QUEBEC CITY — Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) has outlined its strategic plan for 2025-2030, aiming to strengthen its position in the aviation industry through targeted growth and sustainability initiatives.

Following two major expansions, the impact of the pandemic and a strong recovery phase, YQB is entering a new chapter. The airport is set to strengthen its position amidst industry challenges, with a clear roadmap designed to ensure financial sustainability, enhance the passenger experience, bolster awareness and appeal, advance sustainability commitments and increase efficiency and agility.

A Community-Centred Approach

The airport engaged in an extensive strategic-planning process over several months, collaborating with more than 30 key regional socio-economic stakeholders. The result is a defined path to meet six key objectives by 2030:

1. Welcome 2.4 million passengers
2. Achieve a net income of more than $5 million
3. Maintain an average passenger satisfaction rate of over 8/10
4. Maintain an employee net promoter score (eNPS) above 35
5. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 2016
6. Generate a total of $1.4 billion in national economic spinoffs

Building on Strengths Amidst Industry Challenges

YQB’s strategy is grounded in its existing strengths:

• The airport has regained profitability after pandemic-related disruptions.
• Its large-scale, high-quality infrastructure supports future growth.
• The flight offering is more extensive, frequent, and diverse than ever.
• Regional support for the airport remains strong and aligned with a shared vision.
• Traveller experience has improved with enhancements to food services, streamlined passenger journeys, better public transit options, and a revamped parking system.
• Operational agility has increased through restructuring aimed at efficiency and passenger service.

At the same time, YQB acknowledges key challenges that must be addressed. Financial flexibility remains limited, with ongoing investments required for asset maintenance and revenue diversification. The airport must also operate within a complex, regulated 24/7/365 environment. Additionally, evolving passenger expectations for frequent flights, diverse destinations, and premium services must be balanced against market realities, structural airline challenges, and the increasing demand for sustainable operations.

“The circumstances may seem daunting, but for our team, they are a source of motivation. While the challenges we face require careful attention, we have the assets needed to distinguish ourselves, adapt to change and drive growth. All of our initiatives are focused on five strategic priorities and reflect the realities of our industry,” said the president and CEO of Aéroport de Québec Inc.

Strategic Priorities to Drive Growth

YQB’s roadmap is centred on five strategic priorities to navigate industry complexities and propel future development.

Ensuring Financial Sustainability

• Reduce reliance on airport improvement fees by diversifying revenue streams.
• Increase non-aviation revenues through commercial concessions, parking operations, land and building leases, and advertising sales.
• Develop sustainable and profitable real estate projects at YQB.

Enhancing the YQB Experience

• Invest $200 million in infrastructure for regulatory compliance, growth-driven projects, and passenger experience improvements, including a redesign of the domestic arrivals area, which is already operating at full capacity.
• Implement initiatives to maintain high passenger satisfaction and attract new travellers.
• Continuously refine and adapt the value proposition for passengers and airlines.

Strengthening Awareness and Appeal

• Expand YQB’s regional presence and strengthen local relationships beyond the Québec City metropolitan area.
• Continue advertising campaigns highlighting the advantages of departing from Québec City.
• Build and fortify a network of strategic regional allies.

Advancing Sustainability Commitments

• Implement a sustainable development governance framework to measure environmental, social, and economic performance.
• Achieve carbon neutrality for airport-authority-managed operations by 2040.

Focusing on Efficiency and Agility

• Optimize the airport’s capacity to accommodate passengers efficiently.
• Foster a data-driven culture for improved decision-making.
• Strengthen team engagement and collaboration.