YVR Airport & Sea Island Developments Discussion

[Cage]

Originally Posted by LeftCoaster

Underneath several destinations it shows a start date, several are not yet converted.

Also as several are routes are added for the summer season, some destinations are transferred to other aircraft. YVR-PEK is an example, only 788 until April when the aircraft transitions to PVG.

[zahav]

Hi everyone,

These photos were posted on YVR Spotters group on Facebook, a sneak peak at the AB Connector. I think it looks great!

[Klazu]

Looks consistent and great. Very YVR.

[CurtisVerbatim]

Originally Posted by zahav

Hi everyone,

These photos were posted on YVR Spotters group on Facebook, a sneak peak at the AB Connector. I think it looks great!

Oh wow it's weird seeing that place all done like that. about a month ago I was working in there and it's really changed a lot since.

[Prometheus]

It might not contain anything new for all you super airport nerds, but here is a recent speech by YVR CEO Craig Richmond in which he claims that YVR will exceed 20 Million next year and spells out YVR's many current and future plans and innovations, including his vision of YVR as the world's next great hub. Doesn't seem like a guy resting on his laurels:

• Video Link

[connect2source]

I'm mixed on this, yes it's inviting and intimate. I do like that it's a slightly cleaner and more contemporary twist on the 1990's international terminal theme. I do wish it was just a little edgier and more current.

It's interesting that the 'bridge' is almost an exact replica of the one over the custom's hall in the international terminal.

Overall, it greatly enhances the passenger experience so, well done in that respect.

[red-paladin]

The ability to provide full transits without visas ... Sounds great.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Prometheus

It might not contain anything new for all you super airport nerds, but here is a recent speech by YVR CEO Craig Richmond in which he claims that YVR will exceed 20 Million next year and spells out YVR's many current and future plans and innovations, including his vision of YVR as the world's next great hub. Doesn't seem like a guy resting on his laurels:

• Video Link

If what Mr. Richmond said comes true about the TWOV allowing connections to South America,
the city will beome a true hub, although the extra connections he refers to such as São Paolo seem perhaps a little far-fetched at the moment.
Lima is more within the bounds of possibility, I think. Lima is a little closer to YVR than to YYZ, wheres GRU is still closer to YYZ than to YVR, being further east.
The difference between YVR-GRU, and YYZ-GRU is about 400 miles shorter via YYZ. Whether this will cause an appreciable difference in fuel savings,
and thereby route choice, is a question best left to the authorities.
At any rate, if YVR can extend its reach into the USA, and especially South America, it will be an airport with real "reach," something I am sure everybody wants.

[casper]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

If what Mr. Richmond said comes true about the TWOV allowing connections to South America,
the city will beome a true hub, although the extra connections he refers to such as São Paolo seem perhaps a little far-fetched at the moment.
Lima is more within the bounds of possibility, I think. Lima is a little closer to YVR than to YYZ, wheres GRU is still closer to YYZ than to YVR, being further east.
The difference between YVR-GRU, and YYZ-GRU is about 400 miles shorter via YYZ. Whether this will cause an appreciable difference in fuel savings,
and thereby route choice, is a question best left to the authorities.
At any rate, if YVR can extend its reach into the USA, and especially South America, it will be an airport with real "reach," something I am sure everybody wants.

You never know. There are weird things Airlines chose to do out of left field some times. The new flight from China to Montreal continuing on the Havana is one example. Hope the TWOV does happen.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by casper

You never know. There are weird things Airlines chose to do out of left field some times. The new flight from China to Montreal continuing on the Havana is one example. Hope the TWOV does happen.

Me too!! You bet I hope it happens!! Soon.

[Denscity]

I gotta admit I was drooling a bit when I landed at YVR in a Dash 8 from Castlegar the other day and saw a Quantas 747 from Sydney Australia sitting on the Tarmac.

