T O R O N T O
P E A R S O N
Third Quarter 2008
TODAY
READY FOR
WINTER
PARTNERS IN
PROJECT GREEN
LAUNCHED
DINOSAURS
ROAM
THE GTAA’S NEW
PREHISTORIC VISITORS
A publication of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
www.GTAA.com
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 1
full page ad
2 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
Published by:
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Corporate Affairs and Communications
Toronto Pearson International Airport
P.O. Box 6031
3111 Convair Drive
Toronto, AMF
Ontario L5P 1B2
www.GTAA.com
Editor-in-Chief:
Lorrie McKee
(416) 776-3008
[email protected]
WHAT’S IN
4
Senior Editor:
Jason Ritchie
(416) 776-5584
[email protected]
Getting ready for winter
THIS
ISSUE
Frequent
Flyers
The GTAA’s Central Deicing
Facility (CDF) gets ready for
another busy winter season.
Regular features in Toronto Pearson Today
Art Director:
Jason Ritchie
5
Staff Writers:
Elsa Mendes, Lee Petrie,
Jason Ritchie, Lori Williams,
Natalie Palichuk, Melissa Lim
Designer:
Melissa Lim
Photography:*
Elsa Mendes
*Unless stated otherwise:
Advertising Sales:
[email protected]
Regular issues of Toronto Pearson Today
are produced quarterly.
Toronto Pearson Today is made
available free of charge at Toronto
Pearson International Airport in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada. Mailed copies of
Toronto Pearson Today are distributed
free of charge to individuals sending a
written faxed request to (416) 776-7593
containing their name, full mailing
address, company and position (if
applicable).
This publication can also be found online
at www.GTAA.com.
The personal information collected
is used exclusively for adding individual
names to the Toronto Pearson Today
mailing list. At no time will this
information be shared with any other
party.
To be removed from the mailing list, fax
your intention to the number referenced
above.
Copyright © 2008 Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means (photocopying, electronic,
mechanical, recording or otherwise) without the written
permission of the copyright holder. The GTAA does not
necessarily endorse the products, services or companies
that appear in advertisements contained within this
publication.
Where the Dinosaurs
roam
Toronto Pearson gets transported
back in time, as two prehistoric
visitors make Terminal 1’s
International Arrivals area their
new home for the next four years.
13
People at Pearson
Profiling Peter King, Toronto
Pearson’s Evangelical Chaplain.
16
6
Shop and Dine
Take a breather from the hustle of
travelling at the Beaches Boardwalk
Cafe.
Making moves
Metrolinx previews their plan to
transform transportation to the
airport and across the GTA.
8
17
Art and Exhibitions
New exhibits explore the art of
Coming Home and Origami.
Partnering up to launch
an Eco-Business Zone
19
As Seen at Toronto Pearson
Photos from our readers.
TRCA and GTAA launch Partners
in Project Green.
ISSN 1718-0244
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 3
READY FOR WINTER
F
or those looking forward to the winter season or hoping
the warmer weather would stay, winter is inevitably on
its way. People living in the GTA would shudder to think
that we could experience another winter season as severe as
the last. Last year’s record breaking snowfall and bone chilling
temperatures may have been good for skiers visiting or living in
the region, but it was just the encouragement that many needed
to head to warmer climates. If you were one of those people who
travelled via Toronto Pearson this past winter, your successful
journey was thanks to the many airport workers who make things
run smoothly even in extreme weather conditions.
The GTAA has made improvements to its already efficient
Central Deicing Facility (CDF) — a key element in the airport’s
winter weather operational plans. The CDF is the largest operation
in the world, where six wide-body aircraft or 12 narrow-body
aircraft can be deiced at one time. Deicing is a critical component
of the winter operations as it removes contamination from the
aircraft surface caused by ice or snow. A failure to remove this
contamination can affect the ability of the aircraft to generate lift
and achieve a smooth flow of air across its surface.
One key enhancement to the CDF was the replacement of
24 directional sign boards for the automated aircraft guidance
system. The new units are larger, clearer and feature new
software to control them which in turn creates an improved
flow of aircraft entering and exiting the CDF. During this winter
season a new automation called a Data Transfer System will be
implemented.
Currently, all communication is relayed via UHF radio from
the deicing operators in the vehicles to the controllers in the cab.
The new Data Transfer System will send and receive specific
flight information such as aircraft and carrier identification, flight
number and fluids sprayed electronically and reduce congestion
in radio frequency by 80 per cent. This will also allow for efficient
management of the facility with more equipment on the deicing
pads and increasing the capacity without adding more facilities.
Due to the winter season duration in the GTA and the winter
precipitation experienced, it is vital to have a reliable and capable
deicing process in place at Canada’s largest airport.
As owner of the facility, the GTAA contracts Servisair with
135 employees to manage the deicing operations. Last year’s
winter season was the busiest on record with approximately
14,400 aircraft being deiced at the CDF. Since opening 10 years
ago, the facility has processed more than 100,000 aircraft.
As a reminder for those travelling through Toronto Pearson,
rest assured that every measure will be taken during winter
events to ensure your safety while the entire airport works
towards minimizing delays. Passengers are encouraged to visit
the GTAA’s website, www.GTAA.com, or call their airline to check
on the status of their flight prior to coming to the airport.
BIO-BAGS ARE HERE
T
oronto Pearson just got a little greener thanks to
HMSHost, operators of several retail shops and
restaurants, through the launch of biodegradable bags
that will be used in place of plastic bags in all HMSHost retail
stores as of November 10.
As part of HMSHost’s retail environmental awareness
program, Startsomewhere™, continuing to introduce
biodegradable merchandise bags in all of its airport stores around
the world is just one step towards becoming more ecologically
aware.
“We all know that the environment needs a lot of attention
and that airports, like many organizations, are looking for ways
to bring more green practices to the forefront,” said Reserlin
Montes, retail general manager of HMSHost at Toronto Pearson.
”HMSHost believes in protecting the environments in which we
work as much as we can and we actively promote that everyone
can ‘start somewhere’ and make a difference in the effort of
4 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
conservation and sustainability.”
HMSHost aims to raise awareness for both travellers and
associates. The purpose of the biodegradable bag is two-fold.
First, it encourages recycling and reusing. Second, it provides an
alternative to plastic bags by informing users that the bags have
a starch additive—a biodegradable component, so once the bag
is finally disposed of, it will degrade faster than a typical plastic
bag.
The biodegradable bags starch additive is marked by the
EPI symbol which denotes that it is environmentally friendly and
biodegradable. The process of biodegrading begins as soon as
the bag is manufactured. Even as you hold the bag, it is already
degrading and has a limited shelf life of approximately eight
months. The good news is that the strength of the bag is not
reduced and if it ends up in a landfill, it will completely degrade.
Since 2006, HMSHost began taking steps to do its
part in reducing the company’s business footprint through
the development of the Startsomewhere™ program.
Startsomewhere™ is about building awareness of our impact on
the environment, encouraging everyone to make small changes,
and offering tips on how to make these changes. The motto is:
Do what you can, where you can, when you can no matter how
small an effort it might seem.
The biodegradable bags are currently being distributed
at the Destinations Toronto retail shop in the domestic area
of Terminal 1. When you visit Destinations Toronto, HMSHost
associates will ask whether or not you want a bag with your
purchase. Asking this question is where the green consciousness
begins. Often customers decline, but if they do accept, they will
receive the new biodegradable bag with printed suggestions for
its reuse.
Making small changes will add up to something much
larger—let’s everyone Startsomewhere™.
DINOSAURS ROAM
O
n February 7, the GTAA received a voicemail from the
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The message said: “We
have an extra dinosaur. Are you interested in displaying
it in the airport?” It didn’t take much effort to convince Lloyd
McCoomb, the GTAA’s President and CEO, that a dinosaur would
be an excellent addition to the Art and Exhibitions Program at
the airport. A partnership between Canada’s biggest airport and
Canada’s biggest museum just made sense.
The exhibit, located in Terminal 1’s International Arrivals
area, takes passengers back to a time when pterodactyls travelled
the skies instead of airplanes. The prehistoric display, A Scene
from the Late Jurassic, was developed by ROM paleontologist
Dr. David Evans and a team of designers. In this scene, a large
Allosaurus bears down on an Othnielia that has tripped to the
ground. Allosaurus was the most common large meat-eating
dinosaur in the Late Jurassic period. The ROM specimen is
about 25 feet long, but they could grow up to 36 feet in length. A
formidable predator, Allosaurus had powerful legs, large claws
for grasping prey and dozens of serrated teeth for tearing flesh.
Othnielia was a small plant-eating dinosaur, about the size of a
dog. Unlike other herbivores, Othnielia lacked defences such as
bony spikes or plates and relied upon speed and agility to escape
predators such as Allosaurus.
In addition to the ROM team and the GTAA, another Canadian
company played an important part in bringing the display to life.
Research Casting International (RCI), specializes in preparing
dinosaur fossils for exhibitions. RCI is one of the world’s leading
providers of specimen preparation, casting and mounting, and
they have prepared dinosaurs for display all over the world.
At their 45,000 square foot facility in Trenton, Ontario, the RCI
team assembled the two dinosaurs on custom-built mounts and
then took them apart and packed them in fewer than a dozen
pieces. Amazingly, the team took only four hours to assemble
the dinosaurs at the airport. To watch a time-lapse video of the
installation, go to www.GTAA.com/artprogram and scroll down
to the dinosaur section.
“We know our visitors will appreciate the excitement the
dinosaurs bring to Toronto Pearson,” said Lloyd McCoomb. “In
addition, the GTAA is excited to work with the ROM, one of
Toronto’s premier cultural institutions, in making visitors feel
welcome and in stimulating their interest in visiting the ROM
and the other wonderful tourist attractions Toronto has to offer.
We look forward to working with others in the arts and culture
field to make the airport, which is essentially the front door to the
city, an experience to remember.”
“This kind of engaging exhibit creates a sense of arrival
for our visitors,” said David Whitaker, Tourism Toronto President
and CEO. “For passengers arriving to Toronto, the art program at
the airport is the first hint of what to expect on the rest of their
trip.”
The dinosaur display, which will remain at Toronto Pearson
until 2012, is part of the GTAA Art and Exhibitions Program, which
offers a wide variety of engaging exhibits. The GTAA works to
promote the Greater Toronto Area’s reputation as an important
cultural destination.
Dinosaurs, up close and personal: Othneilia (left) and Allosaurus (right).
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 5
LAN BEGINS SERVICE
E
xpanding the reach of its international network, South
America’s premier air carrier, LAN Airlines began, a new
service from Toronto to Santiago, Chile on September 3,
2008. LAN will offer five flights per week to Santiago via New
York City on its fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft.
LAN flights will operate from Toronto to Santiago on
Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays, providing
alternatives for passengers travelling to the South America
region. This also offers passengers another choice for travel to
New York and passengers can also connect to Lima, Peru with
LAN Airlines.
“The GTAA is always delighted to help introduce new air
services into Toronto,” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO
of the GTAA. “This addition brings the number of air carriers
serving Toronto Pearson to a total of 77 and further demonstrates
the region’s ability to attract international air travellers.”
THE
BIG
MOVE
IMPROVING TRANSIT
SERVICE TO PEARSON
M
aking Toronto Pearson more accessible is one of the
basis of the draft strategy to expand public transit to
and from the airport — mapping out $50 billion in
new projects over 25 years. Metrolinx previewed The Big Move:
Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton
Area plan on September 23.
“We have a world-class airport and we need world-class
transportation to and from the airport. We applaud Metrolinx for
a plan that would make an enormous difference for travellers
— both domestically and for out-of-town visitors,” said GTAA
President and CEO Lloyd McCoomb.
The Big Move sets out nearly 100 actions to build new
transportation infrastructure and improve transit service. Once
fully implemented, 1,150 km of new rapid transit service in the
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area will be created. Approximately
75 per cent of residents living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton
Area will live within 2 km of rapid transit, compared to just 42
per cent currently. Approximately 55 per cent of commuters will
be able to get to work in 45 minutes or less by transit, compared
to 38 per cent today. The annual greenhouse gas emissions from
passenger transportation per person will be reduced from 2.4
6 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
tonnes to 1.5 tonnes.
“Building the foundation for the transit expansion is the
only sustainable thing to do,” explains Toby Lennox, GTAA Vice
President of Corporate Affairs and Communications.
With the growing population and current inefficiencies in the
transit system, Metrolinx lays out a concrete plan to solve this
challenge. The plan includes the addition of seven connectivity
routes to Toronto Pearson from all directions: Queen Street/427,
407/427, Finch/Sheppard, Eglinton, Union Station, Highway 427
and Mississauga Transitway. It will allow for convenient and
reliable service to the airport not only for travellers, but will also
provide for some 35,000+ employees at Toronto Pearson a costeffective and convenient way to get to work.
According to Pablo Yunis, Vice President, North/Central
America for LAN Airlines, “LAN has had its sights on Canada for
some time. Toronto is a very important market for travel to South
America, both for leisure and business, as well as for travellers
who are returning to their homelands.”
The Toronto–New York–Santiago route will operate from
Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson.
Financial Activity
In addition to 3.1 per cent reduction in landing fees and
4.7 per cent reduction in terminal charges implemented in 2008,
2008
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
Passenger Activity
A total of 25 million passengers were processed through
Toronto Pearson in the first nine months of 2008, a 4.2 per cent
increase compared to the 2007 period. From July 1 to September
30, the airport handled 8.9 million passengers, a 1.6 per cent
increase from last year’s third quarter. Passenger volume across
the international travel sector saw an increase of 6.9 per cent
from last year’s figures. Travel between Canada and the United
States took a slight dip of 3.1 per cent, while domestic travel
held steady with last year’s numbers.
and the 25 per cent reduction of landing
9
fees for cargo operations announced July
Third Quarter Passenger Traffic
2008, the GTAA published new, lower
8
aeronautical rates for passenger aircraft
7
that will come effective January 1, 2009.
6
For the three months ending
September 30, the GTAA reported a total
5
revenue of $318.8 million compared to
4
$334.2 million from the same period last
3
year, as the magnitude of the year over
year traffic increased recorded in the
2
third quarter did not offset the 2008 rate
1
reductions. Total operating expenses were
0
$130.6 million, compared to $132.1 million
Domestic
Transborder
International
in 2007. Revenue over expenses was
$25.1 million for the period, a decline of
$4.2 million compared to the same period in 2007. Included in the
2008 third quarter results is an additional $8.3 million fair value
charge for asset backed commercial paper held by the GTAA.
Passenger Volume (in millions)
T
he GTAA’s third quarter results are consistent with
forecasts for the period. As outlined below, passenger
traffic increased in all but one sector, and financial
results show a slight dip in total revenue.
2007
HOLDING
STEADY
THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
All Sectors
NEW
CARGO
OUR IMPACT
SERVICE COMES TO PEARSON
MONITORING
T
he GTAA welcomed Lufthansa Cargo to Toronto Pearson
International Airport on September 2, 2008. Lufthansa
now flies twice weekly service from Frankfurt, providing
the Canadian market with approximately 90 tonnes of air freight
capacity on each flight.
“It is very exciting to see Lufthansa Cargo operating this
service into Toronto,” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO
of the GTAA. “This shows that the demand for additional reliable
cargo service exists and confirms Toronto’s position as the largest
air freight market in Canada. We are responding to the needs
of the businesses in the Toronto area that require just-in-time
delivery and dependable shipping solutions.”
According to Dr. Andreas Otto, Lufthansa Cargo Executive
Board Member, Product and Sales, “Our new service enables us
to air freight customer’s shipments faster non-stop to Canada
and connects Toronto with Europe’s biggest cargo airport.”
Toronto Pearson is the leading air cargo gateway in Canada,
offering world-class facilities and infrastructure for all-cargo
operators. All five runways are equipped to handle heavyweight
aircraft and there are more than 1.2 million square feet of cargo
handling facilities and 2.5 million square feet of dedicated apron
space for cargo operations.
Toronto Pearson is the only Canadian airport served with
scheduled all-cargo services to Latin America, Europe, Asia and
the United States. Additionally, world-leading freight forwarders
have their Canadian headquarters in Toronto and the bulk of their
consolidations in Canada take place near the airport.
T
he GTAA’s Noise Management Office (NMO)
registers, investigates and responds to aircraft noise
complaints received from the pubic, such as potential
violations of noise abatement procedures, restricted hours
operations and maintenance engine run-ups. Investigations
conducted by the GTAA result from both registered public
complaints and ongoing tracking and monitoring carried out
by the GTAA.
Although noise management at Toronto Pearson is the
responsibility of the GTAA, enforcement of all published
procedures rests with Civil Aviation at Transport Canada.
If it is believed that a violation has occurred, the details of
the case are provided to Transport Canada for further action.
