Canadian Airport Thread

[MalcolmTucker]

Originally Posted by lubicon

Doesn't matter how long the runway is, you can only have one aircraft on it at a time.

I would be surprised if there isn't even a thought of a second cross winds runway beyond the airport plan time frame for YYC. Even if it is just long enough for RJs, 737s and turboprops. I am sure it could be squeezed in if someone wanted it.

[caltrane74]

Part 2 - A History of Pearson International
2002

2004

2013

In Part One of this report, we followed the remarkable growth of Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from its humble beginnings in 1938, to the air travel “boom” years of the 1980s and early ‘90s. Daily flights serving YYZ went from a dozen-or-so folks in a single Trans-Canada Airlines Lockheed 14 Super Electra, to thousands of passengers arriving and departing on hundreds of flights. The airport’s three terminals had been expanded and upgraded, but they wouldn’t be able to handle the passenger loads forecast for the future.

It’s been over 75 years since YYZ’s first flight, and all of that land for the original airport, well, it’s filled up. Based on current projections, the airport can handle traffic through to 2030. Beyond that, a second international airport for the region is planned in Pickering, north-east of Toronto. The Pickering Airport was originally proposed in the 1970s, was cancelled, and is now back in the GTAA’s plans. But will this new iteration of the Pickering Airport actually be built? Only time will tell.

So for now, Toronto-Pearson International Airport will continue as Canada’s busiest airport and Air Canada’s most important hub.

Read the Full Storey Here

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by Chadillaccc

The building expansions are totally easy, but to build more runways might be a challenge. There is room between the newest runway and Metis Trail NE... however, any such runway in the future would require another airport tunnel. We already have the longest runway in the country, so maybe another runway won't be needed?

Not to mention adding a runway requires the addition of zoning restrictions on either end of the runway through the Municipal Government Act. The 'new' runway has had those restrictions in place for some time, so there isn't a worry about much development being over height or inappropriate. But any new runway that wasn't contemplated may run into existing development not meeting the federal zoning regs.

[Echoes]

More pictures of the terminal expansion at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, designed by a local architecture firm:

Originally Posted by Echoes

For those that haven't seen the new YXE terminal yet, here are some great photos from Kindrachuk Agrey's website. I myself am excited to finally see the terminal for myself in a few weeks time.





















http://www.kindrachuk-agrey.ca/#!/projects/saskatoon-air-terminal

[eemy]

Wow, very nice.

[halifaxboyns]

This isn't really an airport thing so much as it's an airline thing. Global Calgary did a report on Westjet's profits last night (up 11%, record setting and 34th straight quarter of profit - maybe 33rd? I can't remember the exact number). What surprised me...well, actually didn't surprise me was that they announced they were going to 'float' (trial) charging for all bags on flights.

Frankly, I would've thought Air Canada would be the first out of the gate on this one but given the cruddy service I've consistently received with Westjet, I'm not surprised they would get to this point.

[SignalHillHiker]

St. John’s airport terminal expansion scheduled to run 2014-2020


The airport today.

The main terminal building at St. John’s International Airport Authority will become a construction zone beginning in late April or early May, remaining simultaneously open and under construction through at least 2020.

...

The construction is part of the $150-million airport expansion announced in February 2011, when the airport issued a 10-year capital plan, laying out improvements to virtually all areas of the airport’s property.

...

The airport’s current facilities are designed to accommodate about 900,000 passengers a year. Passenger numbers at St. John’s International reached nearly 1.5 million in 2012 and are expected to increase to 1.9 million by 2020.

...

As a result, since 2011, the airport authority has moved ahead with the construction of a ramp services building of roughly 30,000 square feet, to support cargo service; the apron at the terminal building has been expanded, to allow an extra five planes to park overnight; passenger bridges connecting the main terminal to arriving planes have been overhauled; and spaces have been added to long-term parking.

On Dec. 3, 2013, a new access road to the airport’s main terminal — the World Parkway — was opened.

However, one of the toughest pieces of the overall project, in terms of customer service and cost, is yet to begin. That expansion to the main terminal building is subdivided into two parts, the East Expansion and West Expansion.

