YXX | Abbotsford International Airport | General Discussion

[hollywoodnorth]

Abbotsford Airport Sets New Passenger Record in
2007
Abbotsford, January 17, 2008 – 2007 was another record breaking year for
Abbotsford International Airport with 508,464 passengers flying out of YXX. The previous
record was set in 2006 at 502,633 passengers. Passenger traffic is expected to grow in
2008 as more regional travelers continue to discover the ease and convenience of
traveling from Abbotsford.
“The Fraser Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada and we are very
excited about the new record numbers,” says Dave Kandal, Chair of the Abbotsford
Airport Authority. “These statistics help tell our story, and with the numbers rising each
year setting new records, we anticipate 2008 to be another very successful year.”
2008 does promise to be a banner year for Abbotsford International with renovations to
the airport terminal, a new restaurant, improvement to terminal services and new
international and intra BC flights. Just weeks into the New Year, Abbotsford Airport
added a new direct, daily service to Toronto from WestJet.
Kandal notes that the Toronto service was requested over and over again by regional
travelers.
“This is the type of service a regional airport like Abbotsford needs to offer. We’ve heard
from our local chambers of commerce leaders, neighbouring mayors and council
members supporting this flight and our airport. From Surrey to Hope, flights that
accommodate the business traveler are wanted here. I know Fraser Valley business
travelers will fill these planes.”
BCWest Air, the Nanaimo-based commuter airline, is the newest operator to arrive at the
airport. BC West Air began operating in October, but recently added daily direct service
to Victoria as well as daily service between Nanaimo and Abbotsford.
BCWest Air President Shanon Maurer has been “very pleased” with the response from
Abbotsford Airport.
“We looked at Abbotsford as a destination for over a year and watched the expansion in
the airport facility, now we can say that we are happy to be part of the future growth,”
says Maurer.

[hollywoodnorth]

and a TO link from Abby

WestJet offers Abbotsford daily non-stop service to Toronto
CALGARY, Alberta. January 10, 2008. WestJet today announced it will offer seasonal daily
non-stop service from Abbotsford to Toronto starting May 18, 2008.
“The people of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley have been very supportive of WestJet. We are
pleased to add this daily non-stop fight to Toronto, providing more convenient connections to
the over 60 WestJet flights that leave from Toronto each day,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet’s
Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing. “We are confident that our improved
schedule and renowned friendly guest service will continue to be welcomed.
“As the only national carrier offering service to and from Abbotsford, we remain committed to
providing connectivity that will assist in the continued economic development in the area. Nonstop
flights to Toronto will bring important tourism dollars into the region, and provide
opportunity for those living in the Fraser Valley to conduct business across Canada.”
Dave Kandal, Chair of the Abbotsford Airport Authority commented, "The Fraser Valley is one of
the fastest growing regions in Canada and we are very excited about getting this service. We've
heard from many of our neighbours including Surrey, Langley, and Chilliwack that flights that
accommodate the business traveler are the type of service this regional airport needs to offer.
This flight fits the bill. I know Fraser Valley business travellers will fill these planes."
Following are the schedule details of WestJet’s new seasonal non-stop service, starting May 18,
2008.
Abbotsford - Toronto (daily)
Introductory fares starting at $179 (taxes and surcharges extra)
Flight Departure Arrival
From Abbotsford - WS650 11:25 p.m. 6:36 a.m.
From Toronto - WS649 7:55 p.m. 9:50 p.m.
This announcement is part of WestJet’s enhanced summer schedule, which also includes
increased frequency in its existing network. More detailed information about WestJet’s
enhanced summer schedule and low introductory fares is available at westjet.com. Seats are
available for sale immediately and can be booked online at westjet.com or through travel
agents.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading low-cost, high-value airline offering scheduled service throughout
its 44-city North American and Caribbean network. Named Canada's most admired corporate
culture in 2005 and 2006, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. With increased legroom
and leather seats on its modern fleet of 70 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live
seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on the majority of its fleet, WestJet strives to be
the number one choice for travellers.

