Hamilton funds to fuel cargo business

Hamilton International Airport’s plans to entice more air cargo operators to its runway could come to fruition by 2013 if funding is approved.

The airport, located in Ontario, Canada, pursues C$25.3 million (US$25.48 million) from Ottawa and the province for three airport infrastructure projects, which could start in the first half of the year.

The first phase of the proposed plans, which will total C$38 million, comprises a C$6 million cargo apron and taxiway, a C$12 million multi-tenant cargo facility and a C$20 million runway extension.

The funding will be shared equally between the provincial and federal levels of government and TradePort International Corporation.

The new infrastructure would allow more air cargo operators to land in the city with the new cargo apron, creation of a refrigerated cross-dock for perishable items such as pharmaceutical products and extension of the existing runway by 3,000 feet southwest, allowing it to handle larger aircraft and ease landings during low visibility, crosswind conditions.

Seasonal weather has impacted business with heavy snow or rain often diverting carriers to other airports to the US. The extra space and facilities mean Hamilton will be a more reliable airport during inclement weather.

The proposed 40,000m2 cargo apron and widened taxiway are also intended to keep cargo carriers from relocating to another airport.

The proposed multi-tenant cargo facility will consist of an 80,000-square-foot cross-dock, a cargo-receiving area for transitioning goods from aircrafts to trucks and vice-versa with the ability to refrigerate perishable cargo such as flowers and fruits.

The airport plans to seek funding for the remaining project in two years.