Comox Valley Airport
Comox Valley Airport Commission operates YQQ, Vancouver Island's second-busiest airport, providing commercial passenger, cargo, and general aviation services to central and northern Vancouver Island via three airline partners and an F/O C. Cottingham passenger terminal.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersComox, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Comox Valley Airport does
The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) is a federally incorporated non-profit entity, established by Letters Patent in 1996, that operates the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) at 1250 Knight Road, Comox, British Columbia. Originally built by the Department of National Defense in 1956 to serve CFB Comox, the airport now runs the F/O C. Cottingham Terminal — Vancouver Island's second-busiest airport, ranked 5th in BC and 20th in Canada — under CEO Mike Atkins and a nine-member community-representative Board of Directors. The airport provides commercial passenger services through three airline partners (Air Canada, WestJet, and Pacific Coastal Airlines), connecting central and northern Vancouver Island to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and seasonal Toronto and Puerto Vallarta destinations. Supporting infrastructure includes parking (HONK/PayByPhone mobile payment), ground transportation coordination, on-site car rental (Budget, Enterprise, National), terminal retail (Compass Gallery + Gifts, On The Fly Café), cargo operations (Air Canada Cargo, WestJet Cargo, Pacific Coastal Airlines Cargo), Jet A1 fuel sales via Shell Canada, and CANPASS customs facilitation for private/corporate aircraft. The business model relies on transaction-based fees including terminal fees ($5 domestic, $12 international per enplaned/deplaned passenger), a $7.50 Passenger Facility Fee, weight-based aircraft parking, advertising (Pattison Outdoor digital and backlit), parking rates ($14.75/day paved; $10.50/day gravel), and concession rents. The airport is also notable for its sustainability program — achieving Carbon Neutral status in April 2023, Airport Carbon Accreditation Level II in Fall 2024, with 266 solar panels and battery-powered ground equipment — and for community programming including the 20+ year CV/Arts partnership, Y-Q-Cuties comfort pet program, and a 50-member volunteer host program.
Comox Valley Airport firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Comox Valley Airport
- Legal name
- Comox Valley Airport Commission
- Website
- https://comoxairport.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Comox Valley Airport Commission operates YQQ, Vancouver Island's second-busiest airport, providing commercial passenger, cargo, and general aviation services to central and northern Vancouver Island via three airline partners and an F/O C. Cottingham passenger terminal.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Comox Valley Airport is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Comox
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Comox Valley Airport business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Landing Fees: Fees charged to aircraft operators for landing at the airport, payable to CFB Comox. Domestic and international rates based on aircraft weight ($6.50-$8.36 per 1,000 kg)
- Terminal Fees: General terminal fees charged per enplaned and deplaned passenger payable to CVAC. Domestic: $5.00, International: $12.00, General Aviation: $100 facilitation fee
- Passenger Facility Fee: $7.50 per enplaned passenger charged to support airport facilities and infrastructure
- Parking Revenue: Hourly and daily parking fees for paved and gravel lots. Paved lot: $2.00/hour, $14.75/day first 7 days. Gravel lot: $1.25/hour, $10.50/day first 7 days
- Parking Lot Monthly and Extended Stay: Reduced daily rates for extended parking after initial 7 days ($10.50/day paved, $8.50/day gravel)
- Advertising Revenue: Revenue from digital advertising, backlit advertising, and brochure racking within terminal. Digital and backlit advertising managed through Pattison Outdoor. Brochure racking managed through Vancouver Island Visitors Centre
- Fuel Sales: Jet A1 fuel available through Shell Canada Products. Fuel payment accepted through World Fuel Services, AEG FUELS, Shell Canada Aviation Contracts, MasterCard, Visa, American Express
- Cargo Services: Freight services through airline partners including Air Canada Cargo, WestJet Cargo, and Pacific Coastal Airlines Cargo
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Landing Fees - Weight-based domestic |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Landing Fees - Weight-based international |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | General Terminal Fees - Domestic |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Passenger Facility Fee |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | General Terminal Fees - International |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | General Terminal Fees - General Aviation |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Aircraft Parking Fees - Daily |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Paved Parking - Hourly/Daily |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gravel Parking - Hourly/Daily |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Comox Valley Airport product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Comox Valley Airport is a regional airport facility serving central and northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It operates runways, a passenger terminal, parking facilities, aviation fuel services, cargo handling, and terminal advertising. It is operated by the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC), a federally incorporated non-profit entity established through letters patent in 1996.
