Work has started on a new logistics centre at Halifax Stanfield Airport (HIAA) in Canada.
The new centre is due to open in early 2021 and aims to cater for a range of Canadian goods - from Nova Scotia lobster to aeronautical components.
The Air Cargo Logistics Park has been made possible thanks to investments of $18m from the federal government, $5m from the provincial government, and a contribution of $13m from HIAA.
It will be built on 25 acres of vacant land at Halifax Stanfield and will include a new cargo apron area, buildings for cargo handling, an aircraft de-icing facility and associated operational areas both airside and groundside.
Cargo exports out of Halifax Stanfield have seen five consecutive years of record growth.
Overall, air cargo exports created a total economic output of $514.1m for the provincial economy, the airport claimed.
In 2018, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island’s economy also benefited from Halifax Stanfield’s cargo services, with $65.7m worth of goods exported through Halifax, creating a total economic output of $100.1m for those provinces.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the new cargo facility will play a key role in helping Nova Scotia businesses bring more of their world-class products, including live lobster, to international markets.
“The new cargo processing and logistics facility – the largest in Atlantic Canada – will be an important addition to our transportation network,” said McNeil. “I’m pleased to see more opportunities for businesses in Nova Scotia and the region to get their high-quality products to market. Growing our exports will help create jobs at home and strengthen our economy.”
