Passenger and Cargo numbers take off at YYC

March 02, 2011   |  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2011
 
Calgary, AB – Calgary International Airport (YYC) continued to grow with increases to both passenger numbers and cargo volumes in 2010. YYC also celebrated Alberta’s only scheduled flight to Asia, new services and numerous increased frequencies connecting the city and province to the world.
 
YYC welcomed over 12.6 million passengers in 2010, an increase in overall passenger volumes of 3.7 per cent over 2009 and a new all time high. In addition to increases in domestic and U.S. travel, international traffic saw the largest increase at 12.9 per cent, thanks to the wide variety of international destinations and airlines serving Calgary International Airport. Air Canada introduced Alberta’s only non-stop scheduled service to Asia with the commencement of its Calgary-Tokyo flight and service to Hawaii. WestJet Airlines also introduced new services to Honolulu and Maui, along with increased frequencies to a number of North American and sun destinations. YYC also welcomed Korean Air’s non-stop seasonal service to Seoul, adding yet another direct non-stop service to Asia and American Eagle also launched a new service to Chicago.
 
YYC’s cargo facilities were also a hub of activity with an increase of 8.1 per cent in cargo tonnage. In February 2010, UPS opened a new state-of-the-art distribution facility at the YYC Global Logistics Park. The 145,000-square-foot facility was built to meet the increase in UPS business activities and with Calgary’s strategic location, YYC provided the best access to regional, national and international markets for UPS to grow.
 
The Calgary Airport Authority’s emergency plans were put to the test in 2010 with Operation Soteria, an emergency response training exercise. The Authority partnered with emergency response agencies and major airline sponsor WestJet Airlines, to simulate the crash of an aircraft at Calgary International Airport, putting into practice well-established plans and procedures for responding to airport emergencies.
 
A number of new valued-added services and initiatives were announced in 2010.The Authority reduced weekly parking rates in both Parkades and the Economy Lot, giving travellers more options to ‘Park Closer’ at YYC. A new medical clinic and pharmacy opened at YYC and improvements were made to Canada Customs and passenger check-in areas. Calgary International Airport proved to be a leader in customer service in 2010, receiving its highest annual ranking in the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Survey, firmly establishing YYC as one of the top airports in the world.
 

YYC continues to be a major economic engine for the city and the region, and continues to experience growth in both passenger and cargo volumes. The Calgary Airport Authority has embarked on its largest expansion to date with its Airport Development Program (ADP), which will include the construction of a new Runway and International Concourse. The 14,000 foot runway will be the longest in Canada and the new International Facility will nearly double the size of the current Air Terminal Building. This $2 billion expansion will contribute over 10.5 million hours of employment and will add significantly to the $6 billion GDP contribution that YYC currently makes to the local economy. As YYC grows and develops, the City of Calgary and Province of Alberta will continue to grow and prosper, leading Canada’s economic recovery. Watch for more exciting announcements and events in 2011.

 
For more information, contact:
Jody Moseley
Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
(O) 403-735-2197
(C) 403-807-9143

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