Halifax airport expands cargo operations

HALIFAX — Halifax Stanfield International Airport will boost its cargo activity after Transport Canada approved a new international air cargo transshipment program.

The transshipment program allows air cargo to be moved through Canada for shipment to third countries. For example, cargo could be flown from the U.S. into Halifax, stored temporarily, and then flown to a European destination. Similarly, international air cargo could also arrive from overseas and then be shipped by road or rail from Halifax to the U.S.

The program enables the Canadian Transportation Agency to authorize any foreign air carrier to use Halifax Stanfield International Airport to transship international air cargo, even if these rights are not provided in Canada’s bilateral air transport agreements. In addition, air carriers will be able to combine such cargo transshipments with other services for which they may be licensed.

"Participation in this program will greatly enhance Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s air cargo program and development of the region’s Atlantic Gateway strategy," said Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority.

Cargo security is addressed during the application process, and on an ongoing basis, in the context of broader security monitoring by Transport Canada and the operational activities of the Canada Border Services Agency.

The international air cargo transshipment program is in place at other airports, including Hamilton, Windsor, Gander, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Moncton.

It will soon be introduced at Toronto Pearson International Airport and at Prince George Airport.