Skytalk January 2002

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F R E E JANUARY 2002 • Your Airport Community Newspaper – Vancouver International Airport

$40-Million West Apron Unveiled

YVR’s Most Frequent Flyer rnold Parlee retired from NavAir of Victoria after 25 years of service during which he has flown an estimated 14,280 times into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). His first trip to YVR was in 1957 delivering flowers from Chilliwack. Although no record is being claimed, Parlee may have flown into YVR more than any other pilot in the airport’s 70-year history. Parlee started with NavAir’s predecessor company, Flight Center Victoria in 1973, as the operator of its flight school. After short stays at Air West/AirBC, he returned to NavAir and was chief pilot from 1983 to 1998. Parlee became SEE FREQUENT FLYER, synonymous with CONTINUED PAGE 4

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118,000-sq.-metre expansion of YVR’s main apron opened in November, providing the airport with three drivethrough aircraft service positions for aircraft de-icing, aircraft loading/off-loading and parking. The area can accommodate two B747s and one A380 (Airbus’ newest super-jumbo), or alternatively two B757s,

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two A320s and one B747 simultaneously. This apron expansion makes possible the next planned expansion of the International Terminal Building, construction of which could begin as early as 2003 if traffic growth warrants. The footprint for this nine-gate terminal expansion can be seen in the photograph above to the east of the apron expansion.

Located west of the apron expansion is a nine-million-litre of glycol storage pond that recovers all aircraft de-icing fluid from the new apron. The glycol-water mix from this pond is pumped into tanker trucks and distilled for potential re-use of the glycol in automotive and other related products.

Conquest Launches New Skyservice Vancouver-Toronto Route onquest Vacations began new domestic service December 23 using Skyservice A319 Aircraft flying between Vancouver and Toronto, with same-plane service to and from Halifax.

SEE CONQUEST, CONTINUED PAGE 11

Jorgenson Photo

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Conquest Vacations has offices across Canada and has been providing vacation packages to the Bahamas, Mexico, Central America and the United States

(Left to right) Chris Cox, Transport Canada; Wayne Heal, NAVCanada; Bernie L'Hirondelle, NavAir; Arnold Parlee, NavAir; Fred Lam, NAVCanada; Tim Cole, Transport Canada.

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SEE PAGE 13 * YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.


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YVR Launches Passenger Friendly Web Site ancouver International Airport Authority has put a fresh face to its Web site, giving it a new design with an easier-to-navigate format. It contains additional features, including real-time flight information and up-to-date weather conditions. The site—www.yvr.ca—was relaunched in mid-December, following six months of development work. “Our research shows that about 90 per cent of visitors to the site are seeking flight information,” said Kevin Molloy, the Airport Authority’s vice president, information technology. “We’ve taken this information and translated it into a Web site that reflects the needs of our users. Realtime arrivals and departures are front and centre on the homepage, as well as a new section featuring airline flight schedules.” The flight schedule feature enables travellers to pick a destination served by YVR, the airlines serving that destination and the corresponding flight schedules. Also, it links to airline Web sites for the ease of travel planning. Information on ‘way-finding’ at the airport, retail and shopping opportunities, and parking and ground transportation facilities – including public transit – also have been ‘beefed

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up’ considerably on the new site. The Airport Authority has included additional information on its management team and its Board of Directors, as well as highlighting the Airport Authority’s on-going commit-

ment to community relations and environmental management. “As a locally-based organization, the Airport Authority takes its commitment to communities very seriously,” said Anne Murray, vice president of community and environmental affairs. “We realize that effective airport management is built on a foundation of excellent relations with our neighbours and a strong dedication to environmental awareness. The YVR Web site is designed to help make important information available to all our stakeholders, including our community neighbours.”

The original site was first launched in 1998, winning the Airports Council International (ACI) Excellence in Communications Award, first place for Web site. The Airport Authority also was awarded second place in technology innovation. “Over the coming months, we expect to add a number of additional features,” Molloy said. “The new site was designed with growth in mind. The YVR Web site today is just the beginning, and in keeping on top of advances in technology, we will be able to add to the site to make it more interactive and innovative.”