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Denscity

I gotta admit I was drooling a bit when I landed at YVR in a Dash 8 from Castlegar the other day and saw a Quantas 747 from Sydney Australia sitting on the Tarmac.

I may have seen the same one... I flew out to LAX on rouge last Thursday. Saw it sitting there all alone in the morning dawn. Fingers crossed for a longer term more frequent (permanent?) Qantas program at YVR.

Air NZ was awesome this trip on all our flights. Fingers crossed for the rumoured daily 787-900 on the AKL-YVR route, I will be the first to book a ticket the moment that happens (if it happens of course!)

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Johnny Aussie

I may have seen the same one... I flew out to LAX on rouge last Thursday. Saw it sitting there all alone in the morning dawn. Fingers crossed for a longer term more frequent (permanent?) Qantas program at YVR.....

Hey, Qantas is one of our old friends and buddies, going decades back, with
service to SFO, Honolulu, Fiji, Auckland on Boeing 707s, (with conections of course) even with a short stint going nonstop YVR - Tahiti.
May they come back on a regular basis, oh please, yes!

[deasine]

In addition to the media release below you can also find out more on twitter by the following hashtag #YVRConnects

YVR Officially Opens Newly Expanded Domestic Terminal
January 13, 2015

The A-B Connector Features New Retail Program, Artwork and Gate Capacity

Richmond, B.C. (January 13, 2015): Today, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated the opening of the expanded Domestic Terminal, the A-B Connector. Featuring new gate capacity, an expedited baggage system, seismic upgrades and a wide range of new dining and shopping options, the A-B Connector will keep YVR connected to destinations across Canada.

The new $213 million expansion is the first major infrastructure project completed as part of YVR’s 10-year gateway strategy announced in 2012 to keep YVR competitive and an economic generator for B.C.

“We’re proud to deliver this project on plan and on budget,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “YVR is facing increased competition from other airports and both travellers and airlines have choices. In order to remain competitive and continue to be an economic generator and jobs creator for British Columbia, we must continue to invest in projects that make it easier and faster for passengers and their baggage to move through the airport.”

The upgrades and expansion were made to the original areas of YVR’s 1968 terminal. The A-B Connector provides improved passenger navigation and flow, increased gate capacity and holdroom space, new security and safety enhancements and seismic upgrades to ensure a more comfortable and efficient experience. In addition, an expedited baggage system connects bags between international and domestic flights more quickly.

Passengers travelling through the A-B Connector will enjoy an array of street priced food and beverage options at 10 new shops, restaurants and services and will have access to YVR’s largest Plaza Premium pay-per-use lounge. The Marshall Retail Group selected YVR for its first Canadian flagship operation and will operate four stores: Flight Stop, Marshall Rousso, Lick and Tumi. Other concession offerings include ICE Currency Exchange, Green Bean Café and Carl’s Jr. Vino Volo and Famous Famiglia will open later in 2015.

YVR’s award-winning sense of place is visible throughout the A-B Connector with a design that celebrates British Columbia’s Interior. Architectural features evoke imagery from B.C.’s vineyards and orchards, fishing lodges and the Fraser River and Canyon. The space is anchored by the contemporary art piece, The Rivers Monument, by B.C. First Nations artist Marianne Nicolson.

In 2014 YVR was voted Best Airport in North America in the 2014 Skytrax World Airport Awards and the 9th Best Airport in the World - the only North American airport to receive such an accolade. YVR’s commitment to safe and efficient airport operations, creating a compelling sense of place and caring for every customer has garnered these awards and is embedded in the design of the A-B Connector.

