Infrastructure Bank of Canada to invest in Montreal Metropolitan Airport

The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is investing $90 million in a new domestic passenger terminal at MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU), formerly known as St. Hubert Airport.

Macquarie Asset Management and Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. This strategic investment in partnership with Montreal promises to expand greater mobility opportunities for travelers to and from the Montreal region, as well as stimulate economic opportunities in the Greater Montreal region.

Project overview

Located just 15 kilometers from Montreal, the Montreal Metropolitan Airport project plans to introduce a state-of-the-art stand-alone terminal spanning an impressive 21,300 square meters over two floors.

This state-of-the-art facility has nine gates along with carefully planned taxiways and on-ground amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience.

These amenities include parking lots equipped with barrier-free parking spaces, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and strategically located bus pick-up and drop-off points.

In addition, the project will include terminal roads, long-term parking, extensive landscaping and an aviation fuel farm, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

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Meeting future demand

Anticipating an increase in passenger traffic, the terminal is designed to handle a projected growth of up to four million passengers annually.

Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025, Montreal Metropolitan Airport will emerge as an important gateway for domestic travel, serving as an important hub for both leisure and business travelers.

Airlines and operations

Leading the operations at MET will be Porter Airlines, using a fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and Dash 8-400 aircraft to connect various Canadian cities.

However, it is important to note that the new terminal will not be exclusive to Porter Airlines, as it aims to welcome other carriers, including Pascan Aviation, thereby diversifying travel options and improving connectivity in the region.

CIB Role and Approvals

Through the trade and transportation sector, the Infrastructure Bank of Canada plays an important role in developing reliable trade and transportation corridors across the country.

CIB's investment in the Montreal Metropolitan Airport Terminal Project will pave the way for its implementation, thus facilitating economic growth and regional development, by addressing critical capital investment gaps.

While endorsing the initiative, key stakeholders expressed optimism about its potential impact:

Ehren Corey, CEO, Canadian Infrastructure Bankpositive economic impact and improved accessibility to Montreal.

“Airports connect Canadians and are key drivers of economic growth. Our loan, which represents CIB's third investment in airport infrastructure, will enable the development of MET's new terminal – Montreal Metropolitan Airport, which will positively impact the greater Montreal region's economy.

The Honorable Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Transport and Lieutenant Governor of Quebecemphasizes the importance of providing local residents with competitive travel options.

“By supporting Montreal Metropolitan Airport, we offer Quebeckers competitive choices and services to find affordable flights to their favorite destinations from the comfort of Longueuil.”

The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister for Housing, Infrastructure and Communitiesemphasizes the role of the terminal in ensuring future passenger growth.

“With a projected growth of up to four million passengers a year, the new terminal will have great potential to welcome even more visitors to this world-renowned destination.”

Genevieve Guilbeau, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobilityconfirms the government's commitment to support the airport's growth trajectory.

“Future public and private investment will undoubtedly help improve regional air travel for the benefit of Quebecers. Our government will continue to support MET's growth.”

“The development of MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport is one of the most impressive projects for Canada. This will provide citizens with more efficient air transportation and contribute to the economic development of all our regions,” he said Yanich Roy, MET – President and CEO of Montreal Metropolitan Airport.

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