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The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (“GTAA”) today reported its financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Passenger activity increased 4.1 million or 384.5 per cent during the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the same period of 2021. Passenger activity increased given a domestic vaccine rollout, fewer travel restrictions and pent-up travel demand compared to the same period of 2021. Nevertheless, all measures of operating activity continue to be well below 2019 levels due to the impact of the pandemic on the GTAA and the global aviation industry in general.
“The rollback of selected travel restrictions on the part of the Government of Canada and an increased interest on the part of the travelling public to take to the skies are both promising signs,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA. “As we move along the path toward recovery and an increasing number of passengers choose Pearson, we call on government to streamline inbound public health requirements to avoid bottlenecks and thereby ensure the efficient flow of passengers through Canada’s airports.” Key Financial and Passenger Information
During the first quarter of 2022, passenger activity through Toronto Pearson and resultant revenues increased, when compared to the same period of 2021, due to the domestic vaccination rollout, easing of travel restrictions and pent-up travel demand, although the number of passenger and flight activity remains significantly lower, when compared to the same period in 2019.
Earnings before interest and financing costs and amortization (“EBITDA”) during the first quarter of 2022 increased significantly, as compared to the same period of 2021, due to a large increase in operating activity and revenues and managing operating costs prudently. Net loss during the first quarter of 2022 decreased $82.4 million to $44.6 million, as compared to the same period of 2021, due to the same reasons above.
Free cash flow increased $71.1 million to $33.5 million during the first quarter of 2022, when compared to the same period of 2021, primarily driven by the significant increase in revenues over the increase in costs, and lower capital expenditures.
As a result of COVID-19, there continues to be limited visibility with regard to future travel demand given changing government policies regarding travel and the continued presence of testing requirements that vary from country to country. These restrictions and concerns about travel due to COVID-19 continue to inhibit demand. Management continues to analyze the extent of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which while it is diminishing, continues to be adverse and material. While the full duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be known at this time, in the long-term the GTAA believes that recovery will be achieved, and the pandemic will not have a material impact on the long-term financial sustainability of the Airport.
The GTAA’s March 31, 2022 financial results are discussed in more detail in the GTAA’s Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, each for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, which are available at www.torontopearson.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This press release was prepared and distributed by GTAA
