Stephenville International Airport Re-Opens, Launching New Investment and Development Phase, Strategic Atlantic Canadian airport positioned for growth across aviation, defence, logistics and industrial markets

STEPHENVILLE, NL and CALGARY, AB, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — Stephenville International Airport (ICAO: CYJT; IATA: YJT) (“YJT” or the “Airport“) officially re-opens today, marking the commencement of a new investment and development phase for one of Western Newfoundland’s most strategically located aviation and industrial infrastructure assets.

Following its acquisition by Stephenville International Airport Corp. (“SIAC“), a portfolio company wholly owned by BTG Critical Infrastructure Co-Invest LP I, a fund managed by BTG Capital Inc. (“BTG Capital“), YJT is being positioned as a strategic infrastructure platform supporting aviation, defence and security, logistics, industrial development and regional economic growth.

“YJT is a differentiated strategic infrastructure asset with significant long-term potential,” said C. Brett Stevenson, Board Chair of SIAC and Founder and Managing Partner of BTG Capital. “Our investment reflects our strategy of acquiring critical infrastructure assets where disciplined capital investment and active ownership can strengthen the underlying asset and create long-term value. We see a compelling opportunity to build on YJT’s existing infrastructure, strategic location and development capacity to expand its role across aviation, defence, logistics and industrial markets.”

“Our focus is now on translating YJT’s infrastructure and strategic location into commercial activity,” said Andrew Gibbons, representative for SIAC. “We are actively engaging with aviation, defence, logistics and industrial partners that can benefit from the Airport’s capabilities and North Atlantic position, while supporting long-term economic development in Western Newfoundland.”

Located on Newfoundland’s west coast, YJT occupies a strategic position along North Atlantic aviation and maritime corridors and is being developed as a dual-use civilian and defence aviation asset. Development opportunities include commercial aviation, cargo, military and government operations, uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, aircraft maintenance, warehousing, distribution and broader industrial development.  

YJT’s existing infrastructure and available land provide a strong foundation for future aviation and industrial investment. Key capabilities and advantages include:

• 10,000-foot runway capable of accommodating large commercial, cargo and military aircraft
• Approximately 800 acres of land available for development and lease
• Strategic location providing access to Arctic, North American and European markets
• 24/7 operational capability, including Jet A fuel (authorized Avfuel distributor), ground handling and line services
• Modern fixed base operation (FBO)
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs services
• Air radio and weather observation services
• Adjacent deep-water seaport providing potential sea-to-air connectivity

Dave McGrath, a member of SIAC’s executive management team, leads the Airport’s operational and business development.

“Our priorities are straightforward: maintain safe, reliable and professional aviation operations while building a strong pipeline of new commercial activity,” said McGrath. “Our objective is for YJT to be an airport operators can rely on for runway and ramp access, aircraft handling, fuel, storage and longer-term aviation requirements.”

“At the same time, we are pursuing aviation, technology, defence and security, logistics and industrial users that recognize the value of YJT’s location, infrastructure and development capacity. The opportunity extends well beyond air operations to broader industrial and economic development.”

With today’s re-opening, YJT takes a significant step toward establishing itself as a multi-purpose aviation, defence, logistics and industrial infrastructure platform on Canada’s Atlantic coast. The Airport welcomes inquiries from aviation operators, prospective tenants, industrial users and strategic partners regarding operational, tenancy and development opportunities.

About Stephenville International Airport

Stephenville International Airport (CYJT | YJT) is a strategically located aviation and industrial infrastructure asset on Newfoundland’s west coast. The Airport features a 10,000-foot runway, significant available land for development and access to North Atlantic aviation and maritime corridors. The Airport is owned by Stephenville International Airport Corp., a portfolio company of BTG Critical Infrastructure Co-Invest LP I, a fund managed by BTG Capital Inc.

YJT supports civilian, commercial, cargo, charter, defence, security & other specialized aviation operations, while also providing opportunities for aviation-related and non-aviation industrial development.

Website: Stephenville International Airport | YJT / CYJT, Newfoundland 

SOURCE Stephenville International Airport Corp.