Product overview
Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) operates as a single-terminal regional airport serving central and northern Vancouver Island. The core offering is the F/O C. Cottingham Terminal providing commercial airline passenger services through three airline partners (Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal) connecting to domestic and seasonal international destinations. Supporting services include airport parking with mobile payment integration (HONK, PayByPhone), ground transportation coordination (taxis, rideshare, shuttles, transit), on-site car rentals, and terminal amenities (On The Fly Café, Compass Gallery + Gifts). Special programs include the rotating YQQ Art Collection public arts program, Y-Q-Cuties comfort pet program, accessibility services with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower support, cargo freight services, and community initiatives (volunteer program, school tours). The airport positions itself as Vancouver Island's second-busiest airport and gateway hub, ranking 5th busiest in BC and 20th in Canada with 449,849 passengers in 2025.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Y-Q-Cuties: Comfort pet program bringing trained dog-and-handler teams into the terminal to offer companionship to travelers, delivered in partnership with Freedom Paws Canada.
Products and services
- Aircraft Landing Services Landing fee-based service for commercial, general aviation, and cargo aircraft using YQQ's runways and airfield infrastructure.
- Passenger Terminal Services Terminal fee and passenger facility fee-based service providing check-in, security, boarding, and arrivals facilities for airline passengers.
- Airport Parking On-airport vehicle parking for travelers and visitors at YQQ, charged by duration.
- Aviation Fuel Sales Sale of aviation fuel (Jet A and Avgas) to airline, charter, and general aviation operators via on-airport fuel storage and dispensing facilities.
- Cargo Handling Services Cargo handling and processing infrastructure for freight operators using YQQ for air cargo operations.
- Terminal Advertising Advertising space and signage sold within the passenger terminal and on airport property to third-party advertisers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 449,849 passengers in 2025 (11.7% YoY growth), surpassing previous record of 420,811 set in 2018
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Comox Valley Airport
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Comox Valley Airport technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature4 records
Comox Valley Airport partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ARTWRX Studio + GallerycoreAnnual art exhibition partnership transforming terminal into gallery space featuring works by local Vancouver Island artists. The Courtenay-based collective provides over 50 original works for the 'Gathering Light, Gathering Place' spring/summer 2026 exhibition. Virtual gallery available on airport website.
- Freedom Paws CanadaminorPartnership to deliver the Y-Q-Cuties comfort pet program at the airport. Trained dog-and-handler teams provide calming, friendly companionship to travelers. Freedom Paws Canada is a registered Canadian charity providing psychological service dog training for veterans, first responders, and civilians living with PTSD.
- Comox Valley Arts (CV/Arts)coreOver 20-year partnership showcasing regional creative talent through juried art exhibitions in the terminal. Annual exhibitions draw unprecedented submissions including emerging artists. The partnership provides public venue for artists to reach thousands of residents and visitors.
- #NotInMyCityminorNational movement partnership to prevent and end human trafficking in Canada. YQQ implementing awareness campaign and staff training program to help identify and prevent human trafficking within the aviation sector.
- BCAA Evolve E-Bike ShareminorE-bike share pilot program at airport providing 75 bikes across over 20 parking zones in Courtenay and Comox. Partnership with Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay, and Town of Comox.
- Hakai Energy SolutionscoreCollaboration through the British Columbia Air Access Program for installation of 266 solar panels on terminal roof. Panels expected to decrease terminal's reliance on power grid by approximately 15% annually.
- BC TransitcorePublic transit service operating Monday through Saturday. Buses are ramp equipped to lower to curb height for accessibility. Each bus can safely accommodate up to two wheelchairs.
- Budget RentalscoreOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
- Enterprise Rent-a-CarcoreOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
- National Rental CarscoreOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
- Coastal RidesminorRide-sharing service available at Comox Valley Airport for ground transportation to and from terminal.
- UrideminorRide-sharing service available at Comox Valley Airport for ground transportation to and from terminal.
- Ambassador TransportationminorShuttle service provider for pre-booked transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
- Island ChauffeurminorShuttle service provider for pre-booked transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
- Pacific Rim NavigatorsminorShuttle service provider for transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
- Island Link BusminorBus service providing intercity transportation connecting to Comox Valley Airport.
- Comox TaximinorTaxi service providing transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport terminals.