Transport Canada has the sole authority for determining
financial penalties on aircraft operators. The GTAA and the
Community Environment and Noise Advisory Committee
(CENAC) worked proactively to encourage Transport Canada
to publicly identify airlines and pilots fined as a result of a
violation of the noise abatement procedures so that the
public can make informed choices. As a result, violations that
result in fines are posted on the Transport Canada website at
www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/standards/enforcement/
publications/corporate/summary.htm.
The primary goal of the enforcement function is to
promote adherence to the GTAA Noise Management Program
through effective communication and education with the
aviation community. CENAC is a forum that allows officials
and residents from neighbouring communities and others
to meet with the GTAA and representatives of the aviation
industry to discuss noise issues. The committee advises the
GTAA about community noise concerns and promotes noise
reduction initiatives.
To register an aircraft noise complaint within 10 nautical
miles (18.5 km) of Toronto Pearson, contact the NMO at (416)
247-7682. Noise complaints can also be registered through
the GTAA website at www.GTAA.com. For complaints
concerning en route aircraft or those beyond 10 nautical miles
of the airport, call Transport Canada at (416) 952-0335.
Photo courtesy of Lufthansa.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 7
READY FOR LAUNCH: TORONTO PEARSON’S
ECO-BUSINESS ZONE
O
n October 9, Partners in Project Green: A Pearson
Eco-Business Zone was officially launched as a result
of the combined effort and partnership between the
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the GTAA.
The presentation of the green strategy delivers programming to
help businesses reduce resource costs, uncover new business
opportunities and address everyday operational challenges in a
green and cost-effective manner. The project will transform the
12,000 hectares of industrial and commercial land surrounding
Toronto Pearson International Airport into North America’s
largest eco-business zone.
“Partners in Project Green is the first large-scale effort
at addressing climate change in a renewal setting,” said Toby
Lennox, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications
at the GTAA. “It’s significant because it takes an integrated
approach. It doesn’t just focus on energy and waste management
issues — as important as they are — it also looks at green space
improvements, employee health and productivity, and ultimately
green jobs.”
The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Environment,
and The Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural
Resources, attended the launch event and lauded the program.
The Region of Peel, City of Brampton and City of Toronto were
represented by Emil Kolb, Mayor Susan Fennel and Councillor
Maria Augimeri, respectively. Brian Denney, Chief Administrative
Officer of the TRCA, and Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of
the GTAA, each commended the efforts of everyone involved in
the project.
Taking an “eco-industrial” approach, Partners in Project
Green centres on creating mutually beneficial business-tobusiness networks to green their bottom line, reduce the upfront
costs of innovation, cut payback times, improve operations and
build efficiency.
Partners in Project Green will meet local economic
development objectives by boosting green business practices
and stimulating eco-business practices to create a competitive
advantage for the region. The area will support a range of other
economic development activity, such as partnerships between
businesses, increased social networking and trade opportunities,
workshops and training events.
From left: GTAA Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Toby Lennox; Chairman of Peel, Emil Kolb; Hon. Minister of Environment,
John Gerretsen; Mayor of Brampton, Susan Fennell; Toronto City Councillor Maria Augimeri.
Over time, the eco-business approach creates more
financially, aesthetically, and socially attractive areas for doing
business. Green buildings, for example, will benefit tenant and
building owner bottom lines and create more productive work
places. The result provides a significant incentive for businesses
to stay and grow, and attract new progressive industries to the
area.
To date more than 200 businesses have been involved
in the development of the project, including the Woodbine
Entertainment Group and Molson. Partners in Project Green:
A Pearson Eco-Business Zone strategy document is available
online at www.partnersinprojectgreen.com.
GTAA
MAKES
ITS
CASE
FOR ONTARIO TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS
O
n October 1, the GTAA was pleased to have the
opportunity to appear before the Ontario Tourism
Competitiveness hearings. Lorrie McKee, Director of
Public Affairs and Communications for the GTAA spoke on the
airport authority’s desire to help promote tourism in Ontario and
highlighted the work that is being done to help make Toronto
Pearson competitive.
The goal of the hearings, led by MPP Greg Sorbara, was
to study the Ontario tourism sector; identify the best prospects
for growth in Ontario; and develop an action plan to see that
tourism continues to be a key contributor to Ontario’s economic
prosperity.
McKee started her remarks by stating that a healthy and
successful aviation industry can and should be a catalyst for
8 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
tourism. With the 10 year redevelopment program completed at
Toronto Pearson, the GTAA has embarked on a renewed strategic
direction and has taken a pro-active approach to working with
stakeholders in the tourism sector.
To this end, the GTAA has embarked on new initiatives with
the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, Tourism Toronto,
Ontario Tourism, and Air Canada. Support also has been given to
tourist and cultural events such as the FIFA Under 20 World Cup,
the 2008 Grey Cup, NXNE, and CONTACT Photography Festival
to name a few.
McKee pointed out to the hearing that in essence, Toronto
Pearson links Ontario to every corner of the world. The airport
provides essential infrastructure to Ontario’s tourism industry
and this responsibility is taken very seriously.
A main focus of the GTAA’s position is that to be a
competitive tourism market, transit access to the airport must
be improved. A fixed rail link from downtown to Toronto Pearson
would do much to alleviate congestion to and from the airport
and provide connecting passengers the ability to visit downtown
Toronto during layovers at the airport.
Toronto Pearson connects business, families and visitors
from all corners of the world. Toronto Pearson is a gateway to
the world for both business and for leisure travellers who are
at the very heart of the tourism industry. For this reason, the
GTAA was very pleased to be able to present at the hearing
and looks forward to working with this group as they continue
this important study and work towards increasing tourism and
competitiveness that will benefit all of Ontario.
DOLLARS
AND
SENSE
AT THE ECONOMIC CLUB OF TORONTO
O
n September 18, Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA President and
CEO, addressed 170 business leaders at the Economic
Club of Toronto.
“Keeping Toronto’s Skies Open for Business” was the topic
as Mr. McCoomb spoke to the challenges facing the aviation
industry and the GTAA’s plans to ensure Toronto Pearson remains
an international gateway for tourism, business and trade.
He spoke to a number of factors that are affecting aviation
worldwide and he highlighted some of the many initiatives
undertaken by the GTAA to weather the current economic
climate.
“Airport authorities such as the GTAA need to work with
the airlines to creatively find ways to reduce costs further while
maintaining reasonable levels of service,” said Mr. McCoomb.
“The GTAA is here to work with the business community in
marketing this region and all that it represents. If you succeed,
we succeed,” he added.
He went on to describe some of the initiatives the GTAA
has implemented that are aligned with the slowing economy and
the effects on airlines, highlighting several reductions in fees:
January 2008 (landing fees by 3.1 per cent, terminal charges by
4.7 per cent); cargo landing fee reduction of 25 per cent, and the
recent announcement of further reductions that will take effect in
2009 — landing fees by 0.4 per cent and a terminal charge by 0.6
per cent. The audience also heard of the success of our Airport
Development Program and the fact that since construction is over,
Toronto Pearson has the facilities in place to allow the GTAA to
move rapidly to attract new carriers. Mr. McCoomb assured the
Photo courtesy of the Economic Club of Toronto
crowd that in-step with more airlines comes a commitment from
the GTAA to continue to increase non-aeronautical revenue and
decrease overall costs.
The Economic Club of Toronto is Canada’s platform of
choice for policy makers and business leaders. It’s a non-partisan
organization, dedicated to bringing its members and guests faceto-face with the most important leaders of our time.
AIR CANADA MINIMIZES THEIR IMPACT BY
OFFSETTING CARBON
A
ir Canada, in collaboration with Zerofootprint, helps
businesses meet their green objectives by expanding
its popular Carbon Offset Program. Air Canada and
Zerofootprint have teamed up to launch the new Corporate
Carbon Offset program allowing corporate clients to achieve
their environmental and corporate social responsibility targets
and better manage their company’s carbon footprint.
“Air Canada is the country’s preferred airline for business
travel so it is uniquely positioned to help environmentallyconscious companies achieve their green objectives. With
Zerofootprint, we are expanding our carbon offset program to
provide companies easy-to-use and flexible options to offset
all or portions of the carbon emissions resulting from their
business travel,” said Charles McKee, Air Canada Vice President,
Marketing.
“We are building on the success of our collaboration with
Zerofootprint which, in little more than a year, has already seen
Air Canada customers voluntarily offset 9,417 tonnes of carbon
— the equivalent of taking 2,331 cars off the road for a year,”
he added.
Zerofootprint is a not-for-profit organization that not only
helps individuals and businesses to become carbon neutral, but
develops the resources to help everyone fight climate change.
