is to make Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil the airport of choice for regional travellers who are flying into and out of Montreal,” said Charles Vaillancourt, chairman of the board of directors of Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil.
“We also want to establish air transport services for a range of destinations to benefit South Shore and Montérégie residents and business people, while working in tandem with the other airports in the Greater Montreal Region. Because of its proximity to major roadways, rail services and public transit, our airport is ideally aligned with Longueuil’s Vision 2025 for Public Transit.”
“The Conseil des aéroports du Québec congratulates Charles Vaillancourt and his entire team on the major investments that have already been made to open up new markets,” said Jacques Poulin, president, Conseil des aéroports du Québec.
“Well done Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil!”
“Because Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil is a key driver of economic development, we have invested close to $15 million to upgrade the Route de l’Aéroport and streamline access to facilities in the airport zone,” said Sylvie Parent, mayor of Longueuil.
“We are particularly proud of its growth, which will enable it to better serve citizens, businesses and industries in the region.”
“With the support provided by the government of Canada, the work carried out on the runway meets the most stringent quality standards and will without question enable Aéroport Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil to become an airport of preference for residents in the Montérégie region,” said Michel Picard, MP for Montarville.
“We are proud to have helped make this possible.”
