January 2014 Newsletter

ACI-NA Selects Kevin M. Burke as
New President and CEO

On December 16th, 2013, Airports Council International-North America announced the selection of Kevin M. Burke as its new President and CEO.

"When ACI-NA undertook the search for a new CEO, our priority was finding a dynamic, visionary individual who could lead us confidently toward our goals," said ACI-NA Chair Mark M. Reis. "In Kevin, the Search Committee unanimously found a person who can not only build on ACI-NA's long history of success, but could also help chart a path for an even brighter future."

Mr. Burke joins ACI-NA after nearly 13 years as the CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Previously, Mr. Burke spent time leading government relations and public affairs efforts for the Food Distributors International, the American Bakers Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters.

"I am honored to have been chosen to lead ACI-NA," said Mr. Burke. "Airports are one of our most under-appreciated infrastructure resources, and I've long respected ACI-NA's work as a vocal champion for its members. It's my hope that, together with our many industry partners, we can bring new focus to the critical role airports play in growing our economy, and ensure they have the resources they need for continued success."

Mr. Burke's first day in the office was January 22nd, and he took the time to introduce himself to ACI-NA's members, associates, and partners with his first Centerlines blog entitled At the Gate and Ready to Go.

Aviation Industry Leaders to Review Airport Security Screening Speed

On January 31st, members of the Canadian Airports Council and airlines established a high level steering committee entitled the Airport Pre-Board Screening Efficiency Team.

This team will conduct an industry-led study focussed on identifying possible ways to speed up screening at security screening checkpoints by reviewing processes and technology.

"The safety and security of air travellers is the top priority for Canada's airports. We are committed to working with our partners in the airline industry and the federal government to conduct a thorough review of current security screening regulations and finding innovative ways to improve the overall experience for air travellers," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch.

The nine member team includes representatives from airport authorities and airlines:

-Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority;
-Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton Airports;
-Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa Airport Authority;
-Howard Eng, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority;
-Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport;
-Daniel-Robert Gooch, President, Canadian Airports Council;
-Ed Baklor, Vice President, Guest Services, WestJet;
-Nick Careen, Vice President Airports, Call Centres and Customer Relations, Air Canada; and
-Veronica Gerson, Policy and Stakeholder Advisor, will participate as an observer on behalf of the Minister of Transport's office.

"Canadian airports strive to make air travel pleasant, efficient and safe, and an essential element of that experience is the safe and timely screening of passengers. To ensure that Canadian airports remain competitive and grow as global gateways, continued CATSA funding is essential, as is strong partnership with our airlines and federal government agencies," said Vancouver Airport Authority President and CEO Craig Richmond.

The next step for the task force is to develop a working group and research study. The results of this study are expected in a few months. Recommendations will be made to the Government of Canada once a review is completed.

Winnipeg Airport Named Among World's 'Most Stylish'; Welcomes Boutique Hotel

The Winnipeg airport's design captures the feel of the prairie landscape and features more than 50 skylights.
Photo credit: Douglas Little.

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International was named one of the 10 most-stylish airports in the world according to Fodor's Travel.

The airport is being recognized among some of the world's most famous, including San Francisco International, New Zealand International Airport, and Changi Airport in Singapore.

What made the Winnipeg airport stand out is how designers brought the look and feel of the prairie landscape by using plenty of glass and light. The architects installed more than 50 skylights looking down on the arrivals area.

"Getting recognition from [Fodor's Travel] really does draw global attention to a place in the middle of North America for something that is really positive," said Winnipeg Airports Authority President and CEO Barry Rempel in an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press.

The Winnipeg Airport was designed in collaboration between Pelli Clark Pelli Architects and Stantec.

Boutique Hotel Officially Opens

Across from the Winnipeg Airport's stylish new airport terminal is a stylish new luxury boutique hotel. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel held its opening on January 9th.

The six-story, $23 million dollar hotel features 101 rooms, complimentary use of iPads with customized apps including room service and Netflix, and is the first hotel in Winnipeg to offer complimentary PVR service. Hotel guests get a great view of takeoffs and landings on the south runways of Richardson International Airport through amazingly soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows in half of the rooms.

"I think we have a great hotel that will provide exactly the kind of service people have been asking us for," Mr. Rempel said. "This is the kind of hotel that matches the personality and character of not just the terminal but our aspirations as a community. It's exactly what we were looking for."

Sault Airport Receives Funding for Terminal, Security Upgrades

On January 9th, the Ontario provincial government announced that the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) will receive $450,000 in funding under its Infrastructure and Community Development Program for the third phase of its terminal expansion. The terminal expansion is anticipated to be completed by March 2014.