Through the use of their high standards in carbon offsetting,
the program helps mitigate the environmental footprint of
travelling.
“We believe this program will be very attractive to
corporations since carbon presents a new and fundamental
challenge to business. More and more companies are starting
to measure and manage their carbon footprint due to public
demand, employee engagement, shareholder interest, and newly
defined sustainability goals,” said Deborah Kaplan, executive
director, Zerofootprint.
Air Canada’s corporate customers will have access to a
secure application at www.zerofootprintflights.com that will
provide a customized solution for offsetting carbon emissions
generated by business travel. Uploading travel data easily,
selecting a percentage of travel to offset, purchasing offsets
online, and having the ability to access and reviewing past
transactions all at the click of the mouse is not only convenient,
but valuable.
Presently, Air Canada customer carbon offsets are achieved
through a forest restoration program in Maple Ridge, B.C.,
but corporate customers will have three other certified offset
programs to choose from to better complement their corporate
environmental objective including a landfill gas recovery project
in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a tire recycling program in Trois
Rivieres, Quebec, and the Run of River Hydro Dam upgrade in
Ottawa, Ontario.
Air Canada and Zerofootprint intend to make all these
programs available to individual retail customers in the near
future.
Carbon offsets are just one way Air Canada is minimizing
the environmental impact of its operations. The airline has also
initiated a variety of operational tactics for its aircrafts, expanded
its on-board recycling program, employed hybrid technology for
ground support vehicles, and continually upgrades its fleet. In
addition, Air Canada is a lead participant in a voluntary agreement
between Canadian air carriers and the Canadian government to
achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 1.1 per cent per year
over the period from 1990 to 2012.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 9
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The GTAA is committed to the belief that the needs of the traveller always come first. With that, we would like to hear about your experience while using Toronto Pearson
International Airport. Please send all compliments, complaints, comments, suggestions and questions to [email protected], or call us at (416) 776-9892.
LOST FRIEND,
FOUND HOPE
A
rriving home after a long flight can be both tiring and
a relief. From getting through customs, collecting
luggage and the eagerness to get home, it’s easy to
get frazzled and in the process, leave something behind. The
following letter comes from a family that witnessed firsthand
the lengths the GTAA Customer Service staff will go to reunite
lost items with their owners, even if it’s not always possible.
On August 17, my family and I arrived home after a 12
hour flight from France. My eight year old son, in his haste to
find his new skateboard which had been recently purchased in
France and checked in with the regular baggage, inadvertently
left his carry-on backpack somewhere in the vicinity of the
baggage carousel. While he located his beloved skateboard,
he left his best friend behind. Inside his backpack was a stuffed
teddy bear given to him by his older sister on the day he was
born. That teddy bear, named ‘Bear-Bear,’ had been with him
for every sleep over from Gran and Grandad’s house, to the
hospital, to Mexico, to Paris and anywhere else my son stayed
for longer than one night. It was his best friend.
Upon realizing he misplaced Bear-Bear, I returned the
next morning too early to get any real help. When my wife
returned in the afternoon and explained our circumstance,
she was met with some resistance at first. But once those in
charge understood the importance of this ‘friend’, they readily
were available to help. I would like to THANK those individuals
who helped my son and wife looking for a $5.00 bear. They
brought back the essence of human kindness. Even though I
knew chances were slim to none that he would ever see his
Bear-Bear again, one of your staff still gave hope to a young
little boy that had none. The kindness shown to my son gave
him hope and the utmost respect from me. I explained to him
that Bear-Bear just wasn’t ready to come home just yet. He’s
probably jumped on another plane heading for some other
adventure. Thank you.
FRIENDLY SMOOTH SITUATION
RESOURCE
C
hanges in flight plans can be frustrating for travellers,
but also concerning for friends and family seeing them
off or anticipating their arrival. The following letter was
sent by a concerned family member who needed assistance in
locating his mother whose flight had been cancelled. He was
impressed by kind and efficient customer service he received
from a GTAA Customer Service staff member and wanted to
share his thoughts.
On July 5, my mother was schedule on Flight UA1289 bound
for San Francisco. Due to the slow processing of UA passengers,
she was subsequently rushed through check-in and customs.
After a couple hours, she phoned us to tell us that her flight had
been cancelled. When we returned to the airport to pick her up,
we were unable to locate her so we asked Terminal Specialist
Veronica D’Angelo, at an info booth, for her assistance. She was
absolutely outstanding. She made repeated page requests and
followed up with us (even via my cellphone) until she was able to
locate my mother. I was very impressed with her resourcefulness,
attitude and helpfulness. Since my mother is wheelchair-bound,
we were quite concerned about her whereabouts and flight plan.
Veronica was absolutely amazing and a wonderful example of
what customer service should be.
C
ristina Dumitrescu of Regina, SK, was very impressed
with the level of service that her parents received
while connecting through Toronto Pearson on their
way back to Regina. A string of missed connections left them
a little confused and unsure of where to go. The assistance
of a helpful GTAA Customer Service staff member helped her
parents transition smoothly through what could have been a
stressful situation.
We really appreciate what Mr. Eugen Hossu (Terminal
Specialist) did for our parents when they found out that they
missed the scheduled connection flight to Regina. From helping
them to find the solution to get the tickets for the connection
flight to Regina, to arranging their stay overnight in the airport.
These wonderful services helped my parents to get over what
could have been difficult and stressful moments. You are doing
an excellent job! Thank you so much!
FOREIGN PRAISE
W
e take pride in knowing that our service has the
ability to leave a lasting impression on visitors
from all over the world. We consider Toronto
Pearson to be a world-class airport and are happy to hear
when others take notice. The following letter was sent by a
passenger from Astorga, Brazil who was pleasantly surprised
by the level of service he received while travelling through
Toronto Pearson.
I’d like to congratulate Toronto Airport for Ms. Elberta
Fortuzzi (Terminal Specialist). I’ve been using many airport
information systems through Europe, Asia and South America.
I assure you that Toronto Pearson, by far, has the most efficient
and proactive staff I’ve ever met. Ms. Fortuzzi understands the
point of view of the customers, and she goes directly to the
point of solving it. Toronto Pearson Airport surprised me, in a
good way.
Do you know an employee that deserves to get noticed for going that extra mile when it comes to customer service? If you do, we’d like to share your story with other Toronto Pearson Today readers.
Please send a summary of the event(s) to [email protected].
10 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
GTAA ANNUAL REPORT WINS
BEST
OF
SHOW
O
n September 18, the GTAA was thrilled to be honoured
at the 22nd Annual International ARC Awards in New
York City with the 2008 ARC Award for overall Best
of Show for its 2007 Annual Report. Sponsored by MERCOMM
INC. and recognized as the most prestigious annual report
competition internationally, the GTAA beat out 28 countries and
2,100 entries.
Using the theme of Uplifting People and designed by
Soapbox Design Inc., the annual report highlighted GTAA
employees and the important roles they play in the organization.
The report’s focus on employees makes it even more rewarding
to call this an award winning annual report.
The GTAA was also awarded three Gold awards for: NonTraditional Annual Report, Interior Design and Written Text. A
Bronze was garnered for photography and an honorable mention
COOKING
FOR KIDS
T
his year marked the 6th Annual ThyssenKrupp Toronto
Pearson Airport BBQ fundraiser for The Hospital for
Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. ThyssenKrupp
plays an integral role at the airport through the supply and
installation of various transportation systems within the
terminals, such as elevators, escalators, moving walkways
and boarding bridges.
The ThyssenKrupp Toronto Pearson Airport BBQ
fundraiser event took place in the summer with more than 360
people in attendance. The event raised greater than $1,200
for SickKids.
A big thank you goes to the airport ThyssenKrupp
Elevator team for their continued support and effort and
congratulations in putting together a successful event.
for overall cover design. Thanks to the three Gold awards, the
GTAA was entered into three additional competitions and came
away with Grand Winner for Written Text as well as Grand
Winner for Interior Design. The highlight of the evening came
when the GTAA received the award for Best of Show, naming it
the best annual report of all the entries.
According to the ARC Awards judges, “it was an excellent
annual report, succeeding in its goal to communicate both
visually and verbally the theme of the report. The annual report
scored near perfect tens throughout the judging rounds, earning
the judges’ accolades for its clean and crisp design, great
concept, and execution which was carried through consistently
to the end.”
The GTAA is grateful to everyone that worked so hard on
the annual report.
