[Jasper and one o nin]

New air cargo service launched at Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton – WestCan International Airlines Ltd. has announced that it will commence new air cargo charter services from a base at Edmonton International Airport.

The company will operate a Boeing 727-100 freighter aircraft for charter work within Canada as well as transborder flights to and from the U.S. The aircraft is certified to operate on northern gravel and ice airstrips to re-supply the oilsands, mines and other remote resource developments.

“With a payload of 21,300 kilograms, this will be a great tool for the oil and gas and mining industries with large projects in Alberta and across the North,” says WestCan President Don Siddle.

Until now, on-demand service like this has not been readily available for manufacturers, suppliers and other local shippers of freight, out-sized loads, and perishables, or for urgent, direct delivery of other goods across the continent.

“Edmonton International Airport has put considerable resources into promoting air cargo service development to better meet growing industry demand in this region,” says John Olmstead, head of Business Development for WestCan. “We are pleased to support those efforts with a home-grown solution that will add links needed in the domestic and northern air networks, and expand international connections.”

In the coming months, WestCan will work with the freight industry, existing airlines and development agencies to expand Alberta’s and Canada’s trade markets. The company expects to build on the strength of the region’s economy and grow into a leading all-cargo airline in the West and beyond, Olmstead says.

“We welcome WestCan as our latest air cargo partner at Edmonton International Airport,” says Reg Milley, Edmonton Airports President and CEO. “The focus on Canada's north is important to Edmonton Airports and supports our vision to be the North's preferred gateway to the World, and the world’s preferred gateway to the North.”

[Canadian74]

^^^ Only one aircraft?

[Coldrsx]

^yuppers

[brento79]

Starting small is the best way. Better than buying to many.

[CanadianCentaur]

This below was recently added to YEG's Wikipedia article. Is this true?

"...Additionally, the EAA (Edmonton Airport's Authority) has decided that Edmonton must become an A380 compatible airport if it wants to see service from the growing Asia-Pacific and mid-Eastern markets. Negotiations are underway to bring YEG's taxiways up to the minimum required width for the super-jumbo. There are also hopes of turning Edmonton into an international freight hub given its proximity to numerous intermodal facilities, carriers showing interest in this idea are Global Supply Systems, Jade Cargo, and Shanghai Airlines Cargo."

Not to mention that the info on the Marriott has been deleted from that same Wiki article (no, not by me!), because somebody apparently thought that it's dead or something.

[DAVEinEDMONTON]

"...Additionally, the EAA (Edmonton Airport's Authority) has decided that Edmonton must become an A380 compatible airport if it wants to see service from the growing Asia-Pacific and mid-Eastern markets. Negotiations are underway to bring YEG's taxiways up to the minimum required width for the super-jumbo. There are also hopes of turning Edmonton into an international freight hub given its proximity to numerous intermodal facilities, carriers showing interest in this idea are Global Supply Systems, Jade Cargo, and Shanghai Airlines Cargo."

I cannot comment on the truth of the statement but it does sound in line with the EIA plans on becoming the Port of Alberta and handling increased airport cargo.

[Canadian74]

That would be cool!

[ExcaliburKid]

I noticed in the Journal today that the 777 actually made an appearance at YEG on Saturday. Looks impressive!

[Coldrsx]

with credits to "Aviation photo", please visit www.stratosphereaviation.com

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05564.jpg

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05601.jpg

[Coldrsx]

with credits to "Aviation photo", please visit www.stratosphereaviation.com

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05564.jpg

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05601.jpg

[Coldrsx]

with credits to "Aviation photo", please visit www.stratosphereaviation.com

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05564.jpg

http://www.stratosphereaviation.com/albums/userpics/10001/DSC05601.jpg

[Canadian74]

Nice pictures... Thanks.

[oilfan]

Okay, so I am trying to get from YEG to LAS, and am trying to see what flights are available. Why does AC refuse to show all connections when you try and book? I need to be in LAS by noon, and it is possible if I fly via DEN, but they will only let me fly through YVR and YYC. Does anyone know why? Does anyone know who we can contact to complain about this??

[Canadian74]

Is the flight sold out? Try another date.

[craneSpotter]

Okay, so I am trying to get from YEG to LAS, and am trying to see what flights are available. Why does AC refuse to show all connections when you try and book? I need to be in LAS by noon, and it is possible if I fly via DEN, but they will only let me fly through YVR and YYC. Does anyone know why? Does anyone know who we can contact to complain about this??

Do you have to fly AC? Fly Alaska/Horizon - they have a flight from YEG that gets you there before 11am via Seattle for a little over $300 return.

[tuffyy]

US airways has a nonstop flight that departs around 600am, or you can fly to PHX on US and connect if the LAS nonstop is sold out...

[DAVEinEDMONTON]

News to me but West Jet now has up to three flights a day on most days from Abbotsford direct to Edmonton...the times are better so I may be able to fly direct from now on....:cheers:

[oilfan]

Thanks. I'd rather fly Star Alliance, US Direct, so I'll go with United or US Airways. However, the problem that I am having persists. Unless you take the Vegas direct flight (on any day), you cannot book on AC on-line to get to LAS via DEN or SFO. AC will only route you through YYC or YVR.

[EdmTrekker]

Thanks. I'd rather fly Star Alliance, US Direct, so I'll go with United or US Airways. However, the problem that I am having persists. Unless you take the Vegas direct flight (on any day), you cannot book on AC on-line to get to LAS via DEN or SFO. AC will only route you through YYC or YVR.

Book through United - they will show the AC flights. Or use Farechase or FareCompare or Expedia etc.

[Coldrsx]

Northern air services take flight
Ron Chalmers, The Edmonton Journal
Published: 2:37 am

EDMONTON - Scheduled air service between Edmonton City Centre Airport and three northern Alberta communities resumes this week, four months after Peace Air stopped flying.

Daily flights between Grande Prairie and City Centre start today on Swanberg Air. On Monday, Peace River started receiving daily service via Northern Air, while Nor-Alta Aviation started daily flights to and from High Level.

These scheduled City Centre flights replace the service previously provided by Peace Air, which closed May 20 after 45 years as a charter and short-haul operator. "When we were informed that Peace Air was ceasing operations, we immediately launched a public request for proposals to award those routes," Edmonton Airports spokeswoman Traci Bednard said Monday.
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The three companies are starting with once-daily service in each direction but more flights could be added, she said.

Peace Air owner Albert Cooper has said his company was hurt by declining oilpatch activity and rising costs for fuel and maintenance.

He had criticized Edmonton Airports for limiting scheduled service at City Centre to aircraft with capacity of no more than 10 passengers.

The Commuter Air Access Network of Alberta welcomed the renewed service but continued its call for Edmonton Airports to support "open skies" by allowing scheduled service between City Centre and communities across Alberta, with 19-passenger aircraft.

