Conference Board Report Highlights Need for National Aviation Policy to Support Economic Competitiveness

Report Examines Aviation Sector Cost Competitiveness Challenges

OTTAWA, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Airports Council today called a Conference Board of Canada report on cross border shopping of air travel a timely reminder of the need for the development of a new national aviation policy for Canada.  The report outlines possible approaches for government and industry to take to address industry cost competitiveness challenges.

"Aviation plays such a vital role in the Canadian economy.  With such a large landmass, many of Canada's most important economic sectors rely heavily on aviation. Our growing international air links are important for our trade-oriented future," said CAC Chairman Tom Ruth. "In addition to helping grow the Canadian economy and jobs, air connectivity is essential for Canada to take full advantage of the economic opportunities available in developing and emerging markets for both trade and world tourism."

The observations and recommended approaches outlined in today's report from The Conference Board are largely consistent with those in a June Senate Committee report, which calls for the development of a national aviation strategy that recognises airports as economic "spark plugs" for their communities.  The report also suggests the phase out of airport rent, which transfers more than $275 million a year from the industry to the federal government.

"Today's report highlights that we have become an aviation sector with competitive challenges relative to other global aviation markets.  The Conference Board report issued today expands our knowledge on this phenomenon, and ways to approach it," said Mr. Ruth. "We look forward to continuing to work with government and other stakeholders to revamp our competitive posture and repatriate passengers to fly out of Canadian airports."

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada's airports community and the Canadian unit of Airports Council International-North America.  Its 45 members represent more than 200 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory. Together, CAC members handle virtually all of the nation's air cargo and international passenger traffic and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.  They create in excess of $45 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve.  And more than 200,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually.

SOURCE: CANADIAN AIRPORTS COUNCIL

Chris Phelan
Director of Aviation Security and Industry Affairs
Canadian Airports Council
[phone] ext 12
[email protected]