The Calgary Airport Authority back to 1995 passenger levels after devastating 2020
Calgary, Alberta (April 14, 2021) – The Calgary Airport Authority released its 2020 annual report today at its Annual General Meeting. The report’s “World of Stories” theme, emphasizes the challenging impacts of the pandemic on YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) with depressed passenger levels and revenues. With an anticipated five-year recovery, the Authority expects there may be consequences for Canadians in accessing affordable air travel in the future.
Highlights:
- 2020 was a challenging year with YYC seeing only 5.7 million guests, down from 18 million in 2019.
- Cargo landings increased by 11 per cent in 2020, moving critical goods including PPE, medical supplies and vaccines.
- 2021 will be an equally difficult year with current forecast only 5.1 million guests.
- Our internationally accredited #FlyHealthyYYC program and our commitment to moving people and critical cargo for our region positions us for recovery.
"The pandemic decimated demand for travel and erased 25 years of passenger growth at YYC," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. "We are asking for the government to collaborate with us on a national approach to testing and to support innovation in a way to help the aviation industry recover."
The Authority proudly advocated for and participated in the Government of Alberta’s International Border Pilot Testing Program. This joint program between provincial and federal governments provided a science-based and data-driven approach to safe air travel. The Authority strongly believes this type of testing program, along with mass vaccination, are key to rebuilding trust with travellers.
“We know Canadians will be ready to travel by air soon, and when that day comes, YYC will be ready. We all look forward to that day,” said Sartor.
Employee rapid testing program
This week, YYC began offering a free and voluntary COVID-19 testing screening program for employees of the Authority. The onsite, 20-minute rapid antigen testing program reflects our ongoing commitment to safety providing an extra layer of protection for our employees by reducing the risk of asymptomatic transmission. The testing will be performed by contracted screening technicians with confidential results available in about 20 minutes.
Announcing the Authority’s new Chair of the Board of Directors
The Authority’s Board of Directors announced that Matthew Heffernan will serve as the next Chair beginning in August 2021. Heffernan is a current Director, appointed to the Board in 2015. He was most recently the CEO of Banded Iron Group, a Calgary based oil and gas field services company. Heffernan has served on many boards and has extensive experience in executive management roles in technology, sales and business development. Current Chair, Michael Casey, Q.C., term ends this summer after first being appointed as a Director in 2014 and as Chair since 2017.
Quick facts:
- 2020 revenues declined 60 per cent, culminating in a $23 million cash deficit.
- $68 million in debt taken on in 2020.
- Total debt obligation is now $2.98 billion.
- Decline in passenger airlines flying at YYC from 21 to 8.
- Decline in non-stop destinations served from 88 to 42.50 per cent of terminal space is closed.
- 80 per cent of our eating and shopping outlets are temporarily closed.
- 80 per cent decline in demand for parking, rental cars, taxis and ridesharing.50 aircraft parked on aprons and taxiways in long-term storage.
- 43 per cent of guests in 2020 were connecting through YYC to their destination.
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This news release contains certain forward-looking statements about our current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends. Although the Authority believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.
ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Springbank Airport (YBW). The Authority’s commitment to safety remains a top priority and our #FlyHealthyYYC program has received the Airport Health Accreditation by Airports Council International. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. The Authority was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2021.
Media Relations
The Calgary Airport Authority
P: 403 735 5899
media@yyc.com
Reid Fiest Dean Paddock
GM, Comms and Media Relations Director, Communications & Engagement
P: 403 735 7005 P: 403 735 2194
reidf@yyc.com deanp@yyc.com