YYC Airport Hub Of Activity In 2009

March 23, 2010   |  
Development and growth on the horizon of Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Calgary, AB – YYC celebrated another successful year, welcoming new services and increased capacity in 2009 and in response to passenger feedback, opened new facilities and introduced state-of-the-art equipment for busy travellers.

YYC was the hub for many exciting events and announcements in a year of global decreases in air travel, and continues to be Alberta’s premier international passenger and cargo gateway to the world, welcoming 12.2 million passengers in 2009.

YYC saw an increase in new destinations and frequencies throughout North America and various sun destinations with WestJet Airlines and Air Canada. Announcements throughout this busy year included the consolidation and increased frequency of Mexicana Airlines in YYC to/from Mexico City, solidifying its presence in Alberta. YYC also welcomed the much anticipated inaugural flight of KLM’s direct service from YYC to Amsterdam and coming in March 2010 is YYC’s new non-stop connection to Asia, with the addition of Air Canada’s YYC-Tokyo flight.

The Calgary Airport Authority continued to focus on providing a high level of customer service to passengers in 2009. YYC welcomed a new Airport Shuttle Service, which provides another great ground transportation option for travellers. In addition, the Authority reduced weekly parking rates at YYC in December 2009, just in time for the busy holiday travel season. A number of service enhancements were implemented in 2009 including a major expansion of the pre-board screening area at Concourse A, as well as many new and renovated retail product offerings. The new ‘Rocky Mountain Lounge’ also opened in September, YYC’s second common use lounge, which offers a first-class experience to all outbound US passengers.

Other news at YYC included the opening of our new 1,950 stall parkade and the introduction of Express Pay machines throughout YYC, which allow travellers to pay for their parking and exit through a dedicated express pay lane.

As a major economic engine for the City of Calgary and the Alberta region, YYC will break ground on the largest expansion project the airport has ever seen in early 2011. The Airport Development Project (ADP) includes the construction of a new Runway and International Concourse. The ADP will contribute approximately 10.5 million hours of employment to the Calgary economy and will significantly enhance the existing $6 billion value-added GDP contribution Calgary International Airport makes to the local economy. The ADP will be essential for YYC’s continued growth and development, enabling the airport to keep up with projected passenger volumes, which are expected to increase as the Canadian and global economy begins to rebound in 2010.

For more information, contact:
Jody Moseley
The Calgary Airport Authority
(O) 403-735-2197
(M) 403-807-9143

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