The CAC is pleased to introduce Josee Curry as its new director of Public Affairs. With a background in both parliamentary affairs and journalism, Josee worked for seven years in the Parliamentary precinct for the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, first as her press secretary at Health Canada (including during the HIN1 pandemic of 2009) and more recently as the minister's director of Parliamentary Affairs at Environment Canada. Prior to her ministerial staff positions, Josee spent eight years as a reporter and associate producer for CBC radio in Quebec City, Yellowknife, Inuvik, Corner Brook, St. John's and Ottawa. Josee has a Master's degree in Journalism from Carleton University and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and English Literature from Carleton University.

On June 13, CAC president Daniel-Robert Gooch joined the minister of Transport, Marc Garneau for the launch of a national campaign on drone safety, including the unveiling of No Drone Zone signs for airports. The signs are meant to remind users to only operate their drones in approved areas. Representatives of the Ottawa Police Service, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association as well as the CEO of the Ottawa Airport were also in attendance.

Wait times at security screening at Canada's major airports are likely to increase as we enter the peak summer travel season.  For example, Toronto Pearson is expecting as many as 150,000 passengers arriving at its airport every Friday in August. This is a jump from the 140,000 it received on peak days last summer, and will likely result in significant delays at pre-board security screening checkpoints.

Even though Canada Air Transport Security Authority's (CATSA) 2015/16 budget increased by $29 million to improve security screening services across the country, further investments are needed to ensure there is a solution for the long term.

 

Airports and airlines have recommended a standard, mandating that CATSA process 95% of passengers in 10 minutes or less at Canada's largest airports with nobody waiting longer than 20 minutes. Passengers pay a very high Air Travellers Security Charge, which is meant to be reinvested into CATSA to enable it to meet the growing numbers of travellers. However, not all of the revenues are being directed back at CATSA. As a result, passengers are paying for a quality of service they are not getting. Establishing a standard would give passengers a better idea of when they should arrive at the airport. Passengers deserve predictability and value for money.

 

Boeing Airline Planning Workshop for Airport Decision Makers

Domestic Traffic Leads Overall Growth at Toronto Pearson

The GTAA's financial and operating results for the three-month period ending March 31, 2016 showed passenger volumes grew by 5.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the first quarter of 2015.  Domestic passenger activity grew by 6.1 per cent and international by 5.4 per cent over the same period in 2015.  

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Another Record Breaking Year for Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport served 3,702,705 passengers in 2015, making it the busiest year in the airport's history. Compared to 2014, passenger numbers were up 1.1 per cent, despite nearly 1,400 flights cancelled due to severe weather in the first half of the year.

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Aéroports de Montréal Inaugurates $350 Million Worth of Expansions and Improvements 

Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) recently inaugurated $350 million worth of expansions and improvements at Montréal Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport that will significantly increase the capacity of the international sector and enhance the customer experience.

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Edmonton International Airport Responds to Fort McMurray Wild Fires

During the Fort McMurray wildfires in early May, EIA's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was one of many called into operation to support the airlift of workers, families and other residents of the Fort McMurray / Wood Buffalo Region.  This emergency operation was the largest and longest in Edmonton Airports' history. Hundreds of emergency evacuation flights landed, evacuees were cared for, including their pets, and it also supported firefighting at Fort McMurray International Airport.

Read EIA's Facts and Figures on the Alberta Wild Fires   HERE

 

Fort McMurray Airport Resumes Commercial Service

YMM welcomed passenger service back on June 10th on a reduced schedule and with somewhat limited services.  Passengers are being warned of security delays and have been asked to arrive 90 minutes prior to their flight.  During the worst of the blaze, YMM remained open, as key transportation infrastructure for emergency operations and the transportation of food and supplies for first responders and evacuees. 

 

Best Financial Performance in Gander International Airport's History

Passenger traffic at Gander grew 25% over 2014, marking the highest passenger totals at Gander since 1980 and the third most prolific year for passenger traffic in Gander's history.

The airport posted revenue of $10.7 Million and net operating income of $2.9 million, representing the best financial performance in the airport authority's history and 11th consecutive year of profit. Revenue increased 14% over 2014. However, like other small airports within NAS, Gander cannot access federal funds for a much-needed new terminal.  The CAC continues to press the Government of Canada for changes to this inequitable system.

 

ACI-NA

ACI World 

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

 

National Airlines Council of Canada

 

Hotel Association of Canada