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![]() ![]() In 1941, Charlottetown-born Carl Frederick Burke founded Maritime Central Airways (MCA). Burke earned his pilots licence and bought his first plane from money earned as a hardware store clerk. By 1963, when Burke sold his airline to Eastern Provincial Airways, MCA had become Canadas largest independent cargo airline. Rapid growth in air travel during the 1960s and 1970s hastened the expansion and modernization of airport facilities beginning in 1978. The completed facility was officially opened in May 1986. The airport presently has two runways and is equipped with a full instrument landing system, high intensity approach landing system, control tower, flight service station, and emergency response services. The Charlottetown airport services represent an infusion of an estimated $30 million into Prince Edward Islands economy. Airport enterprises employ approximately 160 full-time and part-time employees year-round and spend more than $7.75 million in goods and services in the province. In 1997, 172,000 passengers moved through the airport. The estimated figure for 1998 is 195,800 passengers. The air terminal building houses a restaurant/lounge, gift shop, car rental facilities, long term and short term parking, Commissionaire Corps security, a spacious and comfortable waiting area, and wheelchair accessible doors and washrooms. Prince Edward Air has been in service since 1990, offering charters to any North American destination, and providing emergency (Medivac) transportation, fisheries patrol, and cargo transport services. Aircraft in the companys fleet can carry up to 9 passengers and up to 3,500 pounds of cargo. Near Summerside, the Slemon Park Corporation operates the Summerside Airport, which supports general aviation and complements the growing aerospace park. Roads | Ferry Service | Confederation Bridge | Confederation Trail |