February 1, 2012

$1.8 billion in improvements planned for Vancouver airport

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

Vancouver Airport Authority has a 10 year strategy which involves almost $2 billion in construction designed to improve the facilities competitiveness and maintain its role as an economic driver in the provincial economy.

“YVR is facing increasing competition from other airports. Both travellers and airlines have choices,” said Larry Berg, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

“In order to remain competitive and an airport that British Columbia can be proud of, we must continue to invest in projects that make it easier and faster for passengers and their baggage to move through the airport.”

Vancouver Airport Authority is investing $1.8 billion to attract new routes and carriers and improve the customer experience.

The 10-year strategy includes upgrades to the original areas of the 1968 domestic terminal building, runway safety enhancements, new high-speed baggage systems, and enhanced safety and security.

The plan also includes more than 700 metres of secure corridors and moving walkways to reduce connection times for passengers.

The strategy plans to allocate $286.4 million for airside projects, including runways and taxiways, while $488.7 million will be invested on the domestic terminal building upgrades. Upgrades to the international terminal will cost about $408 million and another $559.8 million for Sea Island and airport infrastructure upgrades, such as bridges, roads and dikes.

The Airport Authority is increasing the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) from $15 to $20 beginning May 1, 2012, for passengers travelling to destinations outside of B.C. to fund these improvements.

Passengers travelling within B.C. and to the Yukon will continue to pay $5.

In 2009, $223.2 million was invested in capital projects including gate and retail expansion of C-Pier in the Domestic Terminal, the Canada Line rapid transit project, the Public Observation Area and food court, aircraft de-icing pads, and construction of a new employee parking lot, among many others.

Vancouver International Airport employs more than 23,600 people and is home to 400 businesses.

In 2010, it contributed $1.9 billion to Canada’s economy in terms of GDP.

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