George de Rappard, executive director of CAANA, said that lifting restrictions could connect City Centre to Cold Lake, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

The authority has no such plan, Bednard said. Edmonton voters decided in 1995 that air service should be consolidated at the International Airport.

Consolidation has helped Edmonton International attract more non-stop flights to other major cities, she said.

Services with small aircraft between City Centre and Grande Prairie, Peace River, High Level -- and Fort McMurray via Air Mikisew -- are not expected to compromise that goal, Bednard said.

rchalmers@thejournal.canwest.com


© The Edmonton Journal 2007

[Coldrsx]

Northern air services take flight
Ron Chalmers, The Edmonton Journal
Published: 2:37 am

EDMONTON - Scheduled air service between Edmonton City Centre Airport and three northern Alberta communities resumes this week, four months after Peace Air stopped flying.

Daily flights between Grande Prairie and City Centre start today on Swanberg Air. On Monday, Peace River started receiving daily service via Northern Air, while Nor-Alta Aviation started daily flights to and from High Level.

These scheduled City Centre flights replace the service previously provided by Peace Air, which closed May 20 after 45 years as a charter and short-haul operator. "When we were informed that Peace Air was ceasing operations, we immediately launched a public request for proposals to award those routes," Edmonton Airports spokeswoman Traci Bednard said Monday.
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Font:

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The three companies are starting with once-daily service in each direction but more flights could be added, she said.

Peace Air owner Albert Cooper has said his company was hurt by declining oilpatch activity and rising costs for fuel and maintenance.

He had criticized Edmonton Airports for limiting scheduled service at City Centre to aircraft with capacity of no more than 10 passengers.

The Commuter Air Access Network of Alberta welcomed the renewed service but continued its call for Edmonton Airports to support "open skies" by allowing scheduled service between City Centre and communities across Alberta, with 19-passenger aircraft.

George de Rappard, executive director of CAANA, said that lifting restrictions could connect City Centre to Cold Lake, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

The authority has no such plan, Bednard said. Edmonton voters decided in 1995 that air service should be consolidated at the International Airport.

Consolidation has helped Edmonton International attract more non-stop flights to other major cities, she said.

Services with small aircraft between City Centre and Grande Prairie, Peace River, High Level -- and Fort McMurray via Air Mikisew -- are not expected to compromise that goal, Bednard said.

rchalmers@thejournal.canwest.com


© The Edmonton Journal 2007

[Coldrsx]

August was another busy month at Edmonton International Airport. In fact, it was our busiest month, ever!

HIGHLIGHTS
- 595,047 passengers reported (508,207 in August 2006)
- The busiest month in EIA history

GROWTH %
- Overall 17.09% (August) and 18.33% (YTD)
- Domestic 14.59% (August) and 15.15% (YTD)
- Transborder 15.62% (August) and 19.65% (YTD)
- International 185.14% (August) and 93.37% (YTD)

-International growth was driven by Air Canada's daily flight to London Heathrow, Air Transat charter flights to London Gatwick and Frankfurt and Westjet flights to Puerto Vallarta

[Coldrsx]

^phenomenal numbers once again...but i cannot believe the DOM increases......jebus.

we should be around 6.18 million end of year or so...up from 5.2 in 2006. WOW!

[rapid_business]

suddenly your 6 mil. projection looks safe. Got those numbers anyone?

[fortroad]

There is a news story on Global tonight regarding more airlines wanting to use the city centre airport, allowing more passengers on planes.
They had better not. I was wishing it would be phased out.. Maybe they should build a airport close to the military base and close the cc airport once and for all!

[Rocket252]

Just saw the story.

Again this issue comes up.

This has to be put to bed once and for all.

[murman]

There is a news story on Global tonight regarding more airlines wanting to use the city centre airport, allowing more passengers on planes.
They had better not. I was wishing it would be phased out.. Maybe they should build a airport close to the military base and close the cc airport once and for all!

And once again, Edmonton is haunted by the ghost of "ain't got the b@lls".

[CMD UW]

/\ This issue always seems to conveniently come up around election time....

It's dead, don't worry about it.

[feepa]

^^ Is this issue coming back up due to the new mayoral candiadate Don Koziak and his ties to the hotel around the YXD?

[Coldrsx]

^this issue only comes up when personal issues are at stake/involved.

[fortroad]

You know, I think this should be a safety issue. Planes flying close to high density areas.. it is a disaster waiting to happen. I don't care what some pleople want, the day a plane hits the CN building or cleans out the kingsway mall there will be people screaming to close the airport all together.

[IKAN104]

And what's worse is that we already voted to close it and yet it remains open. Do we need another plebiscite?

[DAVEinEDMONTON]

You know, I think this should be a safety issue. Planes flying close to high density areas.. it is a disaster waiting to happen. I don't care what some people want, the day a plane hits the CN building or cleans out the kingsway mall there will be people screaming to close the airport all together.

Worse...planes have already hit the hospital but it does not seem to matter. As much as I would get behind this arguement to close the airport due to the high density it does not seem to be an important factor as lots of airports are in dense urban areas.

[CMD UW]

^this issue only comes up when personal issues are at stake/involved.

You're exactly right. Too bad that the only people who really care are those associated with businesses near the CCA.

[alberta raised]

August numbers
August 2007 595,047 August 2006 508,207 17.1% :tup:

[CanadianCentaur]

Hot damn! I love those numbers! :D

[CMD UW]

Unbelievable figures YEG is delivering....

[Coldrsx]

^numbers are there, but where is the next "phase"?

WE NEED:

-the hotel
-5 more gates
-much expanded US clearance area
-more retail/food
-more parking
-any transit

[Jasper and one o nin]

last time i was at the airport (August) It looked like they were working on apron expansion where the de icing and new concorse or finger will go.

[Coldrsx]

^yup, i believe it is a drive through for 2 plane capacity...

[Coldrsx]

from booster at c2e:

"Went to a tourism event this morning and Reg Milley was the speaker. A couple of interesting points that I can remember is airport will be 100% smoke free as of Nov 1 with those spaces changing to retail, food outlets. They are in the process of a $900 million dollar plan which will be presented to their board in the next short while to expand the airport itself. 17 gates to 22 and more space in the transborder area. 300 parking spots of the new parkade structure will be open for the Christmas period. The hotel is still going ahead with ground breaking in winter/Spring but the one interesting note is it is much larger then originally planned. Never gave specifics.

Interesting stats that they have had an increase of 17% from Calgarians connecting in Edmonton in the last year. Flights being worked on are New York, Florida and to my surprise Warsaw along with Frankfurt, Amsterdam. Anybody know if the Warsaw airport is big? Guess it makes sense with the high percentage of eastern Europeans living in Alberta.

