Hangar Development Feasibility Study & Business Case

Lethbridge Airport is a regional airport located approximately one hour north of the United States border and two hours south of Calgary by car. Lethbridge has a population of approximately 106,550, but the airport serves a regional trade area of approximately 342,000 people. The airport sees approximately 50,000 passengers per year and over 31,000 aircraft movements, consisting of 5% from commercial flights, 55% from the on-site flight school, and 40% from general aviation.

Lethbridge Airport is owned and operated by the City of Lethbridge. The airport was acquired from Lethbridge County in 2018, and since that time, nearly $26 million has been invested. These funds have been used to modernize the terminal, provide current safety, security and accessibility improvements, and to take care of critical infrastructure needs such as the runway lighting system, airfield surfaces and fire suppression.

With a commitment to growing the airport and ensuring its financial stability, Lethbridge Airport recently completed a Master Plan to provide strategic direction over a 20-year horizon. Recommendations from the Master Plan include runway extensions and terminal expansions, staged to correlate with anticipated growth. The plan also provides specific recommendations to diversify revenues and provide stability during periods of fluctuation in passenger travel. The Master Plan suggests, at a high level, several aviation and non-aviation possibilities focused on activating the nearly 900 acres of developable land at the airport. One recommendation in particular is to complete a feasibility study for the development of airside general aviation lands for hangars to facilitate uses such as small regional/charter airlines, helicopter facilities, flight schools, fixed base operators, flying clubs, private or corporate hangars, and T-hangars.

To ensure economic viability and position Lethbridge Airport as a catalyst for aviation development, the Hangar Development Feasibility Study and Business Case will, with the support of a consultant, examine the viability and profitability of developing hangar space on the airfield. Specifically, this work will include:

• Examination of T-hangar development for private and/or corporate aircraft, larger hangar spaces for commercial uses such as storage, maintenance, warehousing and distribution, and business support
• Completion of a market scan, demand analysis, and financial modeling, with a focus on generating positive ROI for Lethbridge Airport.
• The development of a suite of tools to support next steps, such as construction costing, site considerations, leasing and operational models, pro-formas, and a marketing plan.

The project will provide a sound framework for Lethbridge Airport to proceed with capital planning to advance hangar development on the airfield.

If you are involved in an Aviation related business, own your own aircraft, or are interested in opportunities at Lethbridge Airport, please complete our brief survey.