CONGRATULATIONS
T
he American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
International recently hosted its 11th Annual Law
Enforcement & Security Practitioners Appreciation
Awards dinner to recognize the contributions of local law
enforcement and security personnel across the Greater Toronto
Area. ASIS International’s 2008 Security Practitioners Award was
given to the GTAA in the Security Technology category, which
recognizes excellence in security efficiency and technology. This
was awarded and recognized due to the hard work of our Safety
and Security department, IT&T group, and Operations & Customer
Experience department, to establish the Pass/Permit Control Office
(PPCO) Business Process & Systems Improvement Program.
Led by Bryan Scott, Senior Manager, Security Infrastructure,
the comprehensive program encompassed his vision: One card—a
one stop shopping. The program combined re-engineering with
technological advancements in security to improve the processing
function. It generated initiatives to implement a redesign of the
PPCO systems. Furthermore, the program takes advantage of the
available technology to make the applications more user friendly
resulting in improved customer service.
ASIS International is the largest organization for security
professionals, with more than 36,000 members worldwide and
is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of
security professionals.
Congratulations to Bryan Scott and all those involved in the
PPCO Business Process & Systems Improvement Program.
Photo courtesy of ASIS
AOCC CERTIFIED
T
he role performed by our Airport Operations Control
Centre (AOCC) support specialists is critical to an
airport environment and it also shares elements that are
common to any public safety communicator. It is for that reason
that our support specialists are participating in the Association
of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) training and
certification process. The outcome of which means our support
specialist team will be certified to an industry best standard.
The AOCC’s APCO certification process began in March
2008 with the training supervisors at the GTAA. By successfully
completing the courses, the training supervisor receives the APCO
instructors’ certificate and the ability to train the rest of our staff
to APCO standards. Nine staff members have completed the first
recurrent training course using the APCO course material. The
progress to date meets the 2008 goal in this area and going
forward, in-house training will begin in 2009.
The certification course blends the knowledge and skillbuilding information needed for a basic telecommunicator with
the most up-to-date information on the technology and issues
surrounding today’s public safety communications centre.
APCO is a member driven association of communications
professionals that provides leadership, influences public safety
communications decisions of government and industry, promotes
professional development and fosters the development and use
of technology for the benefit of the public. APCO International
is the world’s largest organization dedicated to public safety
communications and has been around since 1935 with more than
15,000 members from all types of public safety organization.
Scott Smith, GTAA General Manager, Operations Control
Centre, says that the long-term goal is to have all AOCC
Operations Support staff certified as APCO communicators.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 11
HERO’S
WELCOME
OLYMPIANS RETURN
A
fter proudly winning 18 Olympic
medals, many of the members of
the Canadian Olympic team returned
home from Beijing through Toronto Pearson.
On August 25 and 26, a crowd of family,
friends and well wishers, waving Canadian
flags and autograph books, filled the Arrivals
area of Terminal 1 as they waited with great
anticipation for the athletes.
Cheers could be heard for hours as each
member of the Olympic team arrived to a hero’s
welcome. Despite a long 12 hour flight, the
athletes were all smiles and were more than
happy to share a few words with supporters
and the media frenzy that greeted them. Fans
also had the opportunity to shake hands,
pose for pictures, and some even had the rare
opportunity to hold an Olympic medal.
In total, almost 70 athletes arrived at
Toronto Pearson on two flights. Included in
the group were athletes representing archery,
athletics, badminton, canoe/kayak, diving,
equestrian, football, gymnastics, rowing, sailing,
synchronized swimming, table tennis, tae kwon
do, trampoline, triathlon and wrestling.
A big welcome home and congratulations
goes out to all the Olympians.
Team Canada Silver Medalists, from left: Karen Cockburn (Trampoline), Alexandre Despatie (Men’s 3M
Springboard), Jason Burnett (Trampoline).
Thank you
to our sponsors of the ACI-NA
Airport Concessions Conference
Titanium Level
Platinum Level
Gold Level
The Travel Store, Business Essentials
HDS Retail North America
Silver Level
Cart Wheels International Inc., SSP Canada
Bronze Level
Travelex Currency Services, Clear Channel Outdoor
12 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
PEOPLE at PEARSON
Going behind the scenes with the people that make the airport work.
PETER KING
CHAPLAIN, TORONTO PEARSON
T
oronto is known for its multiculturalism
and Toronto Pearson sees all walks of
life and faiths pass through it. It is
a hub to welcoming new individuals into the
community, greet ones that have come back
home or wish them safe travels on their next
journey. It can be a time of new beginnings and
endings, a rush to catch a flight for an important
business meeting or a time to relax and reflect
before taking off. Whatever brings you to the
airport, be rest assured you can put your mind
at ease by visiting the chapel, Toronto Pearson’s
sanctuary to some, and an oasis in all the midst
of turmoil, for all who need a safe and quiet
place on the journey.
Peter King, one of several chaplains on
staff at Toronto Pearson, opens the doors to
the chapel in Terminal 1 to shed some light
on his role and the value a chaplaincy ministry
provides to Canada’s largest airport.
For the past nine years, Peter has been
serving as an Evangelical Chaplain at Toronto
Pearson — a role that has taken him through
a variety of experiences. As a chaplain, Peter
acts as a counsellor, preacher, teacher and
emergency responder, in addition to being a
prayer intercessor. From performing a wedding
ceremony for a colleague at Air Canada to
assisting with families during the Air France
incident in 2005, each day brings a new
opportunity to better the lives of others.
Many remember exactly what they were
doing on 9/11. Peter is no different. He recalls
it being a beautiful, sunny day as he strolled
through Terminal 2. Arriving at his office, Peter
received a phone call informing him of the
terrorist attacks. From that point, he witnessed
the transformation of a busy airport into a ghost
town. Springing into action, Peter scheduled
prayer meetings and memorial services. He
provided counselling for cautious travellers
as security procedures radically changed,
and drafted a plan to help stranded travellers
find a place to stay in various churches in the
surrounding area. It was a challenging few days
that will stay with Peter as a constant reminder
of the significant impact a chaplaincy ministry
can make in the lives of people during times of
crisis.
The airport is familiar grounds for Peter.
Prior to becoming a chaplain, he worked for Air
Canada in various roles. Starting at 18 years
of age, he began working for the carrier in
the personnel department as a clerk. He then
moved into aircraft maintenance focusing on
the communications side, and later worked in
the call centre and lastly a training instructor.
Twenty six and a half years later, Peter found
his passion in chaplaincy.
“Airport chaplaincy is my calling. Besides,
I have many friends in the airline industry, and
the opportunity to minister to them, and to share
the love of God with so many in a multicultural,
dynamic environment like Toronto Pearson is an
awesome privilege.”
Born and raised in Guyana, Peter finds he
can relate well to the multicultural element
here at Toronto Pearson. “What’s unique about
being an airport chaplain is the diversity of
your ‘congregation.’ You’re really a pastor to
a miniature global village, and so you need a
good understanding of the many cultural and
religious backgrounds in order to relate well
and communicate effectively.”
The chapel is open to everyone, regardless
of their religious affiliation or denomination. A
variety of services are offered to meet the needs
of the airport community. These include:
• Pastoral counselling for passengers
and airport employees who are dealing with
personal conflicts, bereavement and/or family
issues.
• Interdenominational weekday worship
services.
• Special occasion services during
Christmas and Easter as well as pre-arranged
special occasions.
• Bible studies in a group or one-on-one
setting.
• Free helpful literature including bibles
and new testaments; more than 140 different
study booklets, and “Daily Devotional” books
and magazines.
• Intercessory prayer.
• Quiet meditation.
• Weddings, dedication of children,
funerals, memorial services, special requests
and preaching in area churches.
Tucked away in the Arrivals Level of
Terminal 1, the space and serenity of the chapel
is open 24/7. An Evangelical Worship Service
is offered at noon and a Roman Catholic mass
at 1 p.m., daily. Within the chapel, there is also
a separate room that can be used for personal
reflection or to practice your respective faith.
This is open 24/7 and though it is predominately
used by those practicing the Muslim faith, all
are welcome to take full advantage of the
space. There is also a chapel at Terminal 3,
located on the Departures Level. Marked with
a sign of a kneeling figure, Peter and his fellow
chaplains welcome everyone.
From left: Chaplain Peter King leading a weekday Evangelical Worship Service; Various reading materials; Roman Catholic mass is held at 1 p.m., daily.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 13
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
D
on’t be a victim. Know your rights.
Flight Rights Canada, strengthening consumer
protection for air travellers, was announced on
September 5 by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister
of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Flight Rights
Canada will benefit Canadians by increasing awareness of their
rights when travelling by air and by ensuring transparency and
accountability of air carriers.