And he said they are getting very close to getting bus service to the airport. And possibly a coach service for guests. Does the airport ever need it. Sky Shuttle is not nearly as good as it was a year ago (even then it wasn't amazing)

No other details.

Thats all I can remember but he was definitely enthusiastic.

"

[Coldrsx]

Business travel heading north of 60

Mining and tourism helping drive northern commerce


By Monte Stewart - Business Edge
Published: 09/07/2007 - Vol. 7, No. 18

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Business travel is on the rise in Canada's North, say tourism and aviation operators above and below the 60th parallel.

Diamonds, energy, conventions, corporate retreats and even the famous Northern Lights are prompting airlines to offer more flights to Yellowknife and points farther north - while also giving hope to destination promoters who fight stereotypes about cold weather in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

According to northern tourism associations, tourist traffic traditionally outpaces business travel by a wide margin north of 60.

This winter, Air Canada, through its Jazz subsidiary, will offer daily non-stop flights between Vancouver and Yellowknife using its 50-seat Bombardier CRJ aircraft.
Photo courtesy of Air North
Air North is marketing new vacation packages to the business leisure market as it works to builds its customer base.

"No. 1, there is business traffic between Vancouver and Yellowknife with the mining industry," says Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah. "Secondly, we do expect it to be popular with some of the leisure travellers, particularly from Asia - Japan in particular - for the Northern Lights."

Japanese couples, who have flocked to the North in recent years, believe conceiving children under the Aurora Borealis bodes well for a family's future. Air Canada has scheduled the Vancouver-Yellowknife flights to connect with planes arriving in Vancouver from Tokyo and Osaka.

When the winter season draws to a close, Air Canada will consider extending the Vancouver-Yellowknife service into the summer. The route addition comes after Canada's largest air carrier began offering direct daily flights between Calgary, Edmonton and Yellowknife last year.

Debra Ryan, a spokeswoman for Whitehorse-based Air North, says more corporate passengers will be a factor in the company's expected decision to acquire more aircraft within three years, although it caters primarily to Yukoners. The company has steadily increased its load factor in recent years.

Air North offers business-class service five flights per week to Whitehorse from Calgary and Edmonton, plus nine flights per week in summer and seven in winter to Vancouver. The company also provides connecting service to Whitehorse from Toronto and points farther east, carries passengers to Dawson City, Old Crow and Inuvik, and links with several smaller airlines that fly to destinations closer to the Arctic Circle.

Ryan says Air North's meal service, increased competition with Air Canada - which has resulted in a 30-per-cent reduction in fares since 2002 - and increased mining and oil and gas activity are drawing more corporate passengers, who often stay overnight in Whitehorse.

Air North is also marketing vacation packages to the so-called business leisure market - passengers who combine business with sightseeing - from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

In addition to Air Canada and Air North, Ottawa-based First Air - by far the region's largest airline operator - and Canadian North provide scheduled service to the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. WestJet also provides many connecting flights.

Ryan says many people don't understand flight routes and schedules when trying to reach northern destinations. But some business passengers have become "quite savvy" at combining northern carriers' products with those of WestJet and Air Canada to get to outlying communities as quickly as possible.

She expects the world's increasing demand for hydrocarbons, the reopening of Yukon mines and the steady influx of major retail chains, including Superstore and Starbucks, to boost Air North's traffic in future.

In 2006, Air North generated $37.5 million, up 25 per cent from the previous year, while ridership increased seven per cent to about 107,000. Totals are expected to climb again this year. The airline also carted four million pounds of cargo, which has a strong link to business travel because many companies fly in heavy equipment as well as personnel.

First Air vice-president of marketing and sales Jim Ballingall predicts slow, steady growth of airline traffic in the North. The company will add a new year-round, six-day-a week route between Winnipeg, Thompson, Man., and Rankin Inlet this November.

Ballingall points to Yellowknife, a city of about 17,000 people, as an example of just how competitive northern aviation can be.

Three airlines - First Air, Air Canada and Canadian North - operate 10 flights per day between Yellowknife, Calgary and Edmonton.

"You wouldn't see that anywhere else in Canada, anywhere else in the world, I wouldn't think, going into a town that small," he says.

First Air offers flights to the North from four main southern bases - Ottawa, Winnipeg, Montreal and Edmonton - and connects to Vancouver with Air Canada. The firm, which has 1,000 employees system-wide, also operates many short-haul flights from three main northern centres - Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Yellowknife - while serving about 24 northern communities.

Ballingall says "a good percentage" of the firm's 225,000 passengers per year are business travellers.

"When you say business travellers, they're travelling to the mines," he says. "You've got consultants, you've got government officials, you've got health officials - it's a broad spectrum."

Different travel aviation industry insiders offer differing definitions of a northern business traveller.

Passengers include mining and energy company personnel headed to work at mines and exploration sites, often bringing equipment with them.

Ballingall describes cargo as "a mainstay" of the company's operations. Last year, First Air purchased its second Lockheed 382G Hercules plane to help cope with increased cargo volume. The Hercules, often used on military and international relief missions, costs upward of US$15 million and can carry about 20,000 kilograms per trip.

"We're the only operator of civilian-registered Hercs (in Canada)," says Ballingall. "They fly 365 days a year in the North on supply to the mines (and) on hauling fuel.

"You've gotta remember that north of 60, the only way in and out of the communities is via air. We are the road of the North."

First Air is considering the purchase of a "wide-bodied freighter," possibly a Boeing 767, that would operate primarily between Eastern Canada and the North.

Rick Erickson, a leading Calgary-based aviation industry analyst, does not expect a huge increase in corporate passenger and cargo traffic in the North in coming years, despite increasing industrial activity.

"Other than the diamond mining exploration cycle going on in Yellowknife right now, I think that the market is fairly mature," he says. "It's a steady-as-she-goes (market.)

"Costs are relatively high because of the high operating costs of specialized equipment in northern weather. So there are some challenges and problems with that."

He suggests airline traffic will remain strong, because aviation is "indispensable" to the North's social and economic wellbeing, and there are no alternatives when it comes to transporting everything from milk to generators to remote communities.

But most cargo loads are too small to generate big gains, he adds, and projects such as the long-proposed Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline will only produce temporary traffic spikes.

"(Travel operators) have not been overly successful in terms of tourism, trying to get southern Canadians - or anybody for that matter - to visit because of the cost and challenges," he adds.

But Jenn Houtby, managing director of the Yukon Convention Bureau, says business events are increasing in the Territories. Her group expects to generate approximately $7 million in direct spending this fiscal year.

"It's a bit skewed because we hosted the Canada (Winter) Games this year," says Houtby. "Traditionally, we would be somewhere around the $4-million mark. Next year, we're on track to do between $4.5-$5 million."

