From the Janury 2006 YVR E-Newsletter:
Keeping You Up-to-Date On Construction At YVR
The face of YVR is changing. As passenger numbers continue to rise, highlighting the need for expanded facilities, our major expansion projects have kicked into full swing.
Our largest project, a $420-million, nine-gate expansion to the International Terminal, is also on schedule, with the steel frame already set. Phase One, opening in spring 2007, will add four gates, two of which will accommodate the new Airbus A380.
Construction of a five-story building that will adjoin the International and Domestic terminals is also well under way. Aptly called the Link Building, it will provide increased international check-in capacity, passenger screening, additional baggage systems and office space. When completed in summer 2007, the five-storey building will be connected to the Canada Line via a covered walkway, and will serve as a central hub for passengers travelling through YVR. To complete the construction, the regular concourse connecting the two terminals has been sectioned off. A special corridor has been built to connect the two terminals.
Those commuting to and from YVR will be pleased to know that construction on the airport portion of the Canada Line has begun on Sea Island near the Arthur Laing Bridge. The current activity includes site grading, utility relocation and test piling activities associated with the construction of foundations for the new Middle Arm Bridge. Construction of the airport segment of the Line includes building 1.9 km of elevated guideway and 1.7 km of at-grade guideway, bridge construction, partial reconstruction of the North Service Road, construction of the Templeton overpass and associated roadways, and construction of three Canada Line stations.
Last year, YVR served 16.4 million passengers; in 2006 the Airport Authority anticipates a record 16.9 million.
President's Perspective
ANOTHER STRONG YEAR AHEAD FOR YVR
Coming off a record year, the Airport Authority is preparing for another year of growth in 2006, with passenger traffic forecasted to total 16.9 million and new opportunities arising. At YVR we're particularly well-positioned- geographically and strategically- to take advantage of these opportunities.
This year, we will focus on Building the Gateway- constructing the infrastructure to meet growing demand, working to seize new opportunities resulting from Canada's recently liberalized air policy, working to further liberalize Canada's international air policy with a focus on secondary markets, employing innovative passenger facilitation initiatives, and completing a 20-year airport development plan.
We'll continue construction of the International Terminal's new wing, the Link Building, related expansion projects and the airport portion of Canada Line, so we're prepared to handle increased passenger traffic.
In addition to capitalizing on the Open Skies agreement with the United States and the new bilateral air transport agreement with China, our priorities in 2006 will include the pursuit of new bilaterals with Singapore, Malaysia, France and the United Arab Emirates, and the conclusion of China's Approved Destination Status for Canada. We're pleased that Ottawa is working toward more liberal air transport agreements, and we'll work to keep the momentum going.
To make the journey smoother for our passengers, we will continue to work with government agencies and airline partners for full implementation of existing simplified travel solutions, and look for new ways to expedite passengers through processing at YVR. We're already an industry leader when it comes to the use of self-service check-in kiosks, and we're continuing to deploy them in off-airport locations, such as downtown hotels and the convention centre, making it easier for passengers to check in, and easing congestion at the airport.
Also in 2006, we'll be undertaking consulting with stakeholders on the first draft of our long-term Master Plan covering 2007-2027. The draft will follow more than a year of consultations with community groups, industry, government, airport users and Sea Island employees. It will outline future terminal, runway and transportation development plans that we will undertake over the next two decades to ensure that YVR remains an economic generator, serving all British Columbians.
On a celebratory note, YVR will reach the ripe old age of 75 in 2006. Three-quarters of the way to the century mark, YVR has truly become a premier global gateway, and is rated among the world's best. That's not bad for an airport that in its opening year served only about 3,000 passengers, most of them on Vancouver sightseeing tours- now that's Auld Lang Syne.
Canada Line Open House At YVR
The Canada Line Project is inviting the public to an Open House at YVR to learn more about the airport portion of the rapid transit line.
Where: International Terminal East Concourse (Departures Level 3), near the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
When: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2006
Visitors will be able to learn more about preliminary station design and track alignment. The public will also have the opportunity to ask project partners questions about the line and provide feedback on the preliminary design options.
In addition, the Airport Authority will have information on long-term planning being undertaken that will guide airport development to 2027.
Relief For The Harried Traveller
Stuck waiting for a connecting flight? Frequent travellers often spend as many hours getting to their destination as at the destination itself. We know that interrupting your life and your responsibilities can be stressful, so we want your time at YVR to be as enjoyable and useful as possible.
YVR's innovative retail programs can help you finish off those last minute items on your to do list. Still needing to polish your report before your presentation in New York? Visit one of our premier lounges and catch up on business. Need a suit pressed in a hurry? Drop by our in-house dry cleaners.
We want passengers to have fun, too. For those who like to shop, YVR does not disappoint. In addition to our award-winning boutiques, YVR features a variety of retail carts throughout the terminals.
"The product offerings appeal to the changing wants and needs of the consumer and allow us to test the market," says Teresa D'Alessandro, Retail Leasing Representative. "Retail carts are a great opportunity for enterprising, small business operators to showcase their unique products in an exciting airport environment."
YVR boasts 16 retail carts with a wide range of products, including a treat for Fido at Aeropet, the perfect accessory for your next meeting from Charmed Designs, or a toy for your nephew at Toyland. Stop by Envy Me Body Solutions to pick up Air Flight Gel, a unique aromatherapy product that helps promote healthy circulation- perfect for long flights across the Pacific. The carts, designed with the savvy shopper in mind, all sell "value-priced" products.
"We're always looking for better ways to satisfy the needs of people who come to this airport," says Christopher Gilliland, Manager, Retail Sales and Service Programs. "It is important that we provide value for money and make the shopping experience at YVR a memorable one."
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