“Through Flight Rights Canada, air travellers will be reassured
that options are available to them if they are inconvenienced.
Consumer protection is important to our government and that’s
why we are taking further action,” said Minister Cannon. “The
introduction of Flight Rights Canada will help make sure that air
travellers know their rights as consumers and those obligations
of air carriers are reflected in how they provide services.”
The foundation for Flight Rights Canada already exists in
Canadian legislation. In 2007, Bill C-11 strengthened the Canada
Transportation Act to protect the rights of air travellers. Since
that time, most Canadian airlines have approved the Airline
Passenger Charter, which protects your rights.
To take this one step further, Flight Rights Canada provides
additional provisions to protect travellers and will make
information available to air travellers in several ways. It will
inform Canadians of their rights through prominent signage at
key airports. Flight Rights Canada reminds air travellers that they
are entitled to ask for and receive a carrier’s terms and conditions
of carriage, and explains the complaints mechanism in place that
ensures carriers are held accountable for their commitments,
such as compensation for denied boarding as a result of
overbooking, delays, cancellations, passenger re-routing, and
lost and damaged baggage. The terms and conditions of carriage
are legally binding on carriers.
Did you know…
Passengers have a right to take the flight they paid for. If the
plane is over-booked or cancelled, the airline must:
• Find the passenger a seat on another flight operated by that
airline;
• Buy the passenger a seat on another carrier with whom it has
a mutual interline traffic agreement; or
• Refund the unused portion of the passenger’s ticket.
Passengers have a right to punctuality:
• If a flight is delayed and the delay between the scheduled
departure of the flight and the actual departure of the flight
exceeds 4 hours, the airline will provide the passenger with a
meal voucher.
• If a flight is delayed by more than 8 hours and the delay involves
an overnight stay, the airline will pay for overnight hotel stay and
airport transfers for passengers who did not start their travel at
that airport.
• If the passenger is already on the aircraft when a delay occurs,
the airline will offer drinks and snacks if it is safe, practical
and timely to do so. If the delay exceeds 90 minutes and
circumstances permit, the airline will offer passengers the option
of disembarking from the aircraft until it is time to depart.
It’s important to keep in mind that nothing in Flight Rights
Canada would make the airline responsible for acts of nature or
the acts of third parties.
Remember your airline ticket is a contract. When an airline
does not provide the services you paid for, the law requires them
to keep you informed, treat you fairly and offer a solution or a
refund.
If you feel that your rights have not been met, contact your
airline. If you are not happy with their response, contact the
Canadian Transportation Agency at 1-888-222-2592 or by e-mail
at [email protected].
The Flight Rights Canada initiative is another important step
in ensuring our air travel system delivers for Canadians.
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH NON-STOP TO
TAM BRAZIL
T
ravelling to and from Brazil is now easier thanks to
a partnership between Air Canada and TAM, Brazil’s
largest airline and Latin America’s largest air carrier.
The agreement was reached on October 7 to expand their
networks by offering customers more destination choices
and convenient transfers to major cities throughout Brazil and
Canada. It also provides for mutual travel reward benefits for the
members of the carriers’ frequent flyer programs—Aeroplan and
TAM Fidelidade. It is planned to take effect November 2008.
In addition, Star Alliance announced that following the
successful conclusion of membership talks with TAM, the Chief
Executive Board of Star Alliance has voted to accept Latin
America’s largest air carrier as a future member.
“Air Canada is pleased to take these initial steps towards a
stronger relationship with our partner TAM that will benefit the
customers of both airlines by offering easier access to the most
popular destinations in Brazil, Canada and beyond,” said Montie
Brewer, Air Canada President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a
founding member of Star Alliance, we have seen the enormous
benefits that the Alliance has brought to international travellers
in terms of simplifying the travel experience, and providing
14 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
more choice to connect the world more easily. We look forward
to welcoming TAM as a Star Alliance member and offering an
expanded range of benefits that our customers value most,” he
added.
Implementing this new partnership agreement between Air
Canada and TAM offers customers of both airlines the added
benefits of simplified bookings, seamless connections on a single
ticket and baggage check-through to the final destination. Airlines
from both countries can serve each others’ territory with greater
flexibility and convenience. It allows for Air Canada’s network
to expand its service to six major Brazilian cities operated by
TAM through connections at Sao Paulo Guarulhos International
Airport that include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Belo
Horizonte, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. In turn, TAM will expand
service between Sao Paulo and Toronto operated by Air Canada
with convenient connections in Toronto to Vancouver, Calgary,
Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal and Quebec City.
“The agreement with Air Canada reinforces our strategy to
establish partnerships with major airlines worldwide and allows
us to offer our clients a broader range of destinations in North
America,” said Paulo Castello Branco, TAM’s Vice President,
Commercial and Planning.
Air Canada’s year-round daily non-stop service between
Toronto and Sao Paulo operates with a 211-seat Boeing 767300ER aircraft, replaced with a larger 349-seat Boeing 777300ER during the peak travel months December to March.
KELOWNA
J
ust in time for the upcoming winter ski and snowboard
season, Air Canada will resume non-stop KelownaToronto seasonal service in December. Board Air
Canada’s new 93-seat Embraer 190 aircraft and you’ll be
hitting the slopes in no time.
“We are pleased to continue our popular weekend nonstop service between our main Toronto hub and Kelowna
this winter season, linking the British Columbia interior to
our worldwide network,” said Daniel Shurz, Vice President,
Network Planning.
Beginning in December, flights will operate on Saturdays
and Sundays, departing Toronto at 9:15 a.m. and arriving in
Kelowna at 11:04 a.m. Flights will depart Kelowna at 11:55
a.m. and arrive in Toronto at 7:05 p.m. Also, flights have been
timed to ensure convenient connections to and from Eastern
and Atlantic Canada, as well as a number of destinations
in the United States east coast, including Boston and New
York.
Air Canada’s Embraer 190 aircraft will now fly to Kelowna. Photo
courtesy of Air Canada.
NEW LOW
COST CARRIER
B
y late 2009, Toronto passengers may no longer need
to drive to Buffalo to find cheaper flights. On Tuesday,
July 8, a new codeshare partnership between WestJet
and Southwest airlines was announced, which means that
passengers will have the option of flying from Toronto into the
United States with one of the leading U.S. low-cost carriers.
“This is good news for our passengers. Many of them have
been driving to Buffalo looking for the best deals from a low-cost
airline when travelling into the United States. Now they will be
able stay in Toronto, avoid the gas costs associated with driving
to Buffalo, and still get those great deals and great service
through this partnership between WestJet and Southwest,” said
Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA.
As part of a continuing commitment to make Toronto
Pearson more competitive, the GTAA implemented a landing fee
reduction on January 1, 2008, with a further reduction to begin
on January 1, 2009, in addition to further reductions of 25 per
cent on cargo landing fees also effective January 1, 2009. The
new codeshare agreement between WestJet and Southwest
Airlines is another step towards making Toronto Pearson a more
competitive airport and will help keep passengers in Toronto and
will enhance the economic benefits of this region.
The airlines plan to have the codeshare relationship, which
will allow them to commence codeshare flights across both
networks, in place by late 2009. Flight schedules and additional
features regarding the partnership relationship will also be
available in 2009.
DOMINICAN
BLUE SKIES
AGREEMENT
A
new Blue Skies air transport agreement
between Canada and the Dominican Republic
was announced on September 5, 2008 by the
Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Michael
M. Fortier, Minister of International Trade.
“This agreement is another step forward in the
implementation of this government’s Blue Sky international
air transportation policy which was put in place to open
air transport markets,” said Minister Cannon. “It will be
beneficial for travellers and shippers, airports and airlines of
both countries.”
The agreement allows airlines from either country to
serve any cities in both Canada and the Dominican Republic
with their own aircraft and code-sharing services, for both
passenger and all-cargo flights. In addition, air carriers can
also freely decide the frequency of services and prices to be
offered. It also offers flights to and from third countries in
conjunction with flights between the two countries.
“This agreement is part of our ongoing efforts to deepen
our engagement in the Americas and will facilitate growth
in trade, investment and tourism for Canadian business,”
said Minister Fortier. “Canadian travellers will also benefit
from the strong safety and security provisions as well as the
increased flexibility in flight availability.”
With the Dominican Republic as one of Canada’s largest
air travel markets and an important tourism destination for
Canadians, the new rights are likely to result in a greater range
of travel options for passengers and businesses. Airlines are
currently reviewing the new agreement to determine what
new services may be offered.
OLYMPIC
SPIRIT
COMES TO TORONTO PEARSON
L
ights! Camera! Action!
