2 September 2010
London, Ontario
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Harper Government is helping the London International Airport become an international trade centre, increasing transportation activity, enhancing the competitiveness of regional businesses and creating long-term jobs.
The Government announced $8 million in Budget 2009 for the construction of the new international freight and cargo terminal at the London International Airport, including land development, taxiway expansion and building construction.
The Foreign Trade Cargo Complex, which opened today, will generate nearly 100 new jobs in freight handling, packaging and handling logistics, with an additional 50 jobs to support customs activities and trucking. The airport already provides 1,700 direct jobs and over $350 million annually to the local economy, and is the largest and most successful airport in Southwestern Ontario, with 50 businesses operating onsite. Each additional cargo aircraft flight to London would add an additional 12 per cent in job growth.
Establishing the new cargo terminal is the first phase of the Economic Gateway Project, a plan developed by the City of London and the London International Airport. The Economic Gateway Project will integrate services of the airport and surrounding industrial areas, air links and trucking facilities to attract, bundle and channel the international movement of cargo to and from points in North America and the world.
The new full-service cargo facility will handle more than 300,000 tonnes of cargo each year, provide sustainable jobs, stimulate regional economic development through increased traffic and trade opportunities, and provide low-cost international shipments for local manufacturers.
In December 2008, the London International Airport was designated as a Federal Trans-shipment Centre for International cargo. The new terminal will help the London area emerge as a major international trade corridor.
