Consumer response to the new Comox Valley Airport facilities has been overwhelming. Passenger numbers continue to grow with a 24% increase in passenger numbers for the first quarter of 2005. "We are very pleased with the passenger growth. It is well ahead of forecast and allows the airlines to provide more capacity and frequency to accommodate that growth" says Chuck Fast, CEO of the Comox Valley Airport.

The airport planning process for the new airport facilities allowed for a phased growth to accommodate the needs of the community. The new air terminal building was designed to allow additional airside development to accommodate more aircraft as the demand grew. "It became readily apparent that with the success we have seen at our community airport that we would have to provide additional space for more aircraft. The Commission has been working closely with 19 Wing Comox to resolve the many issues and regulatory requirements to allow additional airside development. Fortunately, future requirements were considered during the original planning so we are able to move forward rather quickly" according to the CVAC Chair, Terry Law.

"The Board had set a project budget based on the known construction costs from our recent construction experience. Unfortunately, the cost of construction since then is up 30 to 40% due to the much improved economy. We know what we should build based on the current and short term demand. The Board is very fiscally responsible and will only construct what we can afford. We have instructed the CEO to pursue additional funding sources to allow us to optimize the benefit to the community from this additional airside construction" says Mr. Law.

"With the two weekly flights to Mexico this winter, and the additional air service we are actively pursuing, the expanded ramp is essential for this winter's operations" according to Chuck Fast.