This past spring Air Canada filmed TV commercials
at Toronto Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1 and in one of
Air Canada’s hangars. The spots aired during the 2008 Beijing
Olympic and Paralympic Games on CBC, TSN and Radio Canada
networks. Most of the film shoot took place on an overnight basis
and into the early mornings.
The three 30-second spots captured the human spirit of Air
Canada employees as they portray roles that reflect everyday life
at the airline and the pride they have in flying some of the finest
athletes in the world to the Games.
“With our non-stop service from Toronto to Beijing and with
Toronto’s unique position as a gateway to the world, it seemed
only fitting to film our commercials in a world class facility like
Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1,” said Denis Vandal, Air Canada
Director, Marketing Communication. “Many of our passengers
not only started their journey to the Games from Toronto but also
connected in Toronto from cities in Eastern Canada, the U.S. and
Central and South America including many Olympic teams from
South America, Cuba and Mexico.”
Photos at left: Filming in progress on set at Toronto Pearson; Photos at right: The final cut of the commercials. Photos courtesy of Air Canada.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 15
SHOPandDINE
An exploration in taste and shopping at Toronto Pearson.
BEACHES BOARDWALK CAFE
I
f you’re looking for a quick escape from a hectic travel
schedule, look no further than the shops and restaurants
at Toronto Pearson. And aside from making a trip into the
city, the airport is the best way to experience a slice of Toronto
and its popular neighbourhood, the Beach. The mood created
by avenues lined with Victorian and Edwardian homes, lush
greenery, eclectic and vibrant boutiques, an abundance of cafés
and fine restaurants, beautiful parks and sandy beaches just
steps away is mimiced at Beaches Boardwalk Café. A striking
glass mural of Queen Street East sets the scene to enjoy a quick
bite to eat before you head off to your destination.
Beaches Boardwalk Café currently offers a host of lunch
and dinner options in addition to full bar service. Conveniently
located post-security on the Departures Level in Terminal 3, it
offers passengers a place to unwind before a flight or a meal to
take along for the ride.
Since first opening in 2003, business has been cyclical
over the past five years. However, with WestJet’s prominence
in Terminal 3 and their increase in passenger traffic, HMSHost,
operators of this and other concession locations at Toronto
Pearson, recognized the need to rework the food offering.
The new menu features a wide variety of flavourful selections
to indulge any palate. A favourite appetizer at the café is the
Wicked Thai Soup with Chicken, created with an exotic blend of
chicken, rice, peppers and aromatic spices including lemongrass,
enhanced with the flavour of coconut in a spicy broth.
For lunch or for those wanting a hearty sandwich, the Turkey
Bacon on Multigrain is a popular choice. Sliced turkey breast
with Swiss cheese stacked high with lettuce and tomato layered
between two slices of toasted multigrain bread spread with
cranberry mayonnaise is as delicious as it is wholesome.
As an entrée, the Chicken Tikka Masala Curry is not to be
missed. The chicken and onions are simmered in a medium spiced
curry sauce and are nicely paired with basmati rice, apricot
chutney and a pappadum. A close second in terms of popularity
is the Classic Gyro. The tasteful blend of beef, lamb and pork is
thinly sliced and served on a warm pita garnished with tomato,
lettuce, onion, tzatziki sauce, and served with Greek salad. Prices
range from $5 to $15.
Next time you are flying out of Terminal 3, stop by Beaches
Boardwalk Café for a meal or indulge in a mojito. It is located
between Gates C39 and C40, and is open daily from 5 a.m. until
10 p.m.
The early morning opening time just began serving breakfast
to fill the stomachs of early morning travellers, just in time for the
holiday travel season.
From left: The Classic Gyro brings the freshness of a summer’s day at the beach to your mid-travel meal; the view at gates C39 and C40; the Wicked Thai Soup with Chicken will warm your tummy those cold winter days.
16 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
ARTand EXHIBITIONS
Because there’s plenty to take in before and after your flight.
THE ART OF
FOLDING
O
Susan Szenes’ HMS in Lake Ontario was selected as the GTAA’s first Purchase Award and will now be part of the GTAA’s corporate art collection.
COMING
HOME
I
n May 2008, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
(GTAA) made an open call to artists residing in the 416
and 905 area codes. Artists were invited to submit works
that responded to the theme Coming Home. The airport is a
powerful signifier of coming home - it is a physical place, where
you put your feet back on solid ground after a flight. It can be an
emotional place where friends and family are united. It can also
be bittersweet. Coming home can be a comforting return to the
familiar, but the familiar may also be mundane, especially after
returning from an exciting travel adventure. The idea of coming
home can evoke images beyond the airport - a country, a house,
a person, a feeling.
The submissions were considered by a distinguished
panel of jurors: Natalie Ribkoff, Curator, TD Bank Financial
Group, Betty Ann Jordan, Arts Writer and Critic and artist Akira
Yoshikawa. From more than 160 submissions, they selected
works by 15 artists. Some artists, such as Alex Xinjian Du use
universal symbols that speak to the idea of home or the journey
home. Some, like Stephanie Cormier and Erin Riley, deal with
complex social issues or comment upon urban development.
Others, including Susan Fothergill and Don Morrison, present
highly personal narratives on family, love, travel and memory.
While each artist presents a unique interpretation of the idea of
coming home, all of the works inspire reflection on what home
means, and demonstrate that home is much more than a house.
Rather than being a literal, physical place, it is a complex, often
metaphorical construction of ideas, memories and associations.
The GTAA also is pleased to announce its first Purchase
Award. Toronto artist Susan Szenes’ mixed media work entitled
HMS in Lake Ontario was selected, and it will become part of the
GTAA’s corporate art collection.
Artists: Yael Brotman, Stephanie Cormier, Teri Donovan,
Alex Xinjian Du, Geoff Fitzgerald, Susan Fothergill, Richard
Johnson, Michael Krauss, Patrick Joseph Mifsud, Viktor Mitic,
Don Morrison, Erin Riley, Jacquelyn Sloan Siklos, Susan Szenes,
and Annie Tse.
Coming Home is on display in Airspace Gallery in Terminal 1,
directly above the Domestic Arrivals Hall. This gallery is located
pre-security — travel documents are not required to view the
exhibition.
rigami is the art of paper folding (from oru meaning
“folding”, and kami meaning “paper”). Originally
from China, it was brought to Japan in the sixth
century, where it was developed into a complex art form.
The goal of origami is to create a representation of an object
using geometric folds and crease patterns, preferably using
only one piece of square paper, and without gluing or cutting
the paper.
As passengers wander past the display cases, they will
see whimsical contemporary forms, including airplanes and
a motorcycle. But the traditional patterns are also important
— Toshi Aoyogi’s Attached Cranes is folded according to a
pattern in the world’s oldest origami book, Senbazuru Orikata,
originally published in 1797.
Folding complex shapes can be challenging, but most
enthusiasts find the process somewhat meditative, allowing
them to clear their minds and focus on the folds. Members
of the society work in many different ways — some work
from patterns, while others develop their own unique forms.
Computer modeling is used by some origami artists, but
some of the world’s top folders prefer a low-tech approach.
They figure out extremely complex forms with hundreds
or thousands of folds by visualizing the process and then
experimenting with the paper and memorizing the steps. But
even the traditional folders benefit from technology. John
Guppy, a member of the Society, comments that the internet
allows origami enthusiasts around the world to share
patterns and photos of their work. YouTube even plays a part
— artists can post videos of their techniques on line so that
others can learn and be inspired.
The Origami Society of Toronto meets regularly so that
members can learn more about paper, and share experiences
and knowledge with each other. The Society is involved in
community events around the city and has participated at
venues such as Harbourfront Center, the Art Gallery of Ontario
and the Royal Ontario Museum. Members are regularly
invited by event organizers to teach, to demonstrate and to
display their origami.
Visit www.origamitoronto.org for more information.
A Pressing Engagement: The Art of Origami by the Origami
Society of Toronto is currently on display in the Skylight
Exhibits, International Departures, Terminal 1.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 17
TORONTO PEARSON AND THE AIR SHOW
SOARING HIGH
T
oronto Pearson was privileged once again to be a part
of the 59th Canadian International Air Show (CIAS),
hosted by the City of Toronto, this past Labour Day long
weekend. Aircraft appearing in the CIAS were stationed at both
Toronto Pearson International Airport and Toronto City Centre
Airport.