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A Success Story referred Supplier” Agreements are now a reality at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). These are relationships with key suppliers, such as Acklands-Grainger, Benwell Atkins, Grand & Toy, IKON, Uniglobe Travel, Scandinavian Building Maintenance, Securiguard, and others, designed to improve workflows, create process efficiencies, reduce costs, and allow for innovation from which all parties can benefit. “The system is designed to utilize leading-edge technology and

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methods to improve business process systems, maintain The A i r p o r t Authority’s ability to meet or Chris D’Silva, YVR’s manager exceed budgeted of corporate financial objec- procurement tives, and provide services for benchmarking at a world-class level,” said Chris D’Silva, manager of corporate procurement services. SEE PREFERRED SUPPLIERS, PAGE 5


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Security Changes in Store for Airports By Phil Melnychuk ecurity at Canada’s airports is in for some changes following Ottawa’s budget announcement. The creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to oversee “key air security services” will see responsibility for passenger screening move from

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the airlines to Ottawa. But just who will do what in providing tougher post-September 11 security remains to be sorted out, early in the new year. Keep It Locally Managed If it was up to the Vancouver International Airport Authority, it will play a role in keeping things safe. “We want to manage it locally,”

B.C. Aviation Council

said Paul Levy, director of security and emergency planning at the airport. “Our position is — we want to be involved. We know we can do a good job of it.” Discussions between YVR and the federal government have been ongoing since September 11 but it’s still too early to say who will be doing what, says Levy. The Airport Authority sees passenger pre-board screening as a natural extension of the role it’s already playing — providing security for the perimeter of the airport. It does that through contracts with private security firms as well as the RCMP. Canada’s Transport Dec. 11 release seems to welcome local involvement: “In the case of large air-

Concerned About Security Costs RESPONSE T he B.C. Aviation Council (BCAC) is concerned about the introduction of a security fee that the federal government will be imposing on April 1. The fee will be $12 on each one-way ticket. It is feared that adding costs to the ticket in some cases will force passengers to use the ferry system from Vancouver Island or Powell River, and that northern communities like Smithers, Terrace, Prince Rupert, simply will not travel. “This new fee will reduce the number of passengers in a very fragile market. Air carriers such as Baxter Air, Harbour Air, West Coast Air, and many other operators who serve the small coastal communities, will be directly affected,” said Jerry Lloyd, BCAC’s president and CEO. Dave Menzies of Hawk Air said the new fee, “unfairly privileges long-haul passengers who would pay a tiny fraction of their ticket price for the new user fee, compared to short-haul passengers for whom $12 a leg represents a substantial increase.” For a passenger flying full fare one-way between Pearson International and Vancouver International airports paying $1,677.23 for a ticket, an additional $12 would represent an increase of less than one per cent. For a pricesensitive passenger flying on a $99 seat sale from Digby Island to Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal, an additional $12 raises the cost of flying by over 10 per cent.

Daryl Smith, CEO of Pacific Coastal Airlines, said this latest tax is “absolutely outrageous. Our existing system is working, it is at reasonable cost, but obviously could be improved. To destroy what is in place and attempt to reinvent the wheel is an abject waste of money and time.” In a letter to finance minister Paul Martin, Smith has outlined his industry’s areas of concern and proposed solutions for consideration by Ottawa (see ‘Response’). Jerry Lloyd, president of the BCAC, will be addressing these concerns with transport minister David Collenette and finance minister Paul Martin prior to April. The BCAC believes that the passengers on these small carriers are low risk and that the $24 is a tax added to the ticket, with the carriers acting as tax collectors for the federal government. The BCAC, however, does support security screening at the international airports for cross-border traffic, international flights and travel across Canada. With the B.C. forestry industry struggling and the economic recession, it is feared the addition of this new fee will cause many of the small carriers financial hardship. “All the operators on the coast are concerned about the spiraling costs. We have to rationalize the security costs for the industry; we don’t need this for the small operator’s in British Columbia,” said Lloyd.

ports, . . . it may be more effective for the new authority to rely on airport authorities for personnel management... while retaining overall accountability.” $12 Fee To pay for all the new enforcement is the new air traveller’s security charge, a $12 fee on each one-way air ticket. It’s to take effect in April, but details about how it will be collected have not as yet been announced. However, Levy believes it will be added on to the price of a ticket. For Levy, the whole goal is to provide much-improved airport security and safety without creating huge delays and lineups. Transport Canada has announced other changes since

