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May 2013 Newsletter
CAC President: New Aviation Strategy Needed for Canada
The Winnipeg Airports Authority hosted the Western Canadian Aviation Forum from May 2nd - 3rd, bringing together Canadian and international aviation industry leaders to discuss the necessary policy and operational steps required to increase the competitiveness of Canada's aviation industry beyond the 21st century.

"As Canada's aviation industry continues to grow, so too do jobs and trade. Airports represent more than hubs for travel. They help keep businesses and people moving, and also help keep our people and communities connected," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch.

While much has been achieved within the current policy framework, the situation in Canada has been progressively getting worse over the last decade. One of the key topics discussed at the Western Aviation Forum is the growing concern surrounding the heavy burden of fees and taxes associated with aviation. These fees impact the price of an airline ticket, making it increasingly more expensive for travellers to fly out of Canada's airports.

The result? Over 5 million Canadians driving across the border to fly out of U.S. airports, costing millions of dollars in lost revenue in Canada.

As reported by the CBC's The National, the trend of more Canadians flying out of the United States is disconcerting to Canada's aviation industry, which has been calling on the federal government for years to do something to bring those travellers back to Canadian airports.

"A new federal strategy is needed so Canada can better compete with other countries," said Mr. Gooch. "After all, everyone benefits when more people flying to, from, through and within Canada."
Renovation Projects at Halifax Airport Will Improve Passenger Experience
Improvements to Halifax Stanfield International Airport will provide additional space for passenger check-in and circulation, improved baggage handling and screening systems, and a modernized facade. Source and photo credit: Halifax News Net
Work has begun to upgrade and expand the main check-in hall of the terminal building at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The improvements will provide additional space for passengers to check-in, feature improved baggage handling and screening systems, and a modern exterior to match other renovations that have already taken place. 

"We are pleased to undertake this $44.5 million project that will improve the overall passenger experience," said Halifax International Airport Authority president and CEO Tom Ruth. "Not only will passenger processing and circulation space be improved, the facility will now be equipped to accommodate future growth."

Construction is underway and is scheduled to be complete in spring 2014. The work will be done in phases to minimize impact on travellers.

To keep travellers informed, HIAA will develop an awareness campaign which includes print and online advertising, social media and updates on its website.
New Passport Control System at YVR Expected to Speed Up Travel to U.S.
American travellers flying out of the Vancouver International Airport may find themselves moving through the airport faster thanks to a new automated passport control system that came into effect on May 7th. The service is expected to be extended to Canadians flying to the U.S. from the Vancouver airport by the end of the month.

"The self-service kiosks are expected to significantly reduce time spent in lineups waiting to go through the U.S. border clearance process," said Kevin Molloy, Vice President of Simplified Passenger Travel and Chief Information Officer at the Vancouver Airport Authority.

The Chicago Department of Aviation announced that Chicago O'Hare airport will be the first in the U.S. to implement the automated passport control system developed by YVR. O'Hare is expected to have 32 kiosks in operation by July 1st, 2013.

"We're taking a decades old process of clearing airport passengers and doing it in a creative and automated fashion but still making sure we have a focus on the security requirements that we deal with," said acting deputy assistant commissioner of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection John Wagner.

The kiosks automate administrative requirements and leave risk assessment to border officials. The new system allows for the traveller the choice to use Automated Passport Control or a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. The automated system means that travellers will not have to fill out a declaration card.
Montreal Remains ICAO's Headquarters
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (left) and Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General at ICAO (right), sign the new 20-year lease to keep the organization's headquarters in Montreal. Source and photo credit: Vincenzo D'Alto, The Montreal Gazette
The International Civil Aviation Organization signed a new 20-year lease on May 27th that will keep the organization's headquarters in Montreal until 2036.

"Each level of government, and many other stakeholders as well, recognized the importance of keeping ICAO where it belongs, and we joined forces to work together in true team spirit to get the job done," said Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.

Support to keep ICAO's headquarters in Montreal was expressed by the United States, France, the U.K. and other ICAO members.

"Canada has been a gracious host to ICAO for well over 60 years now, and Montreal's multicultural and aerospace-intensive environment is very well-suited to our organization," said ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin.

"We're very grateful to Canada for its recent streamlining of diplomatic protocols and enhancing of ICAO's working environment, support that will help to ensure our continuing leadership role within the global aviation community," said Mr. Benjamin.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Highlights Results from Economic Impact Study
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Economic Impact Study Highlights

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is Canada's ninth busiest airport and was named the world's best airport with under 5 million passengers by the 2013 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The airport generates $1.9 billion in annual economic output and 5,700 jobs for the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto Port Authority president and CEO, Geoffrey Wilson, talks about the highlights of a recently released economic impact study in this video.
What's New at YMM: Snow Birds, Restaurants and Direct Flight to Denver
Cpt. Scott Greenfield shows off his Canadian Forces Snowbird no. 10 aircraft at the Fort McMurray airport. The city will host the famous Canadian fleet during an air show from May 30th - June 1st, 2014. Source and photo credit: Jordan Thompson, Fort McMurray Today

As a part of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority's grand opening of its new terminal building on June 9th, the airport authority announced a host of new and exciting projects this month.

The first air show in the city since 2007 will take place from May 30th to June 1st, 2014. The event will feature the Snowbirds as well as the CF-18 Demo Hornet and the Canadian Forces parachute team, the SkyHawks.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of our new terminal building with a world class air show," said president and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority Scott Clements. "The air show will kick-off an exciting new era for YMM as well as the Region."

To get residents excited for the show, the airport launched www.fortmacairshow.ca, which features additional information on the event and participating acts, as well as sponsorship involvement, volunteer opportunities, visitor information and more.

Bon app�tit!

YMM also revealed a handful of restaurants and other services that will be located in the new terminal.

Tim Hortons, Subway, Harvey's, Starbucks, and Jugo Juice will set up shop in the new terminal. Additionally, the new Fort McMurray Airport will house the very first Boston Pizza and Earls restaurants ever in an airport.

Direct Flights to Denver

Also in conjunction with the new terminal building, YMM introduced another significant air service improvement to the region.

Starting on June 7th, United Airlines will offer direct flights to Denver.

"Denver is the thirteenth largest hub in the world. It has 53 million passengers per year and when you get off at the airport at 9 o'clock in the morning, having left here at 6 o'clock in the morning, you'll be able to go to over 160 destinations with a very seamless transition through customs," said Mr. Clements.
All-inclusive Lounge, Air Traffic Control Tower Open at Edmonton International Airport
Hong Kong-based Plaza Premium Lounge is opening its second "pay-in lounge" at the Edmonton International Airport, which is available to all travellers.

The Edmonton International Airport announced the opening of a new lounge that is available for all passengers flying on domestic and international flights and the opening of its newly designed, multifunctional air traffic control Central Tower.

Plaza Premium Lounge provides comfortable, quiet lounges with first-class service to any domestic and international traveller with a valid boarding pass.

Plaza Premium Lounge is the first company in the world to offer airport VIP lounges to passengers regardless of airline or travel class. The goal is to enhance the airport experience.

Guests can enjoy comfortable seating, business workstations, internet access, newspapers, magazines, television, a food buffet and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Pricing starts at $35.00, plus tax.

The Edmonton International Airport joins Vancouver and Toronto as the three Canadian airports to offer Plaza Premium Lounges to all passengers.

Also announced this month was the grand opening of a new eight-story Central Tower. The tower marks a significant part of EIA's Expansion 2012 project.
Edmonton International Airport's new eight-story Central Tower officially opened on May 9th, 2013. Source and photo credit: Global News Toronto
"The multifunctional building includes a new NAV CANADA control tower at the top and a new integrated baggage system at the bottom. That left space for retail and office space in the middle, which will be home to NAV CANADA, EIA and Canadian Helicopters offices," said EIA president and CEO Reg Milley.

The tower uses many design elements that are environmentally friendly and EIA is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver certification for the tower.

"It's not only aesthetically pleasing, but also from an environmental perspective (the ribbons) keep the sun out in the summer when it's at its highest and strongest rays. And in the winter, because of the continuous windows we have, we get great lighting. So it's very, very energy efficient," explained Mr. Milley.

The new tower is 48 metres high and the floor space in the cab is nearly double in size compared to the old tower. The extra height improves the controllers' sight lines and the larger area makes for a better working environment, providing advanced tools and equipment for employees to continue providing airfield services to the highest standards.
IAAE Canada Welcomes Two New Board Members
The International Association of Airport Executives Canada announced the appointment of a new member to its board of directors on May 28th.

RJ Steenstra, CEO Red Deer Regional Airport Authority, has been appointed to serve a three-year term. In addition, Kevin Lacey, Associate Director of Airfield Operations at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority was re-appointed for a second three-year term.

"I welcome these talented individuals to the board," said IAAE Chair Cuyler Green.  "These airport professionals bring diverse experience and backgrounds to the guidance and governance mandate of the board."

Mr. Steenstra was appointed CEO of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority in 2010. Mr. Steenstra brings to the board extensive senior executive and governance experience from the business sector.

Mr. Lacey joined the GTAA in 1999 as the Maintenance Manager of Facilities and Airfield at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Mr. Lacey began his current role in 2012 and also sits on the IAAE Canada Training Committee.

"We welcome RJ and Kevin to the Board and extend our deepest thanks to Gerry Bruno, AAE, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Vancouver Airport Authority, for his dedication and contribution to advancing the Association's mandate over the last three years," said IAAE Canada executive coordinator Tom Coupland.
Industry News Quick Links
CAC Op-ed: Time to develop a new vision for Canadian airports - Financial Post (May 30, 2013)

CAC Letter to the Editor: New strategy needed for Canadian airports - Vancouver Sun (May 27, 2013)

 National defence minister wants tree issue at airport dealt with before autumn - Canada.com (May 31, 2013)

Porter CEO confident Toronto council will approve Island airport plans for CSeries - Financial Post (May 27, 2013)

Airport flying high: Board - The Sudbury Star (May 22, 2013)

Locals lose their locks at the Calgary International Airport in support of Young Adult Cancer Canada - Calgary Sun (May 15, 2013)

Canada simply gives up competing for the American tourist - Toronto Star (May 11, 2013)

Northeast evolving into 'airport city' - Calgary Herald (May 10, 2013)
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In This Issue
CAC President: New Aviation Strategy Needed for Canada
Renovation Projects at Halifax Airport Will Improve Passenger Experience
New Passport Control System at YVR Expected to Speed Up Travel to U.S.
Montreal Remains ICAO's Headquarters
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Economic Impact Study Highlights
What's New at YMM: Snow Birds, Restaurants and Direct Flights to Denver
All-inclusive Lounge, Air Traffic Control Tower Open at Edmonton International Airport
IAAE Canada Welcomes Two New Board Members
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