Airports, Business Leaders Discuss the Role of Canada's Airports to Drive Tourism and Trade
Prominent industry and business leaders gathered together on December 8, 2016 to discuss the contribution of Canada's airports to the economic success of Canada's cities, and the challenges that need to be addressed to keep the country globally competitive in the market for international air travellers.
"Our airports are strategic economic infrastructure assets that contribute significantly to Canadians' quality of life and the ability of business communities to trade with the rest of Canada and the world," said Sam Samaddar, vice chair of the CAC, and director of the Kelowna International Airport. "Canada's airports don't just provide direct jobs to the community, they also help local businesses grow by facilitating tourism and international trade."
The Economic Club of Canada breakfast panel to more than 80 senior level industry, business and government officials, included leaders from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Kelowna International Airport and the chambers of commerce in Montréal and Calgary.
Canada's airports support the Government of Canada's recent launch of Transportation 2030, and look forward to working with the government to finalize the commitments made in the plan. As strong passenger growth has seen challenges with growing wait times for screening at several major airports, Transport Minister Marc Garneau has spoken to the need to set globally competitive standards for screening and address funding and accountability for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority - the crown corporation charged with screening in Canada.
"As gateways to the communities they serve, Canada's airports play an important role in furthering the economic prosperity of this country," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "Government services play such an important role in keeping airports moving. Competing successfully in the international market for air services requires government and industry to work closely together."
Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty & Daniel-Robert Gooch, CAC president
Panellists discussed the need for a strong but nimble border to ensure the continued smooth flow of legitimate travellers and goods. Working with airports and the broader air transport sector, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has promoted innovation over the past decade with the introduction of trusted traveller programs and kiosks for a more strategic, targeted approach to securing the border, however, resources need to be strengthened to support growing demand on services.
Participants also cited reforms on industry costs and access to federal infrastructure funding to enable smaller airports access to enough capital for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
The air transport industry contributes over $35 billion to Canada in GDP.
Our airports support over 140,000 direct Canadian jobs.
Manager of Aviation Safety and Technical Affairs
The CAC is seeking a manager of aviation safety and technical affairs. The successful candidate will primarily provide communications and project management support to CAC senior staff in technical committee work, and also support the government relations team in the coordination of meetings.
Reporting to the president and supporting senior staff/technical committees, the successful candidate will be responsible for the development of materials for member and public consumption. This includes management of the association's internal web site for committee documents and coordination of technical projects such as the association's new airport safety audit program and "Safety Week" awareness program. Those with an interest in this position should send a cover letter and resume to: Holly.Christian@cacairports.ca
Oshawa Executive Airport Presents Before Parliamentary Committee on UAVs
Regulating the proliferation of UAV's operating in airspace around airports was examined by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport over the past few weeks. In addition to UAV users, manufacturers, pilots and government officials, Airport Manager Stephen Wilcox from the Oshawa Executive Airport appeared on behalf of the CAC on November 29th via teleconference.
Stephen Wilcox
YYC Gets New President and CEO
The Calgary Airport Authority will be welcoming Robert (Bob) Sartor as its new president & chief executive officer January 1, 2017. Widely regarded as a strategic visionary, Mr. Sartor most recently served as president and chief executive officer at Big Rock Brewery where he has led the company since early 2012.
Robert Sartor
Prior to Big Rock, Mr. Sartor was the chief executive officer of the Forzani Group from 2003 to 2011 and also served as its president from 2000 to 2003 and its chief financial officer from 1997 to 2000. He has also held senior roles with Avenor Inc., the Oshawa Group and Kraft General Foods Canada.
"It is a great privilege to join the team at YYC," said Mr. Sartor. "Calgary has a world-class airport. It not only connects people to the world but is a robust economic generator. There remain many opportunities ahead and I am anxious to get to work."
"Our retiring President and Chief Executive Officer Garth Atkinson leaves an incredible legacy including the recently opened international terminal. His commitment to the Calgary Airport Authority has resulted in a new and exciting global travel experience at YYC," said Mel Belich, board chair of the Calgary Airport Authority.
Aéroports de Montréal Gets New President and CEO
Philippe Rainville has been hired as the new president and chief executive officer of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Rainville will succeed James C. Cherry, who will retire on December 31, 2016 after 15 year's at the helm of the corporation.
Philippe Rainville
"Philippe's thirty years of experience, especially the last eight years with ADM, is extremely relevant and has prepared him well to become chief executive officer," said Normand Legault, chair of the board of ADM. "I'm confident that Philippe is the right person to lead ADM through the next phase of its development."
Mr. Rainville holds a bachelor of commerce degree from McGill University and is a chartered professional accountant. He started his career as
an auditor and financial analyst with an accounting firm and held similar positions at Provigo (Delixo) and Pepsi-Cola. He joined Molson Canada in 1991, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility. Upon his departure in 2004, he was vice president, finance and financial planning of the Quebec and Atlantic regions.
Beginning in 2004, he worked for various companies including Domcor Tarkett. First hired by ADM in 2008 as vice president, finance and administration and chief financial officer, he is currently its vice president, planning, engineering and construction since 2014. In that capacity, he is responsible for the management and execution of ADM's capital projects.
New Presidents hired for NACC and HAC
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), the trade association representing Canada's largest air carriers, appointed Massimo Bergamini as its new president and chief executive officer. Before joining the NACC, Mr. Bergamini was executive director of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and helped expand the organization's influence and enhance its profile in Canada and abroad.
Massimo Bergamini
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) also has a new president. Susie Grynol recently joined the HAC from the Retail Council of Canada where she served as vice-president, federal government relations since 2013.
Susie Grynol
She has over 10 years of experience managing political affairs and public relations and has a proven track record in overseeing complex industry issues and delivering successful outcomes. Ms. Grynol assumes the position from Anthony Pollard who served as president for the past 25 years, who retired in September.
YVR Celebrates Record Passenger Growth with Air Canada
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrates a record-breaking year in passenger growth, welcoming over 18.8 million passengers between January and October, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 9.5 per cent, putting YVR on track to reach 22 million passengers in 2016. This increase is largely recognized by Air Canada's expansion of its transpacific hub out of YVR, representing about 50 per cent of passengers at YVR and serving over 55 destinations worldwide.
Saint John Airport Activity adds Millions in Jobs and Investment to Local Economy
Findings from a 2015 economic impact report shows that the Saint John Airport's activity last year contributed $63.6 million to the city's gross output, $33.9 million to GDP and $24.5 million in wages and salaries. The report also found that since Transport Canada's transfer of airport land to the Saint John Airport Authority in 1999, the airport authority and tenants have spent more than $23 million on capital projects.
DHL Express Canada Opens Expanded Facilities at YYC Calgary International Airport
YYC Calgary International Airport's new 100,000 square-foot specialized cargo facility officially opened on November 30, 2016 with a ribbon-cutting event at DHL Express Canada's expanded warehouse and logistics operation. DHL's 38,000 square-foot space triples the size of DHL's operations at YYC. It provides direct access to the airport's new dedicated cargo apron and will allow the cargo and logistics company to position itself for future growth in Calgary.