- Shell Canada ProductscoreJet A1 fuel provider for aircraft at Comox Valley Airport. Hours: 06:00 to 19:00 PST with call-out service (19:00-06:00) available for $125 fee.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Courtenay-ComoxminorPark, Stay & Go packages offering one night accommodation plus up to 15 nights parking. Located 11 minutes from airport at 310 Hunt Road. Complimentary parking during stay.
- Crown Isle ResortminorPark and Fly packages with complimentary parking (up to 14 nights with one-night stay, up to one month with two-night stay) plus complimentary airport transfers. Located 8 minutes from airport.
- Air Canada CargocoreCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.
- WestJet CargocoreCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines CargocoreCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Comox Valley Airport competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR): Larger BC hub airport authority serving as YQQ's primary connecting point and a direct model for non-profit airport governance in the region. YQQ Board member Jeff West spent 17 years in YVR leadership, evidencing the strategic comparability.
- Calgary International Airport: Major Canadian hub airport authority operating at much larger scale. YQQ's WestJet service feeds YYC as a connecting hub, and YQQ Board member John Madden spent two decades at Canadian Airlines International — direct airline-hub linkage.
Direct peers
- Nanaimo Airport: Regional Vancouver Island airport (YCD) serving the mid-island market with overlapping catchment to YQQ. Comparable scale, governance structure (non-profit airport authority), and BC Air Access Program funding profile make it a direct operational peer.
- Victoria International Airport: Vancouver Island's other major commercial airport (YYJ), operated by the Victoria Airport Authority. Comparable regional Canadian airport authority with passenger volumes higher than YQQ, sharing the same island catchment but serving a different geographic market (Greater Victoria / Saanich Peninsula).
- Prince George Airport: Regional BC northern airport (YXS) operated by a non-profit authority. Comparable scale, similar air service development mandate, and parallel role as a regional gateway for a catchment smaller than YVR's, with similar route economics.
- Abbotsford International Airport: Regional BC airport (YXX) operated as a non-profit authority serving the Fraser Valley. Similar transaction-based revenue model (landing/terminal/PFC fees, parking, F&B), and comparable dependence on leisure and low-cost-carrier traffic.
- Kelowna International Airport: Regional BC airport (YLW) operated as a non-profit authority with similar passenger scale and a comparable tourism/leisure-driven demand base tied to Okanagan recreation. Pacific Coastal's new YQQ–YLW route directly connects the two, indicating comparable operational profiles.
- Kamloops Airport: Regional BC interior airport (YKA) operated by the Kamloops Airport Authority Society. Similar non-profit governance, comparable passenger scale, and shared reliance on WestJet and Air Canada regional service.
- Saskatoon Airport Authority: Non-profit regional airport authority (YXE) with comparable passenger scale and similar transaction-based fee model. Notable because YQQ board member Maxine Montgomery previously led Saskatoon Airport's customer/terminal services to Most Improved and Best Airport in North America awards, indicating directly relevant operational heritage.
Others
- Pacific Coastal Airlines: Regional BC carrier with a 25-year YQQ partnership providing scheduled and cargo services. Functions as a key channel partner and indirect peer for understanding regional route economics at small BC airports.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Comox Valley Airport social profiles
Digital presenceComox Valley Airport compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Comox Valley Airport financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Comox Valley Airport leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Comox Valley Airport funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Comox Valley Airport M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Comox Valley Airport
What does Comox Valley Airport do?
Comox Valley Airport is a regional airport facility serving central and northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It operates runways, a passenger terminal, parking facilities, aviation fuel services, cargo handling, and terminal advertising. It is operated by the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC), a federally incorporated non-profit entity established through letters patent in 1996.
Is Comox Valley Airport a public or private company?
Comox Valley Airport is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Comox Valley Airport founded?
Comox Valley Airport was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Comox Valley Airport based?
Comox Valley Airport is headquartered in Comox, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Comox Valley Airport make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Landing Fees are the primary driver. The others are terminal Fees, passenger Facility Fee, parking Revenue, parking Lot Monthly and Extended Stay, advertising Revenue, fuel Sales and cargo Services.
Who are Comox Valley Airport's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Calgary International Airport. Direct peers are Nanaimo Airport, Victoria International Airport, Prince George Airport, Abbotsford International Airport, Kelowna International Airport, Kamloops Airport and Saskatoon Airport Authority. Pacific Coastal Airlines is listed as an others.
Does Comox Valley Airport have an API?
No public API is recorded for Comox Valley Airport.