Toronto Port Authority provides update on capacity assessment, appointment of
a slot coordinator and formal carrier proposals process for Billy Bishop
Toronto City Airport

TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - In light of the recent legal action taken by Air Canada, the Toronto Port Authority ("TPA") reconfirmed that it is committed to implementing an open and transparent process in the awarding of additional slots at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport ("BBTCA").

Over the past several months, the TPA has worked diligently towards the completion of the previously announced noise impact study, capacity assessment and independent slot coordinator appointment. The TPA continues to act in a manner consistent with its obligations, including its obligation to run the airport as a self-supporting commercial enterprise. The TPA rejects the allegations that Air Canada has made in its fourth and latest legal action.

For many years, Air Canada had 100 per cent access to the airport, which provided 27 daily round trip flights to several destinations in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. However, Jazz Air began cancelling the majority of its routes in 2004 - only maintaining sporadic service between Toronto and Ottawa - and reduced flight frequencies at the BBTCA to four flights per day. During this time, the airline also allowed its lease with the airport to expire. As such, the TPA legally terminated its carrier agreement with Jazz Air in 2006 and sought out new commercial partners that would utilize the BBTCA to its fullest.

As the BBTCA continues to grow into a world-class facility, it is important to the TPA that passengers have the opportunity to access new routes and additional commercial carriers. To this end, the TPA is delighted that Air Canada has renewed its interest in the airport. The TPA is encouraging all carriers to participate in the previously-announced RFP process.

About the Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999, as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners. It is a federal public authority providing transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses. The TPA owns and operates the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Marine Terminals 51 and 52, and the Outer Harbour Marina. The TPA also provides regulatory controls and public works services to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine navigation and aviation in the port and harbour of Toronto.

For further information: Further information about the TPA is available at www.torontoport.com