"This matching funding will facilitate the expansion of the arrival area for improved service and clearance of travellers entering into Canada from international flights. It will also result in the addition of a new baggage-handling conveyor facility which will improve customer service and processing of passenger baggage generated from all of our scheduled flights and charter carriers," said SSMADC CEO Terry Bos.

The expansion will see close to 20 full-time positions retained at the airport and the facilities better able to accommodate additional domestic and international traffic, which has grown from 120,000 passengers annually in 2010 to more than 185,000 in 2012.

New Destinations at Fort McMurray Airport

Fort McMurray Airport Authority CEO Scott Clements is proud to welcome new service to the region starting this spring.
Photo credit: Fort McMurray Airport Authority.

WestJet announced on January 20th non-stop service from Fort McMurray to two new destinations, Las Vegas and Kelowna, as well as service to Vancouver. Non-stop flights to Las Vegas will take place twice per week beginning in June.

"This is a significant endorsement by WestJet of Canada's fastest growing airport. Announcing three new destinations at the same time is rare at Canadian airports and speaks volumes as to the commitment that WestJet is making to the community and region," said Fort McMurray Airport Authority CEO Scott Clements. "This is a milestone announcement for WestJet and YMM. Each of these destinations provides travellers with additional convenience and more options when travelling within Canada or the US."

Also beginning this spring, WestJet will be adding new daily non-stop service from Fort McMurray to Kelowna and Vancouver on WestJet Encore.

"We know that here in the valley you have a number of workers who are working up in the oil patch," said WestJet Encore President Ferio Pugliese in an interview with Kelowna Capital News. "We're delighted we can make that sort of connectivity."

The new Fort McMurray-Kelowna connection is also expected to boost local tourism.

"It connects us to a new market that has immense growth potential," said President and CEO of Tourism Kelowna Nancy Cameron. "The tourism industry supports over 7,000 direct jobs; it's a critical industry for this area. This connectivity will just bolster that and provide us with ongoing opportunity for growth."

WestJet Connects Prince George to Calgary

As part of its recent schedule expansion, WestJet announced that it will offer direct flight service between Prince George and Calgary.

"Business travellers can now fly to Calgary and return home the same day, so it is geared toward the Prince George market. Business and leisure passengers now have more connection options for eastern Canada, the prairies, the USA and sunspot destinations," said President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority John Gibson in an interview with the Prince George Citizen.

Mr. Gibson also noted that the additional service would have price advantages that typically happen when service expansions like this are implemented .

"We're pleased to be announcing the only daily non-stop jet service between Prince George and Calgary," said WestJet Director of Network and Schedule Planning John Weatherill. "The schedule will allow Prince George residents to arrive into Calgary at 8:27am and conduct a full day of business before returning in the evening. The flights are also timed to provide convenient connections to and from destinations throughout WestJet's large network. We're confident the service will be well received."

The one and a half hour flight offers a variety of connection options out of the Calgary International Airport including cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Palm Springs, New York, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Airports Council International Launches PassengersPlus

Airports Council International launched a new global initiative called PassengersPlus, which is designed to showcase the efforts airports are making to improve the passenger experience.

"We want people to know that airport operators are committed to making things better for passengers," said ACI World Director General Angela Gittens in an interview with Airport World.

Initiatives are divided into nine categories:
-entertainment and recreation
-community and social services
-tourism and culture
-children and youth services
-convenience through technology
-religious and spiritual worship
-airport design
-education and learning
-sports

The initiative also provides passengers with the opportunity to submit testimonials and stories on their experiences at ACI member airports from all over the world.

"These stories reiterate the message that since the beginning of aviation, airports have been a part of the communities they serve, and have an unwavering desire to improve the treatment of airline passengers as valued residents and visitors," said Ms. Gittens.

All ACI members are encouraged to visit ACI's PassengersPlus website and submit their story.

International Air Traffic Drives Overall Growth for November

The world's airports reported an overall passenger growth of 3.1% in November driven mainly by international traffic, which saw an increase of 4%, while domestic traffic grew modestly by 2.2%.

North America and Africa were in decline for the month of November contracting by 0.9% and 8.4%, respectively.

Latin America-Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East all experienced robust year-over-year growth of 8.9%, 6.1% and 6.1%, respectively. Europe experienced growth of 3.3%.

Growth in air freight stayed in positive territory for the second month in a row posting gains of 3.4% in November. This comes after a sluggish year for most of 2013 with growth almost flat over the last twelve months.

The growth in freight traffic is primarily fuelled by the international market, which was up by 5.4% in November, while domestic markets remain weak (-1%).

ACI-World's monthly reports can be viewed here.

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