The expansion was built using funds collected from the Airport Improvement Fee, retail sales and airplane landing fees. The terminal areas remained open and operational during construction to ensure completion of the project in a practical and fiscally responsible way. The A-B Connector will be used primarily by WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Air North, Hawkair, Sunwing and Air Transat.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 19 million passengers in 2014. Fifty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 110 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2014 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

For further information:
YVR Media Relations
604.880.9815
[email protected]

Source - YVR: http://yvr.ca/en/flight-information/late...ns_Newly_Expanded_Domestic_Terminal.aspx

[zahav]

Here is a quick link to YVRs twitter, with lots of recent photos of the opening. Looks amazing! And great choice with Carls Jr., this is a great choice, and different from the usual A&B! This is one photo from the YVR blog, but check out Twitter for more



https://twitter.com/yvrairport/media

[Vagabond]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

Me too!! You bet I hope it happens!! Soon.

BIV's picked this up and now says TWOV at YVR is "likely" before April.

In addition to South America, I think this could eventually lead to AC looking at a potential YVR-DEL non-stop as well. The lack of TWOV through Canadian airports has been one of the key reasons that previous attempts to crack the Indian market failed, and with this barrier removed, the lucrative California/Washington-India market could be opened up via YVR. That said, AC would likely have to bring back at least one mainline flight per day to/from LAX & SFO to attract premium passengers to this route (who might otherwise want to avoid RV.)

Also, I guess this would largely depends on how AC's DEL non-stop out of YYZ performs next winter. Fingers crossed!

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Vagabond

BIV's picked this up and now says TWOV at YVR is "likely" before April.

In addition to South America, I think this could eventually lead to AC looking at a potential YVR-DEL non-stop as well. The lack of TWOV through Canadian airports has been one of the key reasons that previous attempts to crack the Indian market failed, and with this barrier removed, the lucrative California/Washington-India market could be opened up via YVR. That said, AC would likely have to bring back at least one mainline flight per day to/from LAX & SFO to attract premium passengers to this route (who might otherwise want to avoid RV.)

Also, I guess this would largely depends on how AC's DEL non-stop out of YYZ performs next winter. Fingers crossed!

Good stuff. However, I think that regarding South America, AC will start no service from YVR.
That'll be left up to airlines like LANPeru, TAM, and so forth.

[ACT7]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

Good stuff. However, I think that regarding South America, AC will start no service from YVR.
That'll be left up to airlines like LANPeru, TAM, and so forth.

Has this really been the biggest impediment to South American service from YVR? I can't help but think this is not the case. If the demand was there, service would have likely started already, no? This seems to be the same argument YYC management has been using to justify their behemoth airport expansion - that somehow airlines are waiting on the sidelines until some facility, process, or policy is implemented. Maybe I'm just being skeptical but the logical side of me just doesn't see this as a huge catalyst. I do think that IF an airline is looking to start YVR service to South America or India anyway, this is just something that's a nice to have.

[Hourglass]

Originally Posted by ACT7

Has this really been the biggest impediment to South American service from YVR? I can't help but think this is not the case. If the demand was there, service would have likely started already, no? This seems to be the same argument YYC management has been using to justify their behemoth airport expansion - that somehow airlines are waiting on the sidelines until some facility, process, or policy is implemented. Maybe I'm just being skeptical but the logical side of me just doesn't see this as a huge catalyst. I do think that IF an airline is looking to start YVR service to South America or India anyway, this is just something that's a nice to have.

There are rumors about CX launching HKG-MEX on airliners.net. Would make sense to route this via YVR given it already has a crew base and is less painful to transit than US hubs. TWOV would seem to be a good fit here

[Johnny Aussie]

Stats Canada has released total cargo volumes for 2013.

YVR still holding on to a solid #2 position. 2014 is looking like a really good year too.

List ranked by total cargo in tonnes for 2013 (airports with > 30,000 tonnes):

1) YYZ 345,533
2) YVR 194,317
3) YHM 86,542
4) YYC 81,392
5) YUL 77,005
6) YMX 64,251
7) YWG 60,255

After that a huge drop to the next airport (YHZ) which is well under 30,000 in 2013.

It's amazing how large some of the 2012 numbers were revised in the comparative table.

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/51-203-x/2013000/t005-eng.htm