Halifax Stanfield air cargo activity on the rise, HIAA says

According to the HIAA, Halifax Stanfield processed 34,769 metric tonnes of cargo in 2021, up 5.4 per cent from 2020

CityNews Halifax Staff

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The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) says it is optimistic about the future as air cargo activity continues recover from uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.

When the pandemic began in March 2020, the airport saw an immediate impact on cargo activity but things are starting to bounce back.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly underscored the importance of air cargo to global supply chains,” said Joyce Carter, the president and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority.

“Air cargo has supported our collective fight against COVID-19 through deliveries of PPE and vaccines, maintained local jobs through exports of Nova Scotia products, and aided our communities through efficient transport of e-commerce orders.”

According to the HIAA, Halifax Stanfield processed 34,769 metric tonnes of cargo in 2021, up 5.4 per cent from 2020.

Meantime, the value of exports in 2021 was $496 million CAD, up 6.3 per cent from the previous year.

Live lobster continued to be the top export as 2021 saw 15,765 metric tonnes of the crustaceans at a value of $293 million, which were shipped from Halifax to Asian and European markets.

Other top exports included $53.2 million in medical equipment and $41.4 million in a aerospace-related parts.

The HIAA said Halifax Stanfield cargo exports contributed $664 million to Nova Scotia’s economy.