Contracts are in the process of being let for the East Expansion, with an estimated total cost of $55 million, according to documents obtained by The Telegram.

Changes will include the movement of pre-board screening to the first floor of the building, extensions to the check-in counter, added spaces for food and beverage sales and two additional flight gates.

Additions more noticeable behind the scenes will include a new loading dock and larger goods storage area; an increase in the size of passenger hold area for security; and a renovated baggage screening area.

...

The East Expansion for the main terminal building totals about 13,500 square metres. The Telegram has yet to obtain any cost estimate or timeline on the smaller West Expansion, around the cargo and arrivals side of the building, estimated at 6,700-7,500 square metres.

In the three years since the overall airport expansion was first revealed, one piece — a plan for rapid development of 270 acres of land around the airport — has changed.

The concept was to create an airport business park, leading the airport to propose a partnership with the City of St. John’s, to gather the funds to service the area with basic amenities like water and sewer. According to St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe, the city decided not to make the required up-front investment in the industrial park, leaving the cost to be taken on by the airport authority and private enterprise.

A city staffer stated an application for the business park has not been filed with the city to date.

At the same time, O’Keefe said he considers the overall expansion of the airport an important project.

“To be honest, I look upon the airport as being one of the pillars of the infrastructure, the economic infrastructure, of the city and of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said, noting the City of St. John’s has helped with a $1-million contribution to a piece of work already completed.

In terms of future updates, O’Keefe was anxious to hear more about when a new instrument landing system, to allow more planes to land in foggier weather, might be installed.

The entire airport expansion is being paid for through an airport improvement fee of $20 per person, paid by departing passengers.

http://www.thetelegram.com/Business/2014-02-12/article-3612289/Construction-zone/1

[SignalHillHiker]

I've been fascinated reading up on the history of the St. John's International Airport.

The Government of Canada began constructing it as a Royal Canadian Air Forces Base Torbay in 1940 in response to its fears that Newfoundland was vulnerable to German attack and invasion.

They received permission from the Government of Newfoundland to build it provided Canada covered all costs and the base would not be used for civilian air traffic. This wasn't unusual - the American Armed Forces operated numerous bases in Newfoundland, all of which were far bigger and busier than RCAF Torbay. Once it opened in December of 1941, it was jointly used by the RCAF, the RAF (Royal Air Force), and the United States Army Air Corps.

After WWII, the Government of Canada pulled out its forces and handed full use of the base over to the Americans (who were maintaining their military presence in Newfoundland indefinitely). In April of 1946, the airport was also granted permission by the Government of Newfoundland to handle civilian flights.

As Wikipedia eloquently puts it:

Confusion was caused by the presence of American military personnel at a civilian airport operated by the Canadian government in a foreign country.

Upon Confederation with Canada, most American bases in the province were shuttered. Some were handed over to Canada's Department of National Defense, others were closed. RCAF Torbay was given back to the Department and began the process of fully converting to a civilian airport.

Fascinating stuff.

Also:

St. John's Airport is still commonly referred to as "Torbay" within the aviation community. For example in aeronautical radio communications, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers and pilots refer to the weather in "Torbay" and in flight clearances controllers commonly clear aircraft to or over St. John's with the phrase "Cleared direct Torbay". In the latter case this is a clearance to the VOR (VHF beacon) serving the region, which continues to be named Torbay on all official aeronautical charts. In addition to tradition, this usage avoids confusion with Saint John, New Brunswick, also in Atlantic Canada. Additionally the "T" in airport codes CYYT and YYT continues to reflect the Torbay origin.

[SignalHillHiker]

How do they know where, for example, St. John's ranks when they don't have any numbers to share? Are they just estimating based on the previous year?



Overall, I'm impressed with how YYT is doing. The 11th busiest airport is very good, I think, for the 20th largest city.

I'm shocked Fort McMurray is that high. I know it would disproportionately high - it's one of Canada's economic engines - but I never expected it to be so high.

[SteelTown]

Construction soon...

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL’S AIR CARGO LOGISTICS FACILITY SET TO TAKE OFF IN 2014

Hamilton, ON - (February 10, 2014)

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is excited to release details of the $12 million Air Cargo Logistics Facility slated to open in 2015. The project is being funded through a joint partnership between the federal and Ontario governments and TradePort International Corporation, with support from Hamilton’s municipal government.

