Newsletter Graphic
May 2014 Newsletter
Canada's Aviation Sector Welcomes CAN+
From left to right: David Goldstein, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, celebrates the federal government's announcement of CAN+ with Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander, Canadian Airports Council President Daniel-Robert Gooch, and National Airlines Council of Canada Executive Director Marc-Andr� O'Rourke at the Montr�al-Trudeau International Airport on May 12th. Photo credit: CIC
The Canadian Airports Council and the National Airlines Council of Canada welcomed Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander's announcement on May 12th of the launch of CAN+, a new program which will expedite visa processing for Mexican nationals who have travelled to Canada or the United States within the last 10 years.

"Canada's airports support efforts that will help grow international travel into Canada," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "The federal government's announcement recognizes that Canada and the U.S. already do a lot of work in evaluating potential visitors to our countries and that there's benefit to our two countries, but also prospective travellers, if Canada and the U.S. can work more closely. It is our hope that this can serve as a template for visitors from other fast-growing trade and tourism partner countries from which Canada requires visitor visas," said Mr. Gooch. 

"Canada's major airlines recognize that making it faster and easier to visit Canada is fundamental to expanding business, trade and travel with our partners such as Mexico.
It is encouraging to see that Canada is taking steps to streamline its visa processes," said NACC Executive Director Marc-Andr� O'Rourke.
Canada's Airports Urge Ontario to Move in the Right Direction for Aviation and Tourism Jobs and Growth
On May 1st, Ontario Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne introduced a budget that would add as much as $100 million in costs onto the province's air travellers and shippers. Opposition leaders Tim Hudak (Conservative) and Andrea Horwath (NDP) voted against the proposed budget, setting the stage for a provincial election on June 12th.

In response to the proposed budget, the Canadian Airports Council issued a statement that called for Ontario's government to reconsider its proposed budgetary measure, citing it as another burden the aviation sector would have
to face as it would raise the already high cost of air travel
in Canada.

"Aviation connects Ontario and Canada to the world, supporting international trade and jobs in our important and growing tourism sector. As privately operated, not for profit organizations with mandates for economic development in the communities they serve, Canada's airports seek policies that will grow air travel to, from, through and within Canada," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "Naturally, we have
grave concerns about any tax measure that would further burden the aviation sector and raise the already high cost
of air travel in Canada."

In most other Canadian provinces, flights to the United States and international destinations are exempt from aviation fuel taxes, and there is no comparable tax in the U.S. With this proposed tax increase, travel costs for all Ontarians will increase as it will be significantly more expensive to operate international air service in Ontario, hampering growth of business and leisure travel as well as tourism to the province.

High aviation sector costs have been a prime concern raised by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which has named travel and tourism competitiveness as one of the top 10 barriers to Canadian competitiveness two years in a row.

"Adding more cost to Canada's aviation sector risks not only making Canadians' travel for business or vacation more expensive, it impacts international air carrier's decisions on whether or not they will even serve this country," said Mr. Gooch. "It should be the goal of every Canadian
government to support a strong, internationally competitive aviation sector."
Federal Government Announces Changes to Use of Personal Electronic Devices During Flight
On May 26th, Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt announced that air travellers will be able to use portable electronic devices such as cameras, electronic games, tablets and computers during all phases of flight.

Transmitting portable electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones or e-readers, must remain in 'flight mode' before using them on an aircraft.

"This is great news for air passengers, and an exciting day for the Canadian aviation industry. By collaborating with our aviation partners, we are able to offer airlines the tools they need to safely enable passengers to use portable electronic devices on airplanes, while still maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety," said Ms. Raitt.

Air travellers can expect to see this change in effect 'soon', according to Transport Canada.
Charlottetown Airport Considers $30 Million in Capital Projects Over the Next 10 Years; Adds More Air Canada Flights
Charlottetown Airport Authority CEO Doug Newson addresses guests during the organization's annual general meeting on May 6th, 2014. Photo credit: Charlottetown Airport Authority
At the Charlottetown Airport Authority's annual general meeting on May 6th, CEO Doug Newson announced the
airport authority is forecasting close to $30 million in capital spending over the next 10 years to maintain passenger safety and convenience.

"When many people think of an airport they think of their southern vacation, weekend getaways, or summer travel.
But it is so much more. Our airport connects businesses to
the Island and Islanders to the world. Our airport is the
front door to economic activity in Prince Edward Island," said Mr. Newson.

According to the airport authority, one of the many highlights in 2013 was a partnership with the City of Charlottetown and the provincial government to construct the new roundabout at the main entryway leading to the airport and upgrades to the main access road.

"Looking ahead, we are excited about all of the events and activities planned for Prince Edward Island's 2014 celebrations," said Charlottetown Airport Authority Chair Shaun MacIsaac. "Our airline partners have recognized the momentum in PEI for this year and the expected demand it will create and have responded with increased seat capacity to Charlottetown for the busy summer season."

Air Canada Adds More Summer Flights

Air Canada announced on May 28th that it will offer more flights to and from Charlottetown this summer. The added capacity is provided by the use of Bombardier CRA 705 aircraft on three of its four daily flights to Toronto-Pearson. As a result, the Charlottetown airport will see a 21% total overall increase in available seats compared to last summer, according to Air Canada.

"In response to increased demand created by the 150th anniversary celebrations of the 1864 Charlottetown conference, Air Canada will offer over 100 more seats each way every day to and from the Island for the months of July and August," said Air Canada's Senior Vice President of Regional Markets Kevin Howlett. "For over 30 years, Prince Edward Island and visitors have been able to count on Air Canada for year-round and competitive air service connecting the Island with Canada and the world and we are proud to contribute to the success of this important event."

"We are very pleased with Air Canada's response to the incremental demand for this summer. This additional capacity will further increase access to the Island during this important year," said Mr. Newson.
Europe Airpost to Test Glasgow to Paris Flight at Halifax Airport
Prior to the start of its Glasgow-Paris service, Europe Airpost's newest Boeing 737-700 landed at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport on May 26th for a technical stop. The aircraft was making a ferry flight, enroute from Mexico to Paris. Photo credit: HSIA
Beginning this July, French airline Europe Airpost will offer a summer service from Halifax to Glasgow, and then on to Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle. The new seasonal option, which was originally announced in December, joins other non-stop flights out of the Halifax Stanfield International Airport during the summer months to London, Iqaluit, Reykjavik and Frankfurt.

"We are very pleased to welcome Europe Airpost to our region," said HSIA Vice President of Air Service Marketing and Development Jerry Staples. "Their new service to Glasgow and Paris - two very popular European destinations - takes full advantage of pent-up demand to these markets and complements our 2014 summer schedule of flights."

For scheduling, visit HSIA's website for more information.
Waterloo Airport Expansion Put on Hold
CTV News reported on May 25th that plans to expand the Region of Waterloo International Airport have been put on hold as the committee responsible for the master plan said it will focus on improving its current business instead and making use of the existing infrastructure.

"Right now we're not running at capacity. We have capacity for 100,000 passengers and we're roughly 50 percent of that, so I've been of the mind and many on council are, that we're not going to expand the airport until we are at current capacity," said Waterloo regional councillor Sean Strickland.

The region said the loss of one of the airport's airlines a few months ago and the issue of noise complaints from people
who live nearby made them revisit the idea of expanding
the airport.

The committee will be making its revised recommendation to Regional Council in mid-June.
Passenger Traffic Experiences Moderate Growth; Air Freight Continues Revival in March
ACI-World reported global passenger traffic grew modestly by 2.4% for the month of March, which is slightly below the 12-month average of over 4%. International passenger traffic contributed to the slowing growth since the increase in passengers was more subdued at 1.8% for the month.

The only region to post strong gains was the Middle East, where growth reached 6.2% year over year. The region as a whole leads all other regions in the first quarter of 2014 in terms of growth, reaching an 8.6% increase in passenger traffic for the first three months.

Domestic passenger markets performed a bit better than the international market, achieving growth of 2.9% overall on the month. Although the world's largest domestic market, North America, grew only slightly for March (1.6%), European domestic passenger traffic showed a strong recovery with growth of 6.2%. Latin America-Caribbean also experienced robust growth of 7.1% in domestic passenger traffic brought on primarily by the Carnival season in the Brazilian market.

After three sluggish years in freight traffic growth, global air freight markets resurged in the first quarter of 2014. Growth in air freight volumes rose by 3.2% in the first quarter and by 3.9% for the month of March. 