The Yukon hosts 5,000-6,000 convention delegates annually - the equivalent of one large conference in Vancouver. Houtby says the amount of convention-related spending by visitors has almost doubled to about $5 million from $2.5 million, and her bureau's membership has increased about 20 per cent in each of the past three years.

"Our bread-and-butter market at this time is the association market," she says.

But the bureau still faces lengthy delays when it comes to winning convention contracts - and fighting stereotypes about cold weather, lack of amenities and inaccessibility.

Instead of the usual three months to a year to secure a contract, it could take the Yukon a year or two.

Then, like convention-centre operators everywhere else, her bureau must wait three to five years for the actual event to be held.

But attitudes about latitudes are changing.

Northern business travellers also tend to stay longer - two or three weeks on average - than those who can visit southern destinations more frequently. And the Yukon stands to benefit as more Canadian companies require conventions to be held at home rather than in other countries following 9/11.

Corporate retreats are also on the rise, she says. Japan's Toshiba Corp. has booked a lodge for 35 employees in September.

"We're getting more and more requests for that type of business, which is new for us," she says.

(Monte Stewart can be reached at monte@businessedge.ca)

[Coldrsx]

Dual-purpose airport attracts 'condo' buyers

Pilot-owners laud unique ownership plan


By Laura Severs - Business Edge
Published: 09/07/2007 - Vol. 7, No. 18

EmailPrintComment

They've cooked up a different way to run an airport in northern Alberta - they've gone condo.

At the Cooking Lake Airport - the only facility in the province with both a floatplane base and a conventional runway - the traditional model of running an airport has taken a backseat. Instead, the undertaking is described as the only airport in Canada operating with a condominium ownership structure.

Primarily a recreational flying facility for floatplanes and small aircraft, Cooking Lake Airport has one paved runway, two floatplane launch ramps, 20 floating docks, approximately 25,000 annual aircraft movements and an economic impact to the surrounding area of $13 million.

Located 20 kilometres east of Edmonton in Strathcona County, it also includes 74 condo hangar lots, 66 hangars and 75 tie-down stalls with power.
Photo illustration courtesy of Edmonton Airports
A concept of planned expansion of the Cooking Lake Airport, 20 km east of Edmonton.

And while the bare-land condominium aspect that makes the airport unique has been in operation for more than 10 years, the model is working so well that expansion is on the drawing board.

"The intention is to bring additional lots on because as we understand, there is fair demand for those lots," says Andy Shanks, manager of general aviation services for Edmonton Airports, which manages and operates the Cooking Lake airport in addition to Edmonton International, City Centre and Villeneuve airports.

"We've been talking about this for quite some time now and have identified the area and what the plan might look like."

However, a timeline for the proposed expansion has not been finalized - despite the fact that all existing condo property is accounted for.

"If there was space, we could sell more condos. We've got tons of people who would want to build out here," says Cooking Lake Condominium Association president Steven Blue.

"Selling a hangar (on the condominium property) out there is really easy because demand outstrips supply," adds Jim Johannsson, a senior manager in the telecommunications field and a condo association member who flies his own Cessna for recreational purposes and occasionally on business.

"All you have to do is tell a few folks and word will get around. Or just put a notice on the bulletin board in the terminal and it will sell very quickly."

That overall demand is being fuelled by a strong economy and an interest in recreational aviation by business owners, professionals and retired people.

"The economy is generating a lot of cash and a lot of folks can afford these things," says Shanks.

There are more than 70 members of the Cooking Lake Condominium Association, which is comprised of the owners of the hangar lots. Members pay an annual fee to the condo association to cover condominium common property upkeep and upgrades, as well as funding the organization's reserve fund, an access fee to Edmonton Airports and property taxes to Strathcona County.

"When Edmonton Airports purchased the (Cooking Lake) airport, there was a very strong feeling among the tenants that they wanted to own their property," says Shanks.

By opting for this unique arrangement, Edmonton Airports generated a substantial amount of cash that has gone into a capital reserve fund and is used for Cooking Lake airport purposes. At the same time, Edmonton Airports retains full control over the non-condo portions of the facility.

"The tenants at the time (before the Edmonton Airports purchase) were leasing their lots from Alberta Transportation and they had a keen interest in purchasing those lots," says Shanks. "In order to provide them that opportunity, we created a bare-land condominium - it provides the same sort of arrangement as in a conventional condominium and falls under provincial condominium legislation."

Orville Hewitt, president and chief flight instructor of the Cooking Lake Aviation Academy Inc., was one of the first to take advantage of the opportunity.

"I thought it was a step forward for general aviation," says Hewitt. "The property has more than tripled in value since I purchased it. I made additional investments because I own the property. I've improved the facilities considerably since I've been here. Now it's become an investment whereas before, you were just leasing."

Hewitt, who trains both career and recreational flyers, has been in aviation for 33 years. Graduates of his academy can be found flying for Air Canada, WestJet, United, Delta and other major air carriers.

Johannsson, who flies his Cessna once or twice a week when the weather is good, agrees that the condo model works well.

"The condominium arrangement at a public airport such as Cooking Lake Airport is truly innovative in Canada," says Johannsson.

"Operation of the airport is the responsibility of the Edmonton Airports but a superb working relationship with Edmonton Airports means that the members of the condominium are actively involved in directing the maintenance standards and the future direction of the airport."

Ownership, adds Blue, has its privileges.

"With the (condominium) board made up of elected members, owners have the added benefit of having people to help look after their best interests," he says.

"Those interests would be making sure that you have eyes and ears monitoring anything happening within the county (of Strathcona) with regards to zoning or development or anything like that, as well as monitoring water lake levels - and water lake levels are important because it's a floatplane base."

(Laura Severs can be reached at laura@businessedge.ca)

[tuffyy]

EAA is in the process of talking to LOT polish airlines who flew seasonal nonstops from Warsaw (WAW.) to Edmonton up until 2002.The flight was almost always packed using a IL-62 at the start then a 767.I would be thrilled to see LOT back at YEG,as would Edmonton's very large polish community.Not a big surprise to see this one....After all LOT served YEG from the mid 80's right up till Sept 11 took its course...

[LO 044]

from booster at c2e:

"Went to a tourism event this morning and Reg Milley was the speaker. Flights being worked on are New York, Florida and to my surprise Warsaw along with Frankfurt, Amsterdam. Anybody know if the Warsaw airport is big? Guess it makes sense with the high percentage of eastern Europeans living in Alberta. Flights being worked on are New York, Florida and to my surprise Warsaw along with Frankfurt, Amsterdam. Anybody know if the Warsaw airport is big? Guess it makes sense with the high percentage of eastern Europeans living in Alberta.
I'm not that surprised by Warsaw. LOT Polish Airlines was one of the first customers to purchase the Boeing 787. All 8 firm orders are scheduled for delivery in 2008. I've always said we might see a LOT 787 faster than an AC 787 at YEG.