This year, the CIAS was proud to present the Canadian Forces
Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet. Civilian performers included
the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team (aerobatic displays and a
four-ship demo), Matt Chapman, Julie Clark, Mike Wiskus and
an appearance by the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The CIAS also
welcomed the F-16 Viper East team, a C-130 from Niagara Falls
Air Reserve Station, a T-38 Talon four-ship flyby and the Ministry
of Natural Resources’ Waterbombers and Eurocopter AS-350.
Supporting the air show participants while at Toronto
Pearson were Andy Armstrong and the GTAA’s Fire and Emergency
Services department.
Andy has been involved in air shows for 17 years. His love for
aviation stems from attending shows ever since he was a child.
Now working with the GTAA’s Fire and Emergency Services, he
helps to ensure the safety of the acts flying in and out of Toronto
Pearson.
Meeting with the Snowbirds, the Canadian F18 team and
the American F16 team, Andy is briefed on emergency shut
down and egress procedures. Filming these procedures, he then
takes the information and video back to the on-duty crews to
ensure that they are well prepared in the event anything were
to go awry. Andy acts as a liaison between Fire and Emergency
Services and the air show to ensure that necessary emergency
equipment is available and that important information is passed
along between the groups.
Once the briefings are complete, Andy works directly with
the air show helping with media tours, marshalling the aircraft
and supporting the show in any way that he can. Andy started
with the first ever walking tour of the show and has had incredible
opportunities, such as being one of only a few people to ever see
inside the cockpit of the USAF F22 Raptor.
For more information and to check out more photos from the
show, visit the CIAS website at www.cias.org.
Top: CF-18’s making their way down the tarmac; Bottom: The GTAA’s
Andy Armstrong
PEEL REGIONAL POLICE UPDATE
T
he Peel Regional Police
(PRP) are a group
of many that work
towards keeping the airport safe.
Since the airport community
is like a small city in itself, the
criminal element still exists. But
rest assured that every possible
action will be taken to ensure
that your journey will be a safe
one.
Recently, a band of distraction thieves who were operating
an organized theft ring responsible for an alarming increase in
the number of distraction thefts at Toronto Pearson over the past
18 months were caught.
In the first ten months of 2008, more than 125 of these types
of thefts had been reported to police. The amount of reported
property and cash stolen had exceeded $300,000.
Airport division officers, along with officers from surrounding
START UP
YOUR COLD
ENGINES
A
s the winter season rapidly approaches, the GTAA has
announced that it will continue its traditional Cold
Weather Operations to offer free boosts to vehicles in
the Terminal Parking Garages and other GTAA owned public and
employee lots when the temperature is at/or below -12°C.
This service is available to all passengers and members
of the public. To utilize this service, call the Airport Operations
Control Centre (AOCC) at (416) 776-3055 and a vehicle will be
dispatched to assist you as quickly as possible.
police services conducted a lengthy investigation and, as a result,
35 culprits were identified, including the alleged ringleader. The
culprits have also been connected to thefts throughout Southern
Ontario, and as far away as Vancouver, Montreal and New York
City.
On October 10, members of the Peel Regional Police Airport
Division, assisted by RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA), executed two search warrants at residences in Toronto.
As a result, approximately $30,000 worth of stolen property was
seized and four individuals arrested, including the ringleader.
More than 30 criminal charges, including Conspiracy, were laid
from this event.
Passengers are reminded to remain alert and in close control
of their property.
Some other police investigations on airport property from
the past few months include:
• In August, uniformed officers responded to meet an Air
Canada flight from Edmonton, on which a passenger had become
unruly. A 44-year old Edmonton man was arrested and charged
with Damage to an Aircraft in Flight under the Criminal Code, as
well as other Aeronautics Act offences.
• In August, a 29-year old transient male was arrested by
uniform officers after being alerted by Terminal 1 parking staff.
This male was already on probation for theft with conditions to
not attend Toronto Pearson. He was charged with Attempted
Theft and Breach of Probation.
• In October, while investigating an illegal taxi at Terminal
3, an Airport Division uniform officer was dragged approximately
20 feet by the suspects’ vehicle, which then left the scene. The
driver was later arrested and charged with Dangerous Driving
Causing Bodily Harm, Failing to Stop at an Accident and
Aggravated Assault.
• In November, five passengers from an Air Canada flight
from Varadero, Cuba were arrested by uniform officers after a
disturbance during the flight. A total of eleven Criminal Code and
Aeronautical Act charges were laid, including Mischief, Assault
and Failing to Comply.
Does your flight offer the food selection you want?
Bring a delicious Made to Fly meal or snack from one of Toronto
Pearson’s many food outlets aboard your flight.
Choose the food you want.
The options are endless. Toronto Pearson offers an array of
restaurants and cafes to satisfy any craving.
Carry-on made easy.
Made to Fly meals and snacks are freshly prepared and packaged
just for you to take on your flight.
MADE TO FLY.
Be sure to grab a bite for your flight!
18 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008
EVERY BIT COUNTS
M
ost of us have spare change in our pockets and have
probably never given much thought to how much
good that money can do. Air Canada Kids’ Horizons
and the Children’s Miracle Network have given this a lot of
thought and are putting the money to good use.
Since 1994, Air Canada Kids’ Horizons has been supporting
Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Canada through various
programs, including a program called Every Bit Counts. Air
Canada flight attendants collect spare change from passengers
on inbound international flights and the money is donated to
Children’s Miracle Network. The primary focus of Air Canada
Kids’ Horizon is to enhance the quality of life for Canadian
children by offering free flights and making dreams come true for
thousands of children.
This program is now expanded to include Globe Donation
Canisters in Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson. Ten collection
globes have been placed throughout Terminal 1 giving
passengers, airport employees and people picking up
passengers the opportunity to support Canadian pediatric
hospitals across Canada. All monies raised will be donated
to Children’s Miracle Network, assisting them in their goal of
helping to bridge the gap between communities and medical
expertise.
“The GTAA is pleased to partner with Air Canada
Kids’ Horizons and Children’s Miracle Network to help bring
this arrangement to the next level,” said Lloyd McCoomb,
President and CEO of the GTAA. “Playing a small part in
helping to bring health and happiness to kids is something
that we are very proud to be involved in.”
BLAZE OF GLORY
O
n September 11, 2008, the staff at Toronto Pearson’s
Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI)
opened their doors to show a crew of Discovery
Channel’s Daily Planet some of what happens to keep Toronto
Pearson safe and how they train firefighters from all over the
world to be prepared for what a firefighter encounters. The Daily
Planet crew came to FESTI to film a ‘Behind the Scenes’ segment
for the show. The crew visits places that their audience may be
familiar with and want to learn more about.
Presenter Ed Robertson, a musician for the band The
Barenaked Ladies, was put through the paces as a trainee for the
day. Ed helped put out an aircraft fire, entered a structural fire
to look for survivors and extinguish a fire, and scaled down the
side of a six storey building. Ed’s experience gave him a greater
understanding of what firefighters go through on a daily basis.
For more information about the Daily Planet, or to view the
FESTI segment online, please visit www.discoverychannel.ca.
AS
SEEN
AT
TORONTO PEARSON
To have your photos appear in this publication, they must meet the following criteria:
P
auline Butt of Grand Falls Windsor,
NL sent in the top photo while visiting
Toronto in September.
The bottom photo was sent in by frequent
contributor and YYZ Airport Watch member
Andy Cline. He captured this Korean Airlines
Boeing 747-4B5 arriving at Toronto Pearson on
August 30, 2008. The aircraft features a rendering of the Mona Lisa and commemorates Korean
audio guide service at the Louvre in Paris.
Every issue of Toronto Pearson Today features a selection of photographs taken by our
readers. If you think you’ve taken a good picture
at Toronto Pearson, we’d like to see it.
• They must have been taken by the person submitting the photo(s). Photographs copy written
to someone other than the person submitting
the photo(s) will not be printed.
• The photo(s) must have some relation to Toronto Pearson, such as a terminal or an aircraft
on or near airport property.
• Digital photographs should be technically
sound. A resolution of 300 dpi at 4” x 6” is preferred. Photos will be reviewed for technical
specifications on a case-by-case basis.
Digital images can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Prints can be addressed to the
Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Toronto Pearson
International Airport, P.O. Box 6031, 3111 Convair
Drive, Toronto AMF, Ontario, L5P 1B2. Mark the envelope to the attention of Corporate Affairs and
Communications — Jason Ritchie. Prints will be
returned only upon request.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008 19
Publications Mail Agreement No.40930520
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Toronto Pearson International Airport
P.O. Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive
Toronto AMF, Ontario
L5P 1B2
10%
Cert no. SW-COC-1383
20 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2008