Click here to find out more information about ACI-World's monthly data.
Greater Toronto Airports Authority Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
On May 15th the Greater Toronto Airport Authority appointed Jill Sharland as its new vice president and chief financial officer, effective May 26th.

"Jill's experience will be a tremendous advantage to Toronto Pearson. Her business acumen and analytical skills will serve this airport as we strive to meet our strategic goals and become North America's global gateway,"
said GTAA President and CEO
Howard Eng.

Ms. Sharland joins the GTAA following a successful 20-year career at Rogers Communications, most recently as vice president of finance for Rogers Wireless, Cable, and Business Solutions.
Greater Moncton International Airport Authority President and CEO Announces Retirement
The Greater Moncton International Airport Authority announced on May 9th that Rob Robichaud will retire at the end of this year from his position as president and CEO.

"Rob has been part of the airport authority and its successes since the very beginning," said GMIAA Chair Andr� Pelletier. "Rob joined the Airport Authority in 1997 as managing director and became president and CEO the following year. In his leadership role at Greater Moncton International Airport and in the community, Rob was at the forefront of many great accomplishments, such as initiating and completing key infrastructure projects and increasing air service. He was committed to the goal of establishing GMIA as a preeminent international airport for our province."

"I'm privileged to have been a part of this organization for nearly two decades," said Mr. Robichaud. "The airport is well positioned to continue its tradition of outstanding safety and customer service. That's a testament to everyone on the team who has worked to build GMIA into the airport of choice for Atlantic Canada. It's been a pleasure and honour to have had the opportunity to serve as president and CEO of this organization."

Mr. Robichaud served on a number of boards including the Canadian Airports Council, Canada East Air Cargo Gateway Group, Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick and Moncton Rotary Club. He is also a past president of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association.

In 2004, Mr. Robichaud was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal  in 2014 for his contributions to Canada.

GMIAA's board of directors, in conjunction with
Vantage Airport Group, will engage a national search firm
to fill the position.
Industry News Quick Links
Edmonton International Airport uses Twitter in mock bomb threat exercise - Canoe.ca Travel (May 28, 2014)

Fort McMurray's new airport terminal a gateway to the oil sands -
Globe and Mail (May 27, 2014)


How Air Canada's Dreamliner could change Canadian air travel -
CBC News (May 20, 2014)


Sault Ste. Marie Airport 20-year-plan near completion -
Sault Star (May 15, 2014)


Canadians still flock to U.S., fly less because of high cost of taking off from local airports - Yahoo! News (May 13, 2014)

The Mad Men appeal of Gander's airport - CBC News (May 10, 2014)

Space shuttle replica departs Calgary after 14-years at airport -
Calgary Herald (May 9, 2014)


TSA seeks business execs to help improve service at U.S. airports - Chicago Tribune (May 7, 2014)

Porter to charge baggage fee as carriers hit by rising costs -
Globe and Mail (May 2, 2014)


Mirabel airport terminal to be torn down - CBC News (May 1, 2014)

Fly away -- but do it here - Winnipeg Free Press (May 1, 2014)
To submit a story, please e-mail:
 
Elias Rassi
Manager of Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Airports Council
elias.rassi@cacairports.ca
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In This Issue
Canada's Aviation Sector Welcomes CAN+
Canada's Airports Urge Ontario to Move in the Right Direction for Aviation and Tourism Jobs and Growth
Federal Government Announces Changes to Use of Personal Electronic Devices During Flight
Charlottetown Airport Considers $30 Million in Capital Projects Over the Next 10 Years; Adds More Air Canada Flights
Europe Airpost to Test Glasgow to Paris Flight at Halifax Airport
Waterloo Airport Expansion Put on Hold
Passenger Traffic Experiences Moderate Growth; Air Freight Continues Revival in March
Greater Toronto Airports Authority Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Greater Moncton International Airport Authority President and CEO Announces Retirement
Upcoming Events
Marketing & Communications and JumpStart Air Service Development Program
June 23 - 26, 2014
Edmonton, AB


Small Airports Conference in conjunction with the JumpStart Air Service Development Program June 24 - 26, 2014 Edmonton, AB

2014 Annual
Conference & Exhibition
September 7 - 10, 2014
Atlanta, GA


Public Safety & Security Fall Conference
October 6 - 9, 2014
Arlington, VA


International Aviation Issues Seminar
December 4 - 5, 2014 Washington, DC



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