Warsaw airport handled over 8 million passengers in 2006. It's not a big airport relative to Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, etc. but i know for a fact that when LOT flew charters to YEG, they were 95% full with Poles, Ukranians, and a handfull of people connecting to the middle east. I've never understood why this route wasn't advertised more when it existed. Maybe back then WAW wasn't a real player but you now have all the low-cost carriers drooling over Warsaw and Poland in general and why not with about 40 million people living in an area half the size of Alberta. It is now a lot easier making connections in Warsaw further east or to central Europe.

LOT Polish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance and i'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing because of Air Canada. I guess AC might object to LO stealing passengers from their YEG-YYZ, YEG-LHR and YYC-FRA runs but perhaps they could cooperate in the same way AC and LH cooperate without the need of using their own aircraft.

To give you an example of WAW's growth in terms of passengers per year:
2003-5,166,991
2004-6,085,111
2005-7,071,881
2006-8,101,827

[Coldrsx]

^basically looks like YEG's:>

[Jasper and one o nin]

Edmonton International goes smoke-free on Nov. 1

Edmonton, Alta. – For the comfort and well being of all passengers and employees, Edmonton International Airport will become a smoke-free facility and workplace effective Nov. 1, 2007.

Currently, smoking is permitted inside three enclosed smoking rooms in the Departures Lounge (post-security) and inside the separate, enclosed lounge areas of two licensed restaurants – one located pre-security and the other post-security.

All indoor smoking areas will be closed. For the convenience of those who would like to smoke, six clearly marked outdoor smoking areas will be available pre-security on both the Departures and Arrivals Levels. Outdoor smoking areas will be located away from doors and other high-traffic pedestrian areas.

The decision to move to a smoke-free terminal was based on a growing trend in airports and other public places to address concerns over workplace health and safety and other issues.

Federal and provincial regulations prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces are expected to come into effect by Jan. 1, 2008.

“Edmonton International is happy to provide a healthy, smoke-free environment for all of its customers, tenants and staff,” said Reg Milley, President and CEO, Edmonton Airports. “We believe that our corporate responsibility extends to reducing the controllable risks to the health and safety of our customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Providing a smoke-free facility and workplace will contribute to this goal.”

Smoke-free public places and workplaces are fast becoming the standard throughout the world. Many airports in Canada and the United States are already 100 per cent smoke-free indoors.

[Jasper and one o nin]

^ Damn! And i was thinking of taking up smoking this year!

[Jasper and one o nin]

EAA is in the process of talking to LOT polish airlines who flew seasonal nonstops from Warsaw (WAW.) to Edmonton up until 2002.The flight was almost always packed using a IL-62 at the start then a 767.I would be thrilled to see LOT back at YEG,...

IL-62 - eeesh! I flew on one of those this year.

[CanadianCentaur]

Il-62s? I never knew LOT flew these Russian planes into YEG before it used 767s. The Il-62 must've been an incredibly loud plane to fly on, maybe even louder than even a non-hushkitted 737-200.

LOT's fleet is made entirely of Western aircraft now. And if LOT does fly into Edmonton, it might not be using just the 767-200, but also the 787, as it has orders for 8 787-8s (and 1 option) and 6 787-9s.

[LO 044]

Il-62s? I never knew LOT flew these Russian planes into YEG before it used 767s. The Il-62 must've been an incredibly loud plane to fly on, maybe even louder than even a non-hushkitted 737-200.

LOT's fleet is made entirely of Western aircraft now. And if LOT does fly into Edmonton, it might not be using just the 767-200, but also the 787, as it has orders for 8 787-8s (and 1 option) and 6 787-9s.
Actually, 8 787-8's are firm orders to be delivered in 2008 while the others are all options but whose counting. I was lucky (or unlucky depending how you look at it) to fly the YEG-WAW route on both of LOT's IL-62 and Boeing 767. The IL-62 flew via YYZ picking up a few passengers (and refuelling i assume). I don't remember the flight being too noisy but i'm sure it wasn't as quiet as in the 767. One thing i do remember is that they gave us sky blue LOT Polish Airlines socks for the flight and i do remember it being a little cool. Needles to say, these funky socks were not handed out on the nonstop YEG-WAW flight on the 767.

I'd love to see LOT back regardless if it was the 767 or 787 because eventually the 767 would be replaced by a 787. LOT's new flights next year to Beijing will be 3 times per week so once a week to YEG could be possible.

[tuffyy]

Hey LO 044 I have some good news for you...I spoke to Reg Milley today regarding the current construction at the airport and brought up the LOT to Edmonton bit...He laughed and said ''what makes you think its LOT?''.Good news LOT approached EAA and not the other way around about wanting to re-start the YEG-WAW route for next spring...Looks like it will happen...But that's all I got.

[EdmTrekker]

Hey LO 044 I have some good news for you...I spoke to Reg Milley today regarding the current construction at the airport and brought up the LOT to Edmonton bit...He laughed and said ''what makes you think its LOT?''.Good news LOT approached EAA and not the other way around about wanting to re-start the YEG-WAW route for next spring...Looks like it will happen...But that's all I got.

Good grief - that would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!. I would fly just to support it!! We are going to owe Edmonton's Polish Community big time...now if only the Dutch would get behind a flight to AMS from KLM or even push Martinair to offer year round scheduled. Where the heck is that great Dutch community???

[Coldrsx]

how about the chinese community to HK on cathay:>

[tuffyy]

This route is was suspended in a big way due due to Sept 11 and LO's concentration on YYZ.I expect we will see a 767 again when its launched...

[LO 044]

Hey LO 044 I have some good news for you...I spoke to Reg Milley today regarding the current construction at the airport and brought up the LOT to Edmonton bit...He laughed and said ''what makes you think its LOT?''.Good news LOT approached EAA and not the other way around about wanting to re-start the YEG-WAW route for next spring...Looks like it will happen...But that's all I got.
So you asked Reg whether he approached LOT and he specifically said that it was the other way around? I'm curious what you mean by Reg's ''what makes you think its LOT?'' comment. Does that mean you asked him something like "So is LOT the new international carrier/route we're getting?" and then he said ''what makes you think its LOT?''. I'm a tad confused.

Regardless it would be great. The Polish community alone will easily snap many tickets for these flights. The question is what kind of hoopla will this route launch get compared to AC to LHR. Maybe not the same but i'd love for Air Canada to codeshare on this route somehow. When the YEG-WAW route existed, i was in Vancouver at one time and saw LOT advertising the YEG-WAW route on local TV. It would be nice to lure some more YYC and YVR passengers from their LHR/FRA flights.

