Vancouver International Airport Serves Record 20 Millionth Passenger

New ConnectYVR program announced to further grow traffic, create jobs

RICHMOND, BC, Dec. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will today serve its 20 millionth annual passenger, a new record for one of Canada's fastest growing airports and a critical landmark in its trajectory towards 25 million passengers by 2020.

"Our goal remains clear: to connect British Columbians proudly to the world while establishing YVR as a world-class sustainable gateway between Asia and the Americas," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We are committed to creating new jobs, increasing access to global destinations and opening new markets for B.C. goods through innovative strategies that continue to drive growth."

One such strategy is ConnectYVR, a new rates and charges program for airlines that comes into effect January 1, 2016. Made possible by YVR's commitment to develop innovative sources of non-aviation related revenue, ConnectYVR offers airlines financial incentives for growth and efficiency, as well as a standard rate structure for landing and terminal fees.

"By incenting airlines to grow and improving our terminal facilities and processes to move passengers and planes quickly, we can continue to attract new airlines to YVR and position ourselves as a major international hub in the increasingly competitive aviation industry," added Richmond.

Looking to the future, YVR is working hard to achieve an ambitious goal of serving 25 million passengers by 2020. To get there requires a combination of new routes, increased frequencies, larger planes and new airlines.

In 2015, YVR welcomed two new airlines: Air France launched thrice-weekly seasonal service to Paris in March and in December Aeromexico began daily service to Mexico City. Every new daily international flight to YVR creates between 150 and 200 jobs at the airport and in B.C.'s hotels, tourism attractions and businesses. Ongoing operations at YVR support more than 23,600 direct jobs at the airport alone and generate $5.3 billion in total gross domestic product and $11.7 billion in total economic output into the Canadian economy.

Reaching the goal of 25 million passengers by 2020 would add 5,000-7,000 more direct jobs at YVR, generate $2.7 billion in gross domestic product and more than $800 million in tax revenues to local, provincial and federal governments.

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 will serve 20 million passengers in 2015. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 111 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 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.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815; [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport