Travelers in the Montreal area have an exciting new option launching soon. The MET – Montréal Metropolitan Airport, located in Saint-Hubert, will officially open its doors on June 15, 2024. This new terminal aims to enhance connectivity and serve the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Key Details About Montréal Metropolitan Airport
As the primary user of the terminal, Porter Airlines plans to provide various domestic routes, including flights to Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver. The upcoming inauguration marks a significant milestone in a development project valued at $500 million.
Projected Passenger Traffic
- Expected annual passenger volume: 1 million
- Terminal capacity: 4 million passengers per year
- Number of gates: 9
- Total terminal area: 21,000 square meters (226,000 square feet)
- Waiting area capacity: 900 seats
- Total jobs created: 200 (excluding security personnel)
Simon-Pierre Diamond, the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at MET, expressed confidence in achieving the projected passenger count during the upcoming summer season. This strategy allows for future growth, including welcoming additional airlines and expanding destination offerings.
A Local and Regional Focus
The airport’s services will mainly focus on Canadian and regional routes. Aéroports de Montréal retains a monopoly on international flights, prohibiting direct access to destinations outside Canada from Saint-Hubert. As a result, Porter Airlines is centering its strategy on internal markets, while Pascan Aviation will target regional travelers.
Construction Timeline and Funding
Initial estimates placed the project cost at $200 million; however, enhancements led to increased expenses. Notable additions include a de-icing facility, similar to those at larger international airports. Current work is focused on finalizing road adjustments to improve access between the terminal and runways.
Addressing Community Concerns
While the state-of-the-art Embaer E195-E2 aircraft will be primarily used for flights from Saint-Hubert, community concerns regarding noise pollution persist. Despite being among the quieter aircraft on the market, increased flight frequency may raise noise levels in the vicinity.
Future Developments
The MET project benefits from a partnership with Macquarie Asset Management and has received a $90 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. This funding supports the initiative to boost connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region.
The Montréal Metropolitan Airport promises to be a crucial player in the local travel landscape, offering a new hub for Canadian air traffic and enhancing overall mobility for residents and travelers alike. With the terminal set to open in June 2024, the anticipation is building for this significant addition to Montreal’s infrastructure.