[tuffyy]

^I asked about the YEG-WAW route and said ''so LOT is coming back?'' thats all, nothing to be confused about...I dont think?He replied as such.I work at YEG and our company is in the middle of some major construction at the moment so I meet with the EAA on a regular basis.I get alot of news before most that is all.Dont be confused please.If anything be a little happy...By the way the YEG-FRA route is still a major priority for us at YEG, so dont fret...

[LO 044]

Sounds good tuffyy. Keep the news coming.

[Coldrsx]

imagine we get a frankfurt and a warsaw....AWSOME!

[brento79]

Hmmm...Lot is the forgotten Star Alliance Partner...

[Coldrsx]

LOT, KLM, LUFT....i want all 3 at YEG come 2008

[tuffyy]

^Dont we all....I am hoping 2008 is a better year announcement wise, with the numbers continuing to soar the way they are people have got to be taking notice.

Today I also booked my YEG-Cancun trip for November.I will be taking sunwings new flight as it was almost $400 cheaper than Transat,skyservice and AC.The only part I am not a fan of is we stop in YYC to pickup passengers then continue on but no change of plane.Then comes the joy of hoping the tour companies bus in CUN then the hour and a half ride south to riviera maya...Oh well at least they give you beer on the bus!!!

[Coldrsx]

i think we will be absolutely amazed at the NOV-MARCH numbers considering we will have almost double the sunspots this year and LHR year round...

[brento79]

Transborder and domestic numbers have to start even out soon with no increased capacity.

[Coldrsx]

^have to indeed...but seemingly arent.

[tuffyy]

This years sunspot list is very impressive...We have alot more choices this year.Skyservice seems to be the leader in total new spots served and with Sunwing joining in it should be good.Transat has not moved much,AC looks about the same except Montego bay starts alot earlier than lastyear...Should be a good winter for numbers...

[brento79]

^have to indeed...but seemingly arent.

I believe the numbers haven't fallen flat yet due to large increases in capacity last year by both major airlines that serve YEG. Since we haven't seen much at all this year, if something doesn't happen soon numbers in transborder and domestic will stablize.

[EdmTrekker]

^Dont we all....I am hoping 2008 is a better year announcement wise, with the numbers continuing to soar the way they are people have got to be taking notice.

Today I also booked my YEG-Cancun trip for November.I will be taking sunwings new flight as it was almost $400 cheaper than Transat,skyservice and AC.The only part I am not a fan of is we stop in YYC to pickup passengers then continue on but no change of plane.Then comes the joy of hoping the tour companies bus in CUN then the hour and a half ride south to riviera maya...Oh well at least they give you beer on the bus!!!

ah - that is Not - NON-STOP. Sounds like Westjet Charter...so you might as well have booked through Westjet to YYC and then any flight to CUN. If its NOT a NON-STOP flight my dear Tuffy - its is NOT a flight at all! "Direct" is not worth a tickers damn! You will debark from CUN at YYC to customs and the embarky at YYC on to YEG - helping YYC and not YEG.

[tuffyy]

Actually I was told this aircraft has its baggage area's seperated,one section for YEG bags and another for YYC bags so that we dont all deplane in YYC.We are only on the ground in YYC for 30 minutes both ways and then the aircraft heads to YEG were we will clear customs...Already checked into this.So either its true or sunwing is lying.

[brento79]

That is actually a good option. I really hope Sunwing does well here.

[EdmTrekker]

Actually I was told this aircraft has its baggage area's seperated,one section for YEG bags and another for YYC bags so that we dont all deplane in YYC.We are only on the ground in YYC for 30 minutes both ways and then the aircraft heads to YEG were we will clear customs...Already checked into this.So either its true or sunwing is lying.

As I understand it, Canada Customs does not allow that on international flights. Martinair for example on their YEG/YYC routings - all passengers without exception must clear customs on the first city of arrival into Canada. Check with Canada Customs since your at YEG and share what you hear...and if they do - then why is the Martinair flight from AMS to YYC - to YEG force all YEG destined passengers to deplane in YYC and clear customs in YYC.

[DAVEinEDMONTON]

As I understand it, Canada Customs does not allow that on international flights. Martinair for example on their YEG/YYC routings - all passengers without exception must clear customs on the first city of arrival into Canada. Check with Canada Customs since your at YEG and share what you hear...and if they do - then why is the Martinair flight from AMS to YYC - to YEG force all YEG destined passengers to deplane in YYC and clear customs in YYC.

I was returning from Cuba on a Cuba-yyc-yvr flight last year and we did not have to clear customs in Calgary first...it might depend on the airline?? maybe Martinair does not have access to an international gate on arrival in Edmonton??...would be interesting to know why...

[lubicon]

I'm pretty sure you do not have to deplane and clear customs in YYC if you are continuing on to YEG provided that no passengers are picked up in YYC. This would almost certainly be the case for the sun charters. Martinair may be different depending on the schedule. If for example they fly AMS-YYC-YEG-AMS then I can see you having to deplane in YYC and clear customs, then getting back on and continuing to YEG. This is because they would be picking up passengers in YYC before continuing on to YEG and untimately AMS. You cannot mix 'sterile' (non cleared) passengers who are getting off in YEG with the new passenges youhave just picked up in YYC.

Simply put, as long as you are not picking up passengers at the intermediate stop then there is no need to get off, clear customs, then reboard. That is how it worked when I used to fly AA from YEG-DFW (with a stop in YYC) back in the good old days. I never had to deplane in YYC.

[EdmTrekker]

Can alyone shed any light into why the ZOOM website schedule is NOT showing flights from YEG to LGW for 2008??. Other cities are loaded. Has ZOOM zoomed out of here?? Anyone at EAA know??

http://www.flyzoom.com/

[LO 044]

That's interesting. Winnipeg is also not loaded into the system. If anyone were to leave, i thought it would have been Air Transat. But then again, perhaps TS gets some passengers to London via travel packages as opposed to Zoom who simply fly people from point A to point B.

[tuffyy]

The flights that are operated on behalf of Canadian affair will restart on May 28/08 with air transat using a A310 every Wednesday.

[EdmTrekker]

That is right - Air Transat has Non-Stop YEG-FRA loaded into its scehdule. Also it flys for Canadian Affair - Non-Stop YEG-LGW and those flights are loaded into Canadian Affair Schedule at 40% less than Air Canada for June-July 2008 (I checked because I am flying to Europe and booking). As for ZOOM...not sure what is going on - and their website does not indicate. It may be that they just can not compete on the route. If they are smart - they will pick another European route to fly to from YEG...any ideas?? YEG to CDG? (they fly from YYC to CDG), YEG to MUC? YEG to Glasgow?

