The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed it 25-millionth annual passenger, hitting the mark two years sooner than anticipated.

In a December 18 news release, the not-for-profit Vancouver Airport Authority, which operates YVR, chalks the accelerated achievement due to a strong B.C. economy and three years of air service development under ConnectYVR, a five-year aeronautical rates and changes program.  

YVR is forecast to serve 29 million passengers by 2020, and is estimated to hit the 32 million passenger mark by 2022.

Currently, the airport serves 127 destinations but by 2020, the airport is also have expanded to serve 144 destinations and to have moved 327,000 tonnes of cargo.

The airport, which is the second busiest in Canada, contributes over $16 billion in economic output, with 24,000 jobs on Sea Island in Richmond and over 100,000 jobs across B.C.

This year, the airport launched a $9.1 billion expansion program that will take place over 20 years.

Dubbed the YVR 2037 Master Plan, the project will include upgraded bridges and roads on Sea Island, new taxiways for aircraft, and a GeoExchange energy system.

The airport has garnered numerous air travel accolades, including topping lists of best North American airports. At the 2018 Skytrax Airport Awards, YVR was listed as the top North American airport for its ninth consecutive year.