The Honourable Paul Martin Ministry of Finance, House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Sir: In the rush to introduce the airport security plan, its governing agency and attendant security tax it seems that government has not had the opportunity to work through all the adverse ramifications of a plan. As proposed, the security plan will have a devastating effect on many smaller regional carriers with the certainty of dramatic losses in a shrinking market including large layoffs. I would like to highlight several areas of concern and to offer the following suggested solutions. (1) Amortize Capital Costs over their Useful Life The current security costs represent under $1.00 per passenger per one-way trip compared to the proposed $12.00 (and $24.00 for international and Hawaii). The current system may require improvement, but the magnitude of the increase is out of all proportion to the deficiencies to be remedied. Part of the problem can be attributed to the Government’s accounting approach, which recovers the total capital costs in a year. Can you imagine what the fares would be if the airlines attempted to recover their fleet costs in one year? Or if NavCanada tried to recoup their air navigation capital costs in one year? This security agency is no different. Lease the equipment or find some “off balance sheet” financing mechanism to reduce the magnitude of the tax, by amortizing the capital costs over their useful life. (2) Avoid Charging Local Services not Utilizing the Security System The proposed charging principles are based upon a minimum aircraft weight. However, many local services which are not a security risk and which are

September 11. Passengers in Canada have new limits to carryon luggage while people flying to the U.S. may be subject to random searches just before boarding. Random searches of luggage at check-in also will take place. And $1 billion will be spent over the next five years on buying bombdetection equipment for airports, coupled with up to $128 million each year for better pre-board screening of passengers. The amount is 75 per cent larger than what the airlines spent last year on such screening. Then for good measure, the government threw in another $10 million, just for this year, to put in place immediate improvements to screening.

provided with aircraft that are over the proposed weight threshold do not utilize security services since they are detached from the national system. Examples include fleet plane and helicopter services and service from Vancouver’s South Terminal. In the particular case of the South Terminal, the air services are mainly local traffic to communities on Vancouver Island and the mid-Coast. Where these services involve inter-line passengers they are transported by bus to the Main Terminal and are cleared through security similar to passengers originating in Vancouver. Hence, there is no security risk to the national system. Clearly, the charging principle must be modified to exclude many types of local air services which are not integrated with the national system and which do not use the security system. (3) Avoid Double Taxing Connecting Passengers The security tax applies to each airline ticket. In the case of a connecting passenger on Air Canada’s system, open security tax would apply because the travel is on one ticket. In the case of other local service carriers offering connecting service to carriers other than Air Canada, two tickets are required for the two separate airline segments. Accordingly, connecting passengers on other than Air Canada pay a $24.00 return surcharge. Air Canada’s dominance is too well known—both to the government and to the travelling public. Please address this obvious inequity to put competitors to Air Canada on an equal and competitive footing. (4) Amend the Tax to be Proportionate with Distance. The proposed security tax is extremely regressive for short haul carriers. It is SEE common for charges in the airRESPONSE, line industry to be distance or CONTINUED PAGE 4


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FREQUENT FLYER, CG-ILS, a Britten Norman Islander aircraft, for the last 20 years and has visited YVR approximately 10,200 times with this aircraft. During that time he experienced one complete engine failure and one partial engine

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 failure in 20,000 hours of Islander time. Corrections Service Canada recognized him for “meritorious service” for an in-flight incident, which occurred while transferring prisoners to Abbotsford. One prisoner tried to

overpower him and an in-flight struggle ensued, during which Parlee managed to hit the prisoner on the head with a fire extinguisher, laying him out cold while keeping control of the aircraft. Since the incident, which

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occurred some 15 years ago, a cockpit partition has been installed to prevent such incidents. Parlee’s last flight to YVR for NavAir was on Dec. 31, 2001. He arrived at the Vancouver Jet Centre, which is used as NavAir’s Vancouver base, at 11:30 a.m. with

his trusty Islander “ILS”. A pair of Chinese “Yaks” escorted ILS back to Victoria and a further group of aircraft joined him at Beaver Point to ensure his safe return to Victoria International Airport at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2001, completing his final trip.

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ecently, at an open-house function, the Airport Authority used the new West Apron area (see cover story) to showcase its newly expanded snow removal fleet. Three new Oshkosh P-series multi-purpose trucks with 6x6 allwheel steer were shown with 24-

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foot plow attachments (top picture). They stood alongside the Oshkosh H-series snow blowers, which are capable of handling 5,000 tonnes of snow per hour. The fleet is ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers this winter.

