Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport on February 1 unveiled its new brand identity as MET, Montreal Metropolitan Airport, as the airport makes what it describes as a significant transformation into commercial aviation with the construction of a new terminal progresses rapidly. Located in Saint-Hubert since 1927, the airport, CYHU, will be branded under the abbreviation MET.
On February 27, 2023, the airport announced its partnership with Porter Airlines for the construction of a commercial terminal with a capacity of 4 million passengers annually. These investments of over $200 million mark the beginning of a significant transformation into commercial aviation serving major domestic destinations. Completion of the 21,000-square-metre (225,000 square foot) facility, holding nine bridged aircraft gates, is expected by late 2024.
“With this substantial development, we are changing the very nature of the airport,” said Yanic Roy, CEO of the Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET). “Our ambition is to revolutionize the airport model, making it a source of collective pride and inspiring the world to view air transport differently. This is what the new identity of the airport represents.”
With its transformation, the airport explains Montreal will join a trend of major world metropolises that benefit from multiple interconnected airports to meet their air transport needs. MET points to four key commitments, including: Revolutionize the airport model by initiating and adopting eco-friendly and cutting-edge practices; be a citizen airport serving the people and communities; contribute to making Montreal a leading airport destination; and improve the connection of people in Quebec with the rest of the world.
“We are not seeking growth at any cost. We are developing an airport in harmony with its environment, in consultation with communities, and utilizing its facilities to promote innovation and green transition. With MET, Montreal Metropolitan Airport, we aim to surpass the traditional model of air transport and contribute more to society,” said Roy.
Porter estimates its investment in YHU will result in more than 500 permanent jobs, including full-time positions within terminal and airline operations, and the establishment of a new pilot and flight attendant crew base.
The new YHU terminal, being designed by Scott Associates Architects as a net-zero facility, will provide Porter Airlines with a second airport to serve the Montréal market. Porter plans to continue expanding its existing operations at Montréal’s Trudeau Airport (YUL), while also introducing a Canada-wide network at YHU airport, located about a 40-minute drive away (38 km).
“Saint-Hubert has incredible potential as a complementary secondary airport for Montréal, with a convenient location for a significant portion of the local market and also easy access to downtown Montréal,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Aviation Holdings, back in February 2023. “We have proven this concept at Billy Bishop, now one of the world’s best urban airports, and look forward to working with our partners at Saint-Hubert to help create a similar success story.”
Porter last year noted more than 10 potential YHU routes had been initially identified, spanning from Vancouver, BC, in the west to St. John’s, NL, in the east. The airline also intends to connect YHU with both of its Toronto hubs at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Routes will be served with a combination of 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 and 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
