Under the division of powers contained in the Canadian constitution, responsibility for air transportation in Canada is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Historically, provision of airports, airways and even air services have been provided by the Government of Canada. However, in the past few years Air Canada has been privatized, the air navigation system commercialized and the National Airport Policy announced. The National Airport Policy envisions airports in Canada being managed, operated, maintained and, in some circumstances, owned by local or regional groups.
The Charlottetown Airport has been identified as one of 26 airports in the National Airport System (NAS). The criteria for inclusion in the NAS classification are at least 200,000 passengers annually and/or service of a provincial capital city. Passenger traffic at the Charlottetown Airport is below the 200,000 threshold.
An airport planning group has investigated the possibility of managing and operating the Charlottetown Airport. A Canadian Airport Authority, consisting of volunteer members from diverse backgrounds and regions of the Island, has been incorporated and signed a Letter of Intent in March 1997 to being negotiations with Transport Canada. Charlottetown Airport will continue to be owned by the Federal Government but could be leased to the Charlottetown Airport Authority.
In the absence of a Canadian Airport Authority, of if satisfactory terms of transfer cannot be negotiated, the Federal Government would continue to operate the Charlottetown Airport. However, Transport Canada would attempt to achieve financial break-even conditions by reducing hours of operation at the Airport and imposing and increasing user fees and charges.
The Government of Prince Edward Island recognizes the importance of Charlottetown Airport to the economic and social well being of the Province. Prince Edward Island is the only province in Canada having only one airport with scheduled passenger air service. The continued viability and on-going operation of the airport is vital to all sectors of the Island business community, and perhaps more notably to the tourism industry. Access to regional, national and global air transportation is critical for business and pleasure travellers. The key to the prosperity of the Airport is enhanced passenger and air cargo traffic.
The Provincial Government encourages travellers, shippers and carriers to support the Airport by utilizing its facilities at every opportunity. The Provincial Government wishes the Charlottetown Airport Authority Incorporated every success in its dealings with the Government of Canada.