Thunder Bay airport breaks passenger volume record

Thunder Bay Airport has broken its all-time record for passenger volume.

A total of 780,000 people travelled through the terminal last year — up about 2.5 per cent from 2012.

Airport CEO Scott McFadden said the new high was reached in spite of what he calls moderating economic conditions.

"We have to thank our customers for choosing to fly from Thunder Bay," he said.

McFadden credited the arrival of United Airlines in Thunder Bay as one of the contributing factors.

"United offers short connection times and competitive fares to U.S. and global destinations, providing Thunder Bay with a direct link to one of the most significant economic hubs in the world."

Figures supplied by the airport show its impact on the Thunder Bay economy is significant. It values economic activity related to the airport at more than $500 million.

A study funded by the airport found that it is responsible for almost 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Thunder Bay area.