A smoother ride is coming to the London International Airport thanks in part to a multi-million dollar investment from the federal government.
Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion Marg Ng announced on Wednesday a $3.3-million investment toward improvements to the airport's main taxiway.
The infrastructure project will consist of resurfacing the entire length of the asphalt taxiway, ensuring it can withstand the current and projected increase in passenger traffic. It will also reduce potential runway hazards, effectively increasing safety for passengers, airlines, and airport staff, according to government officials.
"Taxiway Golf is our main taxiway at London [International Airport]" said Airport President and CEO Mike Seabrook. "From commercial passenger aircraft, to our freight operations, through to our business and aviation programs with both Western University and Fanshawe College, this taxiway will be used extensively in the coming years; it will allow us to meet the aviation demands in our market."
The project will create an estimated 65 jobs during construction.
The London International Airport is part of the National Airports System. The 26 airports in the system serve about 95% of all scheduled passenger and cargo traffic in Canada. London, in particular, is positioned to take on a greater role in southern Ontario, stated Seabrook.
"Today we are seeing close to 10% annualized growth in our passenger traffic, and as Toronto Pearson Airport gets busier and more congested, our airport in London is centred in a population of 2.5-million residents, with an uncongested road system that has direct access to our airport. So we see a much bigger role for London," Seabrook said.
In addition to the federal funds, the Greater London International Airport Authority is kicking in $3.3-million for the project.
London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos and city councillors Harold Usher and Michael Van Holst attended Wednesday's funding announcement.
"Since being elected in October 2015, I have heard loud and clear from constituents that the London International Airport needs to be better supported. Through today's pivotal investment, our government is committed to fulfilling this vision and ensuring this important economic generator for our province will keep serving our community for generations to come," said Fragiskatos.
Construction on the taxiway is expected to begin next spring.
