Live lobster is catch of the cargo at Halifax Stanfield

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Live lobster is the cargo of the day, every day at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, with significant growth in exports to China, Europe and US.

Nova Scotia seafood represented a significant portion of the record 36,938 tonnes of cargo at Halifax Stanfield, an increase of 8.5% over 2017 and the fifth consecutive year of growth.

Bert van der Stege, chief commercial officer of Halifax International Airport Authority says: “Similar to passenger travel, we continue to see the cargo side of our operations expand, resulting in multiple daily dedicated cargo flights filled with Nova Scotia exports now flying out of Halifax Stanfield.

“We work closely with suppliers, shippers and airlines year-round to enable the global export of goods directly from Nova Scotia to destination markets, meaning more people are able to enjoy our world-class quality seafood and other products.”

Construction of a new Air Cargo Logistics Park will begin this year, and is expect to open either in late 2020 or early 2021.

The new facility will enhance infrastructure, support the flow of goods and improve cargo handling, enhance trade for the province and region, expand capacity for exports and create jobs.

The airport is investing C$13 million of its own money in the project, and receiving C$18 million from the federal government, plus C$5 million from the provincial government.

Exports contribute C$447.1 million to the provincial economy, with live lobsters continuing to flourish, representing C$215.7 million and 11,495 tonnes annually.

Air cargo is transported by First Catch, Skylease Cargo, Cargojet, Korean Air Cargo, FedEx, Air Canada, Atlas Air, Suparna Airlines, WestJet and Qatar Airways offering connections to China and multiple global destinations.

Stewart Lamont, managing director of Tangier Lobster Company says: “The growing air freight cargo lift from Halifax Stanfield is extremely encouraging for Atlantic Canadian companies looking to export internationally.

“When it comes to flights, infrastructure and specialised human resources, we now have critical mass and that’s good news for everyone involved.”