As depicted in new renderings, the Air Cargo Logistics Facility will be built with direct airside access on a redeveloped parcel of land.

Equipped with multiple trucking docks and specialized handling environments, the Air Cargo Logistics Facility will cater to niche product markets such as pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, automobile manufacturing and perishable goods. A focus on developing customized solutions for the efficient movement of such goods in and out of the southern Ontario region will further support the development of clean industries in and around the Hamilton area.

The Facility will add to Hamilton’s strength as a multi-modal gateway for goods movement and set a strong footing for future development of the Airport Employment Growth District, a city initiative to develop designated lands surrounding the Airport for light industrial and commercial activities.

In the coming weeks Hamilton International Airport will release a tender for construction of the Facility; details will be posted on the Airport’s website: flyhamilton.ca/business. A recruitment process is also currently underway to secure a dedicated handling agent committed to providing superior service standards for the handling of specialized products through the facility.

Any parties interested in business development opportunities within the Air Cargo Logistics Facility should contact Lauren Yaksich at [email protected].

Artist renderings of what the Hamilton International Air Cargo Logistics Facility will look like.

[GlassCity]

I'm more surprised about Kelowna

[Dr Nevergold]

I'm kind of sad that WestJet reduced service at Hamilton significantly. Air cargo could certainly be a place that Hamilton increases service capacity.

[craner]

Really nice expansions in SJ's and Saskatoon. Those washrooms in Saskatoon look like they are in a high end restaurant. I also like how they proudly display the name of the city on the air side of the terminal building, I wish all airports did that.

[craner]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

I'm more surprised about Kelowna

Yeah, that was an eye opener for me as well. Although I use the Calgary to Kelowna service 3 or 4 times a year and it is always totally packed.

[Airboy]

Iqaluit Airport Tenders Drawings are out. we could have a new airport terminal in 3 years.

Here is a news item just in.

Iqaluit Airport Manager John Hawkins confirms Delta Flight233 from Amsterdam to Seattle diverted because of a mechanical issue, all passengers are being housed at Cadet hall and supervised by Canada Customs Agents.

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by Airboy

Iqaluit Airport Tenders Drawings are out. we could have a new airport terminal in 3 years.

Here is a news item just in.

Iqaluit Airport Manager John Hawkins confirms Delta Flight233 from Amsterdam to Seattle diverted because of a mechanical issue, all passengers are being housed at Cadet hall and supervised by Canada Customs Agents.

That will not bode well for Canadian weather stereotypes.

[Airboy]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

That will not bode well for Canadian weather stereotypes.

The possible 3 years construction or the passengers stuck in a rough cadet hall.

Possibly 3 year construction because everything needs to be barged up. First available shipping date is Mid June. They get 3 more chances then they have to wait for the next season. All the steel will be on the first Barge and based on the size of the facility there may be one full ship loaded for this project.

[SignalHillHiker]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

That will not bode well for Canadian weather stereotypes.

Died.

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by Airboy

The possible 3 years construction or the passengers stuck in a rough cadet hall.

Possibly 3 year construction because everything needs to be barged up. First available shipping date is Mid June. They get 3 more chances then they have to wait for the next season. All the steel will be on the first Barge and based on the size of the facility there may be one full ship loaded for this project.

The passengers stuck in Iqaluit. Imagine you're on a flight from Amsterdam to Seattle and the pilot says, we're gonna have to stop in Canada...and then you see Iqaluit

I actually had the pleasure of landing in Iqaluit once because of a medical emergency while on the way to London. I'm not being sarcastic, it was awesome to see a city that I was interested in but likely would never get a chance to visit.

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by SignalHillHiker

How do they know where, for example, St. John's ranks when they don't have any numbers to share? Are they just estimating based on the previous year?



Overall, I'm impressed with how YYT is doing. The 11th busiest airport is very good, I think, for the 20th largest city.

I'm shocked Fort McMurray is that high. I know it would disproportionately high - it's one of Canada's economic engines - but I never expected it to be so high.

Nowhere increases travel by plane