FEBRUARY 2012
skytalkonline.com
Major projects set to take off at YVR
community:
Graham Clarke Atrium
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New VancouverWhitehorse page service
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Updates to the original 1968 areas of the Domestic Terminal, secure corridors, moving walkways and new high-speed baggage systems are just a few ways that Vancouver International Airport plans to keep a competitive edge as it looks ahead to the next 10 years. The Airport Authority will invest $1.8-billion in the next decade to ensure the airport stays ahead of the competition and improves the customer experience. “We’ve come a long way in the last 20 years, building an airport British Columbia can be proud of,” said Larry Berg, Vancouver Airport Authority’s president and CEO. “As we look ahead to the future, we want to continue to build on that sense of pride, capture the fast-growing Asian market, and attract new routes and carriers.” Top goals for the Airport Authority in the next decade are to decrease connection times between international and domestic flights, making it easier for both travellers and their baggage to move through the airport. New high-speed baggage systems will cut connection times by getting bags from one aircraft to the next more quickly than they do today. The Airport Authority is also working with Canada Border Services Agency toward
Architect’s vision of a revitalized Domestic Terminal Pier A/B. a dedicated border inspection facility and more secure corridors and moving walkways to help cut traveller wait times in between flights. The Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) will help fund these and other projects, which also include runway safety improvements and road and other infrastructure upgrades. The AIF will increase from $15 to $20 beginning May 1, 2012 for travellers heading to destinations outside of B.C.
Travellers heading to destinations within the province and to the Yukon will continue to pay $5. YVR employs 23,600 people, is home to 400 businesses and generates $1.9-billion in gross domestic product (GDP) for the Canadian economy. “We are striving to attract new routes and carriers so YVR remains competitive and an economic generator for British Columbia,” said Berg. “The Airport Authority receives no
government funding for operating or capital costs. Every penny of the AIF goes towards building a better airport for B.C.” Since it was introduced in 1993, the AIF has helped build a new International Terminal, a new runway, roads and bridges, airfield safety improvements and the Sea Island portion of the Canada Line. To learn more about the projects that are shaping the future of YVR, check out yvr.ca.
Canada’s first Ground Run-up Enclosure opens
‘Hero of the Hudson’
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aircraft: A ribbon is cut at the official opening of Canada’s first Ground Run-up Enclosure at YVR.
Spitfire at Airport South
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New Porsche 911 Carrera
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Vancouver Airport Authority opened Canada’s first Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) last month. The massive three-sided, open-roofed facility will reduce noise from engine run-ups conducted as part of regular aircraft maintenance. Located adjacent to YVR’s South Terminal, the GRE stands as tall as a five-
storey building and will cut engine run-up noise heard in nearby residential neighbourhoods by up to half. The 67- by 80-metre steel enclosure will provide time and fuel efficiencies to air carriers operating out of Airport South by reducing taxiing distances and time. It will also offer environmental benefits with a glycol recovery
system for de-icing of propeller aircraft during winter operations. “We’re very aware that our 24-hour operations are key to YVR remaining a major employer and economic generator for the region; and we also recognize that we need to be a good neighbour,” said Anne Murray, vice president, community and environmental
January 23 marked the start of the Lunar New Year and festivities throughout YVR welcomed the Year of the Dragon. Perhaps one of the most recognized images in Chinese culture, the Dragon is widely considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing power, strength and good luck. Following a traditional welcome ceremony with airport representatives, YVR’s Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off with a Lion Dance in front of the Haida Gwaii, Spirit of the Jade Canoe. The Lion Dance – believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits – is danced to the
beat of drums, gongs and cymbals. Five lions danced from the International to the Domestic terminal, visiting some of YVR’s shops and restaurants. Aldeasa, YVR’s duty-free operator, joined YVR in celebrating the Year of the Dragon by offering passengers red envelopes filled with chocolate coins. Red envelopes containing lucky money is often given at family gatherings throughout the Lunar New Year. As well, the duty-free stores showcased Lunar New Year decorations and offered special New Year products including a Swarovski limited-edition crystal dragon statue.
The Lunar New Year festivities continued after security in the International Terminal with a bamboo archway adorned in red and gold decorations, in addition to hanging banners and red envelopes decorating trees in the food court area. Red is the dominant colour during the Lunar New Year as it symbolizes good fortune, joy and happiness as
affairs, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This noise-reduction project is part of that commitment. It’s a project that demonstrates our commitment to serving our community, our business partners and the environment.” GROUND RUN-UP See page 4
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
well as fire which is thought to drive away bad luck. Gung Hay Fat Choy!
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See Page 7 * YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.