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September 2013 Newsletter
Conference Board of Canada: New Air Policy Needed for Canada
CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch discussed some of the highlights of the Conference Board of Canada's report during ACI-NA's Annual Conference in San Jose, CA.
The Conference Board of Canada published a report on September 30th entitled Growing Canada's Economy: A New National Air Transportation Policy, which examines several recommendations towards improving Canada's air transportation industry based on three broad areas: providing economic and social benefit to Canadians, border and security facilitation, and enhancing the industry's competitiveness.

"Aviation is at the heart of Canada's economy in ways not everybody realizes right away," said Daniel-Robert Gooch, the president of the Canadian Airports Council. "The Conference Board of Canada's report shows how a healthy and competitive environment with strong and vibrant air carriers and airports is good not only for the industry, but also for the Canadian economy and job growth. Canada's airports agree; new reforms to visa and air transportation policy have tremendous potential to grow the economy by growing air traffic to, from, through and within Canada."

Recommendations include:

-New approaches to visa processing, security and border screening, and tourism promotion are required in order to keep the Canadian air transportation industry competitive in the global marketplace.

-A robust funding mechanism for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is needed in order to meet the needs of air travellers.

-A renewed focus on increasing Canada's share in the rise of international air traffic by investing in key tourism and trade links in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

-Improving the air transport industry's cost structure to boost Canada's competitiveness by reducing or eliminating airport rent over time and resolving federal lease issues.

-Smaller airports, particularly those with fewer than 600,000 passengers a year, have financial sustainability challenges. A more inclusive, appropriately funded and permanent airport infrastructure renewal program should be implemented for safety and security projects at small and medium airports.

The report was jointly written by The Conference Board of Canada and SLI Airports and Aviation Group. Financial support was provided by the Canadian Airports Council and the National Airlines Council of Canada.

To download a copy of the Conference Board's report, please visit their website and click Download PDF in the top right corner.
Recap: ACI-NA Annual Conference in San Jose, CA!
Airports Council International-North America held its 2013 Annual Conference and Exhibition at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, in San Jose, California from September 23rd - 25th.

More than 1,700 attendees and 200 exhibitors gathered to network, showcase and discover the latest trends and innovations transforming the airport industry.

Jim Collins, bestselling author of the classic business titles Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't, opened the conference with the keynote address.

"Jim Collins' address was the perfect opener to this year's A nnual Conference and Exhibition, as his expertise of how and why certain companies adjust and thrive in the midst of uncertainty provides timely guidance to North American airports," said Deborah C. McElroy, interim president of ACI-NA. "Holding the conference in San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley, provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the future innovations and improvements necessary for airports to continue to succeed in the global marketplace."

ACI-NA staff covered the pre-conference seminars and educational sessions during the conference. For complete coverage, visit the Centerlines on the Scene's Newsletter Index.
North American Airport Passenger Traffic Up 1.3 Percent in 2012
More than 1.56 billion passengers arrived and departed from North American airports in 2012, a 1.3% increase from the previous year, according to recent data released by ACI-World. Cargo increased by 0.8% while total operations decreased by 1.4%.

"The fact that North America's airports continue to rank among the world's busiest underscores their tremendous importance to the global economy and the economies of the local communities that they serve," said Deborah C. McElroy, interim president of ACI-NA. "Making the necessary infrastructure investments today will ensure that companies in North America, as well as ACI-NA's member airports, retain their competitive edge in the future."

Canada's busiest airport was Toronto Pearson International Airport, which ranked 14th in North America for passengers with 34.9 million, an increase of 4.4% from 2011. YYZ ranked 15th in total cargo with 417,022 metric tons, almost flat from last year, and 11th in total movements with 433,975, an increase of 1.2%.

The ACI 2012 Traffic Report contains passenger, freight/mail and aircraft operations data for 216 North American airport members.

The final 2012 North American traffic summary data is available on ACI-NA's website.
A�roports de Montr�al Installs Automated Passport Control Kiosks; Announces Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Aerospace
From left to right: Dylan DeFrancisci, Preclearance Director U.S. CBP Washington, James Cherry , President and CEO, A�roports de Montr�al, and Greg Starr, Montr�al-Airport Port Director, at the ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling the new Automated Passport Control kiosks.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and A�roports de Montr�al introduced Automated Passport Control kiosks at Montr�al-Trudeau airport on September 17th, becoming the third airport in the world to have the system in place.

"Automated Passport Control is a key component of CBP's modernization strategy at ports of entry," said Director of CBP Preclearance Operations Dylan DeFrancisci. "By allowing travelers the option to enter their own passport and identification information at the self-service kiosk, we are able to increase efficiency while enhancing security."

"This new initiative by ADM is designed to improve the customer experience and improve passenger flow for travelers heading to the United States. Once the system has been fine-tuned, transit time should be under 20 minutes, even during peak periods," said ADM President and CEO James Cherry.

The new system features 12 kiosks that allow Canadian or American passengers travelling to the United States to enter their own passport and identification information prior to inspection by the CBP officer.

Investment in Local Aerospace Industry

ADM announced on September 27th that it will invest $9.5 million in a custom-built facility for the Aerolia Group. The firm, a member of the EADS Group, will use the facility to produce the equipped centre fuselage for Bombardier's Global 7000 and 8000 business jets.

"A�roports de Montr�al offered to provide Aerolia with a turnkey facility to help the company establish its operations in Qu�bec. In addition to the site's inherent advantages, the offer was instrumental in Aerolia's decision to open its first North American factory in Montr�al-Mirabel's industrial park," said ADM's Vice President of Planning, Engineering and Construction Henri-Paul Martel.

