June/July News & Updates
Canada's Airports Welcome National Trade Corridors Fund

Canada's airports look forward to working with the Government of Canada on its National Trade Corridors Fund, enabling all National Airport System (NAS) airports to apply for funding to support more efficient transportation corridors. A separate, more tailored call for proposals will be made available for small NAS airports.
 
Doug Newson 
"While most of the 26 NAS airports transferred from the federal government to local entities have been funding all of their infrastructure on their o wn, some smaller airports that have fewer passengers have struggled to raise enough revenue to improve safety infrastructure at their airports," said Doug Newson, chair of the Canadian Airports Council's Small Airports Caucus, and chief executive officer of the Charlottetown Airport Authority. "We are glad they will be able to apply for funding for important safety-related improvements."
   
The government's announc ement will enable airports with less than 600,000 passengers annually to apply for federal funding for safety-related projects. Six of them were ineligible for funding from most majo r federal infrastructure programs in the past because they are located on federal land.
Credit: Charlottetown Airport 
 
"As gateways to the communities they serve, Atlantic Canada's airports have an integral role in furthering the economic prosperity of this country," said Monette Pasher, executive director of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association, which represents four of the airports that have been ineligible for federal funding. "They provide local businesses efficient access to regional, national, and international destinations. As a result, our airports have grown, and we are pleased our members will b e able to access much needed federal funding."
 
Vancouver International Airport and Musqueam Indian Band Sign Partnership Agreement

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the Musqueam Indian Band signed a 30-year agreement in June to achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for the community.
Craig Richmond and Chief Wayne Sparrow


"Friendship between the Musqueam Indian Band and YVR is incredibly important for our people," stated Chief Wayne Sparrow. "YVR is located on our traditional lands and we all benefit from a positive relationship. This agreement provides Musqueam with important education and employment opportunities at YVR, a voice in future development, environmental enhancements, restoration, and financial support that will allow our people to continue to grow our economic foundation and reinvest in our community."

"This is an incredible day as we mark the evolution of our relationship with the Musqueam people," said Craig Richmond, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Airport Authority. "We are proud to look ahead to a future where we continue to learn and grow together for the economic and social benefit of the region. Being able to celebrate this new and exciting way forward with our friends is not only good for our business, it is the right way for YVR to move forward in the community we serve."

Some of the details of the agreement include scholarships, education, and employment. It also includes identification and protection of archeological resources, support for ongoing operations and long-term development at the airport.

The Vancouver International Airport and the Musqueam Indian Band are located in the same community on land that is Musqueam traditional territory. Musqueam have historically played an integral role in many areas of YVR's business and operations, from noise and environmental management to development planning and cultural engagement.
 
CBC News Story  
 
General Aviation Industry Contributes $9.3 Billion to Canada's Economy 
 
General aviation operations in Canada contributes $9.3 billion in economic output nationally and accounts for almost 36,000 full time jobs in communities across the country, according to a new study released in June.

The study, compiled by Vancouver-based InterVISTAS, and released by the  Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), highlights the benefits that general aviation operations bring to communities in terms of tax revenues, direct, and indirect employment. 
A recent economic impact study revealed the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport contributes $1.54 billion in GDP and more than $3.37 billion in economic output.


"This study shows the real importance of maintaining general aviation infrastructure in communities across Canada, including local airports," said COPA President and CEO Bernard Gervais. "General aviation is a critical element of the transportation network and one that helps connect communities and create jobs and opportunities for Canadians." 

The most common general aviation activities include private aviation, business aviation, agricultural aviation and flight training. According to recent estimates by the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), there are more than 350,000 aircraft and 700,000 pilots worldwide who participate in the global general aviation community on an annual basis. In comparison, commercial aviation accounts for only 60,000 aircraft and 400,000 pilots. This demonstrates the vast size and significance of the general aviation sector worldwide. 

Handling more than 133 million passengers a year, Canada's airports are economic engines in their communities. It's hard to picture Canada's prosperity without them. Learn more at hub.cacairports.ca
Kelowna International Airport Takes Steps to Respond to Passenger Growth
   
   


With more than 1.7 million passengers served in 2016, an economic impact of more than 4,500 jobs and $789 million in total economic output in British Columbia, the Kelowna International Airport is generating business, tourism and air access benefits for the region. 

The airport is working on more than a dozen projects to accommodate passenger growth, such as terminal and apron expansion, new east taxiway, self-serve baggage drop and new loading bridges.

"Passenger volumes are expected to continue growing over the next 20 years, reaching 3.5 million passengers. Annual aircraft movements are forecast to increase to 100,000 per year by 2045," said Sam Samaddar, airport director at the Kelowna International Airport. "This growth means YLW will need to continue expanding and building infrastructure for the foreseeable future."

A number of capital projects will continue this year, including the new outbound baggage hall, airfield lighting LED conversion, new navigational aids and the Runway End Safety Area.
 
"Projects like these allow for increased efficiency, safer operations and faster service here at the Kelowna International Airport," explained Ed Stephens, senior manager of airport development.
 
The airport is owned and operated by the City of Kelowna and is a significant community asset for the Okanagan Valley.
 
Saint John Airport Hires New Director of Finance and Administration

The Saint John Airport has announced the appointment of Greg Hierlihy as its new director of finance and administration. Mr. Hierlihy has nearly 30 years of local financial experience, previously working for J.D. Irving, Limited, Deloitte and Ernst & Young.

Mr. Hierlihy will be a key member of the leadership team and will have overall responsibility and leadership over all financial aspects of the airport.

"We are thrilled that Mr. Hierlihy will be joining the leadership team and that he will be bringing his wealth of experience to the Saint John Airport," said Derrick Stanford, the airport's president and chief executive officer. "There is a real opportunity for him to make his mark and build new processes and policies in our finance and administration department."

The director of finance role is the second of two strategic appointments filled this year, with Jacques Fournier announced as the new director of airport commercial development in May.

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In Other News....

New Appointments to the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

Lorrie McKee, director, public affairs and stakeholder relations at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, has been appointed as chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). The association's new vice chair is Minto Schneider, president and chief executive officer of the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada Announces Strategic Partnership Agreement with Tourism Industry Association of Canada
 
A strategic partnership agreement was signed in June to strengthen the relationship between the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC). The agreement provides a unique opportunity for strategic alignment and collaboration between the two organizations to bolster the representation of indigenous tourism products in Canada and help promote continued tourism growth. The aboriginal tourism industry in Canada employs more than 33,000 people and produces $1.4 billion of Canada's annual GDP. 

Farmer's Truck Will Visit Moncton Airport Regularly This Summer
 
The Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport has formed a new partnership with the Farmer's Truck this summer in an effort to encourage travellers to support local farmers and the local economy. It will be parked in front of the terminal building near the departures entrance every two weeks, starting on Jun 15th until the end of September. The Farmer's Truck is a mobile farmers' market carrying 100 per cent local products such as vegetables, fruits, breads, eggs, and cheese.  
 
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