[SpongeG]

nice

maybe an airline like zoom could fly there so there is a direct flight to the UK

[SpongeG]

Abbotsford airport flying high

Turn your back on the Fraser Valley for a month and you’ll discover a fresh crop of housing, retail and commercial projects sprang up while you weren’t looking.

Indeed, as the valley’s population continues to boom, and residents and businesses push eastward in search of refuge from Greater Vancouver’s exorbitant real estate prices, the area looks poised for a period of sustained growth.

In Abbotsford, this has been the primary impetus behind a drive to turn its airport into a hub that can service the bustling region, and in doing so, enable the city to take advantage of the bounty of economic opportunities that might result.

This strategy was given added momentum in February when the federal government announced that YXX has been approved to participate in the international air cargo trans-shipment program.

The program allows air cargo to be moved through Canada for shipment to third countries. For example, cargo can now be flown from the U.S. into Abbotsford, stored temporarily, and then flown on to an Asian destination.

Similarly, international air cargo can arrive from overseas and then be shipped by rail or road from Abbotsford to the U.S,, allowing the airport to position itself as a key part of the Asia-Pacific gateway.

Almost immediately following the government’s announcement, Surrey-based Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd. and its affiliate company, Pacific Overseas Forwarding, said they were expanding their operations to YXX.

The company has moved into an existing 3,000 square foot warehouse at the airport from and will provide on-site cargo shipment clearing and freight forwarding services.

Founded in 1958, PCB claims to handle more shipments in Western Canada than any other customs broker. “We have had our eye on Abbotsford for a long time,” says Greg Timm, PCB’s general manager. “It was only a matter of time until we opened here.”

The PCB facility is expected to give YXX an advantage in its competition with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) when it comes to goods movement.

“Shippers in the valley can obviously save time and money by using Abbotsford over YVR,” Timm explains. “Landing and logistical costs are lower here and timelines are faster.”

The hope is that other businesses will follow PCB’s lead and choose to locate closer to YXX to tap into the new trans-shipment services and reap the benefits of the airport’s overall lower costs and efficiencies.

“This type of operation tends to act as a magnet for regional airports,” says YXX’s general manager Mike Pastro, who adds there is still “plenty of room” for expansion.

“We have additional land on the airport for buildings and aprons, so we expect to see greater shipping volumes as secondary businesses are attracted to the area,” he says.

If Vancouver’s airport can serve as any indication of what might be in store for YXX, significant growth is inevitable.

Between 1992 and 2007, YVR cargo volumes increased nearly 55 per cent, according to the Vancouver Airport Authority. In the past year alone, shipments there have risen by nearly 10 per cent, with a 20 per cent increase in Asia Pacific traffic.

“Canada’s economic growth and standard of living still depend heavily on the export and import of products and resources,” says Abbotsford MP Ed Fast.

The lucrative possibilities that stem from this dependence are not lost on YXX’s newest tenant.

“When you look at the increased trade opportunities that come along with an international air freight hub, combined with the cost advantage of setting up a shop in the valley, it’s a real advantage,” says Adam Wickstead, Pacific Overseas Forwarding Inc.’s general manager.

“And with the Golden Ears Bridge coming next year, we think YXX is going to grow, and so will the businesses located around it.”

While the new PCB facility is clearly a boon for the airport, it is also a major development for the City of Abbotsford itself.

Jay Teichroeb, Abbotsford’s economic development manager, believes PCB’s presence will give local businesses an edge, providing them with easier access to export markets.

The hope is that this will ultimately lead to the creation of more jobs and further economic spinoffs for the burgeoning city.

“We’re starting at a very logical level,” says Teichroeb. “We have the existing facility at the airport to accommodate significant growth, and we can manage related businesses of trucking, customs, warehousing, distribution and secondary value-added businesses as they get interested.

“We’re one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in Canada,” he adds. “This will only enhance that.”

http://www.bclocalnews.com/business/18606199.html

[twoNeurons]

My dream is for Commuter Rail past YXX.

As Surrey becomes the 2nd City centre, a commuter train that takes 30-40 minutes to get to Abbotsford would attract a lot of commuters to YXX over YVR.

YXX is a fantastic airport to fly out of.