[EdmTrekker]

found this:

High elevation means winter sports elation
27 September 2007

Last winter’s awesome snow conditions ensured that UK winter sports enthusiasts enjoyed one of the longest ever seasons in the Rockies. With resorts opening from November through to May families, couples and individuals had ample opportunity to visit Alberta’s world-class resorts.

The draw of champagne powder snow, along with non-existent lift queues, favourable exchange rate and friendly expert tuition is tempting more Brits to head for the Rockies and experience the thrill of skiing in one of the world’s most pristine and beautiful mountain environments.

Building on last years success UK airlines and tour operators are providing the capacity and access to make reaching the Rockies even easier. Air Canada has just announced that their new London Heathrow to Edmonton flight will operate daily throughout the winter for the first time. Edmonton acts as a perfect gateway to Jasper National Park and the resort of Marmot Basin.

British Airways has been successfully operating its London Heathrow to Calgary flight for nearly a year, experiencing considerable demand. Crystal Ski has doubled its flight capacity to Alberta this winter as in addition to their existing charter seats they have also committed to a major allocation on the British Airways flight.

Likewise Inghams has capitalised on this increased demand by expanding its established winter sports programme. Zoom Airlines has strengthened its Canadian programme and operates flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow to Calgary, whilst Canadian Affair continues to offer great value, with two dedicated Calgary flights a week from Gatwick and Manchester.

With expectations of a great 2007/8 winter season Alberta’s resorts are gearing up for more great snow and an influx of visitors.

For Travel Alberta’s winter sports website see SkiCanadianRockies.com.

http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Ski_Holidays/article-141729.html

[CanadianCentaur]

For whose who say that YEG needs more restaurants/bars post-security, I'd definitely agree. I was flying out of YEG to YVR back this Wednesday, and you should see just how long the lineup into Montana's can get by late afternoon/early evening.

And they better get started on the WestJet gates expasion fast! It was crowded when I was there. Since that was on a Wednesday, I can't imagine how much worse it'd be on weekends or the holiday peak travel season. I did notice quite a bit of apron being torn up north of the current terminal, but I don't know whehther that's due to the hotel project (doubt so, because it was kind of far back from parking but I could be wrong), Westjet terminal expansion or just replacing asphalt/concrete.

[Jasper and one o nin]

HIGHLIGHTS
- 486,504 passengers reported (432,650 in September 2006)
- Continued double-digit growth and 5.9 million passengers total on a rolling 12-month basis

GROWTH%
- Overall 12.4% (September) and 17.7% (YTD)
- Domestic 9.2% (September) and 14.5% (YTD)
- Transborder 15.8% (September) and 19.2% (YTD)
- International 244.7% (September) and 99.1% (YTD)

[CanadianCentaur]

Cool, sounds like 6 million won't be very far - maybe the end of this month!

[Canadian74]

What's the projection for like 2010? Around 8.5 million, I guess?

It would be cool if we saw numbers like that for YYC! :D
245% International growth! Wow!

[CMD UW]

HIGHLIGHTS
- 486,504 passengers reported (432,650 in September 2006)
- Continued double-digit growth and 5.9 million passengers total on a rolling 12-month basis

GROWTH%
- Overall 12.4% (September) and 17.7% (YTD)
- Domestic 9.2% (September) and 14.5% (YTD)
- Transborder 15.8% (September) and 19.2% (YTD)
- International 244.7% (September) and 99.1% (YTD)
This is unreal. We will definately break 6-mil this year, easily.

[IKAN104]

Cool, sounds like 6 million won't be very far - maybe the end of this month!

The 5.9 million he quoted is for a "rolling 12 months". In other words from October 2006 to September 2007.

I'm pretty sure we'll still break six mil this year, but we'll need all twelve months to do it.

[Coldrsx]

we will be 6.1million

great to see!

[brento79]

I hope the lack on new flights is addressed at the meeting tomorrow. LAX needs another flight.
DEN, ORD, SLC need bigger aircraft.
IAH is proof of why we need more competition in Canada on Transborder routes. Air Canada has that market saturated via YYC. Our only hope is a return of CO, or WJ to enter the market.

I think Edmonton could support a winter charter in to Thailand as well, due to all our tourists.

[LO 044]

I hope the lack on new flights is addressed at the meeting tomorrow. LAX needs another flight.
DEN, ORD, SLC need bigger aircraft.
IAH is proof of why we need more competition in Canada on Transborder routes. Air Canada has that market saturated via YYC. Our only hope is a return of CO, or WJ to enter the market.

I think Edmonton could support a winter charter in to Thailand as well, due to all our tourists.
What meetings are these for and how often are they held? Who attends them? The airlines, YEG bigwigs, anyone else?

In one sense i don't see why WestJet doesn't try the YEG-IAH route since it seems like it's sorely missed at YEG. On the other hand, WJ is not a business airline, has no other airline to connect to at IAH and Houston simply isn't a leisure destination that anyone would want to fly to. I just don't see the oil tycoons flying non-business class on WJ, getting a happy birthday song on their flight and eating their chocolate chip cookies.

Unfortunately, we need competition on some of the existing routes to get better aircraft, better frequency and better service from Air Canada. I'm kind of surprised that American hasn't been mentioned much in terms of YEG service. I forget where their hubs are to be honest.

[Coldrsx]

"Ask Edmonton Airports Anything"

Edmonton Airports Fall Public Meeting - Oct. 11, 2007

Location: Telus World of Science (11211 - 142 St.)

Time: 6 p.m.

Featuring a moderated panel discussion with Edmonton Airports President and CEO Reg Milley and several members of the Executive Management Team.

An audience Q&A will follow.

[brento79]

off of Airliners.net

flyb
Depart YEG Arrive SFO
Flight #6487 7:00am 9:15am
Flight #6744 1:14pm 3:29pm

hope YEG sees more we need more.

[Coldrsx]

^new?

[murman]

"Ask Edmonton Airports Anything"

Edmonton Airports Fall Public Meeting - Oct. 11, 2007

Location: Telus World of Science (11211 - 142 St.)

Time: 6 p.m.

Featuring a moderated panel discussion with Edmonton Airports President and CEO Reg Milley and several members of the Executive Management Team.

An audience Q&A will follow.

"Why do you plan in advance, and yet (resolutely) execute in arrears?"

[LO 044]

"Ask Edmonton Airports Anything"

Edmonton Airports Fall Public Meeting - Oct. 11, 2007

Location: Telus World of Science (11211 - 142 St.)

Time: 6 p.m.

Featuring a moderated panel discussion with Edmonton Airports President and CEO Reg Milley and several members of the Executive Management Team.

An audience Q&A will follow.
I'm glad i asked. Are these meetings ever advertised anywhere? I couldn't find any info regarding this "Ask Edmonton Airports Anything" open meeting on the EIA website.

Does the Q and A start at 6pm? Or is the panel discussion start at 6pm where everyone can listen in.

