Full-Scale Mock Exercise at YYC Calgary International Airport: Operation Argo

September 07, 2017   |  

(Calgary AB) - Today, The Calgary Airport Authority, with its airline and agency partners held a full-scale mock emergency response training exercise at YYC Calgary International Airport.  The exercise, which included a simulated aircraft incident on the airfield with WestJet playing the role of the fictitious ‘Vega Airlines,’ provided multiple agencies the opportunity to practice their emergency response plans. The mock incident also provided the various partners and agencies to test the coordination and communication between airport, airline and emergency agencies in the event of an actual aircraft incident.
 

“The safety and security of our passengers, employees and partners is always of the utmost importance and as such, full-scale emergency training exercises are essential in practicing our well-developed emergency response plans,” said Bernie Humphries, Vice President Operations for The Calgary Airport Authority. “In addition to these training exercises, the Authority has an extensive safety and emergency preparedness program, which includes smaller-scale exercises, keeping safety and security practice top of mind 365 days a year.”
 

Numerous government and support agencies participated including:

  • Alberta Health Services 
  • Calgary Fire Department 
  • Calgary Police Service 
  • Emergency Medical Services 
  • Canada Border Services Agency 
  • Canadian Corps of Commissionaires 
  • Transportation Safety Board
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The simulated exercise incident was well-planned to ensure that airport staff and visitors experienced little or no impact. It took place on YYC’s airfield with a number of emergency response agencies reporting to the mock scene and performing recovery efforts. Over 75 volunteers from the airport community played the role of passengers on the airfield and as meeters and greeters in the Domestic Terminal.
 

Photo of simulated aircraft incident at YYC

ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit, non-share capital organization, incorporated under the Alberta Regional Airports Authorities Act, and is responsible for the safe, secure and efficient management of the YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Springbank Airport (YBW) under long-term lease from the Government of Canada. YYC's mandate is to advance economic and community development by providing improved airline and transportation services for the benefit of the public. The Authority has invested over $4 billion into the continued development of YYC, opening Canada's longest runway in 2014 and a new International Terminal in 2016. YYC is a key economic driver for Calgary and Alberta, generating more than $8 billion in economic activity annually and creating 48,000 jobs.

For more information contact:

Media Relations
Calgary Airport Authority
P: 403 735 5899
media@yyc.com
Twitter: @FlyYYC