Comox Valley Airport

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.

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

Headquarters

HQ city

Comox

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. 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)
2. 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
3. Passenger Facility Fee: $7.50 per enplaned passenger charged to support airport facilities and infrastructure
4. 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
5. Parking Lot Monthly and Extended Stay: Reduced daily rates for extended parking after initial 7 days ($10.50/day paved, $8.50/day gravel)
6. 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
7. 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
8. Cargo Services: Freight services through airline partners including Air Canada Cargo, WestJet Cargo, and Pacific Coastal Airlines Cargo

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core 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

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ARTWRX Studio + GallerycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Annual 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 CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Partnership 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025Over 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.
• #NotInMyCityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2025National 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 ShareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 July 2024E-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 SolutionscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Collaboration 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 TransitcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic 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 RentalscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
• Enterprise Rent-a-CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
• National Rental CarscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site car rental services at Comox Valley Airport. Provides vehicles equipped with hand control systems for accessibility.
• Coastal RidesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRide-sharing service available at Comox Valley Airport for ground transportation to and from terminal.
• UrideminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRide-sharing service available at Comox Valley Airport for ground transportation to and from terminal.
• Ambassador TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShuttle service provider for pre-booked transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
• Island ChauffeurminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShuttle service provider for pre-booked transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
• Pacific Rim NavigatorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShuttle service provider for transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport.
• Island Link BusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBus service providing intercity transportation connecting to Comox Valley Airport.
• Comox TaximinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTaxi service providing transportation to and from Comox Valley Airport terminals.
• Shell Canada ProductscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJet 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-ComoxminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPark, 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 ResortminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPark 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 CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.
• WestJet CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.
• Pacific Coastal Airlines CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCargo shipping services through airline partner providing freight transportation.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad 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

• Facebookfacebook.com/ComoxValleyAirport
• Instagraminstagram.com/comoxvalleyairport
• Xx.com/FlyYQQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/comox-valley-airport

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Comox Valley Airport