[brento79]

^new?

Right now the morning flight is the only flight to sfo. So that equals an extra 70 flights a day.

Wonder if LAX will be added to 2x with more filming happening in Edmonton with Lions gate?

[JAH]

Anybody know how much air traffic has increased for destinations north of Edmonton over the years? I've always heard Edm referred to as the Gateway to the North.. just curious what the numbers are like these days.

Living in MacEwan (close to airport), I'm actually quite surprised to see
all the planes that fly over my house heading north.

[Coldrsx]

^

http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5347

[EdmTrekker]

off of Airliners.net

flyb
Depart YEG Arrive SFO
Flight #6487 7:00am 9:15am
Flight #6744 1:14pm 3:29pm

hope YEG sees more we need more.

Brento - I do not see the pm flight on the schedule - when does it start??

[brento79]

Anybody know how much air traffic has increased for destinations north of Edmonton over the years? I've always heard Edm referred to as the Gateway to the North.. just curious what the numbers are like these days.

Living in MacEwan (close to airport), I'm actually quite surprised to see
all the planes that fly over my house heading north.

Here is stats from 2006:

-Passengers from Grande Prairie, Ft Mc Murray, Yellowknife and Saskatoon using YEG to connect to other destinations increased over 42per cent in 2006
-Passengers from those four markets using Edmonton as there final destination increased 23 percent in 2006
- YEG surpassed YVR to offer more seats per week to the northern communities than any other community.

On that note. The city centre airport is also one of the fastest growing airports for movements per Transport Canada.

[Jasper and one o nin]

So, I saw the latest plan at the airport q and a. I didnt stick around. Not sure about the expansion. basically it is an extension of the south terminal towards the southeast allowing aircraft to access the terminal on both sides. Will be done in two phases so that operations are not sacrificed. First a satellite terminal and then connect the satellite with the south terminal. Did not appear to be any addition of groundside and no new curbside access.
I didnt ask about timelines

[Jasper and one o nin]

$1B airport expansion won't raise fees

Thu, October 11, 2007
By RENATO GANDIA, SUN MEDIA

A $1-billion three-phase expansion to the Edmonton International Airport won’t trigger immediate increases in airport fees, says its chief executive officer.

The ballooning number of passengers at the airport has forced the expansion but management will generate a construction fund largely from “non-aeronautical” revenues, Reg Milley told Sun Media in a phone interview today before attending a public meeting at Telus World of Science.

Passengers are not going to see an increase in the airport improvement fee while other air terminals in Canada have increased that fee from $16 to $20 recently, he said.

“We don’t foresee having to do that in the near future. At some point in time we may have to, but not right now.”

The airport has been experiencing unprecedented growth due to the economic boom, he said.

“We’re growing at a rate that’s far exceeding any airport in Canada, pretty much in North America.”

The three-phase expansion will begin in 2008 and is expected to be finished by 2012, just in time for when the number of passengers at the international airport is expected to swell by 8% or from six million to nine million annually.

A building will be added to the south end of the terminal and new gates for departure and arrival will be opened.

Currently, the airport has 17 gates, which departing and arriving airplanes clog most days, Milley said.

“Every morning there’s an airplane in every gate waiting to get in or to get out and most days there’s a third plane waiting,” said the CEO.

To help ease the congestion, the airport will expand its apron space – parking for aircrafts – for the first phase of expansion, followed by the construction of a hammer-head-like building with 13 new gates.

The third phase will be connecting the hammer head to the existing terminal.

Aeronautical fees for the airlines are also not expected to go up.

“If we increase fees to the airlines, they just pass it on to the customers. You don’t want to do that,” said Milley. “That’s why we’re doing a phased approach.” Edmonton Airports, he said, is in a “unique position” to generate revenues from other sources.

“We’ve got land that we can develop and get non-aeronautical revenues,” he said, but did not elaborate on what kind of development management may consider.

The airport expansion itself will add new retail and food concession spaces, which are revenue sources, he said. Plus the continued increase in passengers will bring more revenue to the airport, he added.

Ward 5 Coun. Bryan Anderson said the airport needs to negotiate with the City of Edmonton and ETS to bring regular bus service to the airport to alleviate its “parking woes.”

Construction of the new expansion is expected to peak by late 2009 to early 2010.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Billion-dollar expansion set to take off at International
Airport expects 50% more passengers by 2012
DAVID FINLAYSON
Edmonton Airports will spend $1 billion expanding the international airport to handle the forecast nine million passengers a year in 2012.


Work will start next year on 13 new passenger walkways linking aircraft to the terminal, and more space for parked planes. There will also be a new concourse, more parking and retail space, and a bigger U.S. transborder holding area, CEO Reg Milley said Thursday.


“We have to catch up with the unprecedented 50-per-cent growth since 2004. The current terminal was designed for 5.5 million passengers by 2015, and we’ll hit 6.1 million this year.


“In the past we had the luxury of being ahead of the curve, but now we’re trying to catch up.”


Just over a year ago, when Milley first said further expansion would be necessary, the tentative cost estimate was $100 million to $150 million over five years.


Even as late as last December, the authority set up $200 million in financing with Alberta Capital Finance Authority.


But Milley said Thursday that was based on 7.5 million passengers by 2012, when it’s more likely to be nine million as the Alberta economy shows no signs of slowing down over the next two or three years.


The authority will be talking to ACFA about extending its credit facility to cover the new costs, he said. ACFA is a special-act corporation established in 1956 by the province to finance major capital projects.

As a shareholder, Edmonton Airports can borrow money at favourable rates.


There are no plans to increase either airport landing fees or the airport improvement fee, he said.


“A lot of airports have increased the AIF from $15 to $20, but we don’t plan to do that.”


A major priority is building a new arm of plane arrival and departure bridges, he said.


The current 17 bridges are full first thing every morning, and there are often second and third waves of planes waiting, he added.


The new bridge will be built away from the main terminal so disruption of current facilities is minimal. Passengers will be transported to the new gates as they are built, and the arm will be connected to the terminal when it’s completed.


“We’re hoping it will all be seamless for passengers with tickets,” Milley said. “We can’t afford to lose any gates during construction.”


The current squeeze on labour and materials is “a huge concern” heading into further expansion, he said.


There will be a competitive bidding process, but it’s a big enough project that the authority believes it can form long-term alliances with contractors to make sure deadlines are met, he said.


Moving fencelines to put the expansion projects outside the heavily secured airside area will mean construction workers won’t have to go through daily security checks. That alone will save 25 per cent on construction costs, he said.


Milley said he’s thankful the previous administration had the vision to build the previous terminal expansion, completed three years ago, despite criticism they were building a white elephant.


The phenomenal passenger growth has taken the international from a small airport to a medium-sized one in three years, and that’s unprecedented in North America, he said.