Aerolia's move to Montr�al-Mirabel is expected to generate approximately 150 jobs at the airport. Montr�al-Mirabel is already home to a number of major aerospace industry companies such as Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, L-3 MAS, Mecachrome, Safran, and Avianor et Nolinor.

The building will house the head office of Aerolia's Canadian subsidiary, as well as manufacturing workshops, a warehouse and logistics area.

The facility is expected to be completed by early February 2014.
Edmonton International Airport Boosts Cargo Capabilities
Ruth Snowden, CIFFA Executive Director, and Norm Richard, Director of Air Service Development at EIA, welcomed guests to the Roads, Rails, and Runways National Cargo Conference in Edmonton, Alberta.
During the Roads, Rails, and Runways National Cargo Conference, the Edmonton International Airport announced two new projects to boost its cargo-handling capabilities.

The first announcement marked the official plans for a custom-built freight forwarding building constructed by Runway Developments Inc. The 30,000 square foot building will provide both office and warehouse space.

EIA also announced it is partnering with Panattoni Development, a commercial real estate company, to develop approximately 32 hectares of land for light industrial development at the Cargo Village, including warehousing and logistics facilities for freight forwarders.

"EIA is serious about cargo. Cargo has distinct needs, which is why EIA and our partners are building the facilities needed for the expansion of air and ground cargo companies in the Capital Region," said EIA Vice President of Market Development Traci Bednard.

The conference, which took place on September 25th and 26th, featured local, national and international guest speakers from across the industry, as well as discussion forums and networking opportunities. The event was held in cooperation with the Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) and hosted over 250 cargo, shipping and logistics leaders from across Canada and beyond.
Passenger Traffic Posts 2% Gains in July 
Growth rates have fallen across the world to more modest levels for the month of July as compared to previous months, according to the most recent ACI-World monthly report. While the Asia-Pacific region leads global growth in passenger traffic at +5.9% year-over-year, overall global growth is at +2.2%.

The world's top 20 busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic achieved growth of 1.6% for the month of July, while the world's two busiest airports experienced declines in passenger traffic. Both Atlanta (ATL) and Beijing (PEK) observed a decline in passenger traffic by -3.2% and -2.7% respectively.

Air freight continues along its sluggish growth path with only a slight increase of +0.6% year-over-year for the month of July. As high as 70% of the world's top 20 air freight airports experienced a year-over-year decrease in freight traffic during the same month. However, the first ranked Hong Kong (HKG) and second ranked Memphis (MEM) still achieved growth of +1.9% and +6% respectively.

Results were mixed across regions, with some regions such as Latin America-Caribbean (-3.9%) and Africa (-0.7%) recording overall declines, while the Middle East (+2.3%), Europe (1.5%), North America (+0.7%) and Asia-Pacific (+0.4%) posted modest gains.

ACI-World's monthly reports can be viewed here.
Larry Berg Joins Aviglon's Board
of Directors
Avigilon, a high-definition and megapixel video surveillance solutions company, announced the appointment of Larry Berg to its board of directors on September 10th. Mr. Berg most recently served as the president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

"Larry brings extensive experience in executive management positions, proven business leadership skills, and a unique understanding of the airport industry," said Alexander Fernandes, president and CEO of Avigilon. "We look forward to his contributions as we continue to grow our business."

"Avigilon is a remarkable technology company with a proven track record of success," said Mr. Berg. "I look forward to applying my experience and contributing to the company's rapid growth."

Mr. Berg spent 15 years as president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority where he spearheaded a $1.4-billion expansion project, facilitated the opening of the Canada Line mass transit system extension to YVR airport, and was a strong advocate in bringing the 2010 Winter Olympics to Vancouver. In August 2013, Mr. Berg was appointed to The Order of British Columbia in recognition of his outstanding leadership and vision that helped YVR airport earn its reputation as one of the world's top airports.
Industry News Quick Links
CAC Op-Ed: Time to grow international air traffic to and through Canada - The Hill Times (September 30, 2013) *For subscribers only

Friendlier visa processes needed for tourism industry: Report - Toronto Star (September 30, 2013)

Canada's airports still falling short of their potential - Vancouver Sun (September 30, 2013)

Calgary air link good news for economy - Canada.com
(September 27, 2013)


Aviation officials may relax rules against boarding planes with liquids - Globe and Mail (September 25, 2013)

Boeing 787-9 gets to 20,400 feet during maiden flight - Air Transport World (September 18, 2013)

Waterloo Airport takes on Nunavut flights - Cambridge Times (September 18, 2013)

Reciprocity proposal threatens Canada's visa-free access to Europe - Canada.com (September 17, 2013)

Bombardier's C series reaches a milestone at 12,500 feet - Globe and Mail (September 16, 2013)

Air travel options slowly gaining altitude - Kamloops Daily News (September 6, 2013)

Airport a key reason why Prince George is North's hub - Vancouver Sun (September 6, 2013)

Air Canada service between Red Deer and Calgary takes off - CBC News (September 3, 2013)
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
Conference Board of Canada: New Air Policy Needed for Canada
Recap: ACI-NA Annual Conference in San Jose, CA!
North American Airport Passenger Traffic Up 1.3 Percent
Aéroports de Montréal Installs Automated Passport Control Kiosks; Announces Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Aerospace
Edmonton International Airport Boosts Cargo Capabilities
Passenger Traffic Posts 2% Gains in July
Larry Berg Joins Aviglon's Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
2013 Airport Concessions Conference
November 11 - 13, 2013
Sacramento, CA



2013 International Aviation Issues Seminar
December 5 - 6, 2013
Washington DC




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