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weight based. Landing fees, navigation fees and terminal charges are all examples. Some recognition has been given to this concept in the proposed levies: international (and Hawaii) services are $24.00 one-way and domestic and transborder are $12.00 one-way. Further refinement is necessary. An example: return service for Vancouver-Victoria is from $99.00. The proposed security tax represents a 24% increase – preposterous! Some distance modification is necessary to address this and similar circumstances. I recognize that speed is important in implementing the revised security plan. However, the airline industry is staggering from reduced traffic and significant losses. There are ways to reduce the security tax and to make it more equitable. It is essential to review the plan in the light of the observations above prior to implementation. Please advise if you require any additional information for your review and deliberations. Yours truly, Daryl L. Smith Director & CEO Pacific Coastal Airlines


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PRESIDENT’S CORNER By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer

Leading the way in changing times

First Air Suspends Direct Yellowknife-Vancouver Service irst Air has announced that it will suspend scheduled service between Yellowknife, NWT and Vancouver, on Jan. 13. This route, announced last August, was planned to operate its inaugural season Dec. 29, 2001 to April 7, 2002 with a 115-seat Boeing 737 jet five days per week. First Air had branded this flight as the “Aurora Express,” as the flights were scheduled during the winter season when the “Auroraborealis” is most active. “We were extremely confident that the market was ready for direct service. Northern Tourism has grown significantly and was forecasted to continue. However, following the tragic events of September 11, the market recovery is slower than predicted,” said Jim Ballingall, First Air’s vice president marketing and sales. “We will continue to work with the tourism industry to rebuild the confidence in travel to North America.”

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The direct route commenced Dec. 29, operating Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Passengers with tickets for travel after Jan. 13, may choose to have their tickets refunded or be re-routed via Edmonton, Alberta. First Air’s 19 flights per week between Yellowknife and Edmonton will continue to operate with improved flight times and the Inuvik service also will continue with increased frequency to six flights per week starting Jan. 7. One of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2001,” First Air has been connecting the people of the North for over 55 years and offers scheduled service to more northern destinations than any other airline. The airline has over 1,150 employees, of which more than 450 work and live in the North. In 2000, First Air injected more than $40 million into the economies of northern communities.

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS, As one of the Airport Authority’s preferred suppliers, IKON provides the Airport Authority with its complete complement of office copiers and fax machines on a lease basis. Typically, most lease agreements are rigidly structured, inflexible, and contain significant penalty clauses if changes are made. As a preferred supplier, and, as an example of how the program works, IKON has worked to mitigate any serious restrictions, and has provided the flexibility to make changes in equipment to effectively service the needs of a changing airport organization. Through this pro-active approach, and an excellent understanding of the Airport Authority and its needs, IKON has provided considerable savings, and continues to work towards reducing equipment costs

Baseball great Yogi Bera once proclaimed, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Given the turmoil we’re experiencing in the aviation industry, that quote could very well apply to us. After years of steady growth, the industry has taken some hard hits from the economic downturn and events of September 11. Although the future ‘ain’t’ what it used to be, our industry has always shown its resilience and ability to adapt to changing times. Enhanced security is one area that is undergoing significant change, and will be a major focus for all airports in 2002 and beyond. Security has always been our top priority at YVR and we support Ottawa’s decision to create a new Air Transport Security Authority responsible for passenger and baggage screening. We also believe firmly that the Airport Authority can best deliver that service at YVR. The benefits are clear – an integrated security force, better training and job advancement, improved customer service, and the ability to respond quickly to local conditions. As the Chair of the Canadian Airports Council for 2002, I look forward to working with airport and airline industry leaders, and the federal government on security and other issues affecting our industry. A number of other changes are being undertaken at YVR, as we continue to fulfill our mandate to make this airport a premier global gateway. The most visible activity is the renovation work on our Domestic Terminal, which is being completely transformed into an architecturally stunning and technologically advanced building. The upgrade is serving to enhance the passenger experience – from the open floor plan and natural lighting to a new state-of-the-art baggage sortation

system, flight information plasma monitors and numerous self-serve check-in kiosks – making the area more efficient, functional and customer friendly. Work on the north half of the building was completed last year, and we are currently on schedule to complete the south section later this year. We also continue taking an industry-leading role in building the “smart airport”. We have installed innovative common use terminal equipment (known by the acronym CUTE) in the Domestic Terminal that allows any airline to use available check-in counters as passenger demand dictates. This system, already used in the International Terminal Building, improves passenger processing and space utilization. In addition, 2002 will see the development at YVR of the most advanced Self-Service Kiosk airport site in North America…again, common use. For passengers, it means they can choose to check-in for flights – no matter which airline they are flying with – at kiosks that will be located conveniently throughout the terminals. Behind the scenes, we are undertaking an upgrade of our baggage systems, including capacity enhancements to a number of “outbound” domestic and international systems, as well as additional baggage pier upgrades to improve performance. It is part of our commitment to ensure that YVR is second to none in its facilities and services. We’ve always taken a long-term view in our planning, and our flexibility to adapt to changing times has helped YVR become one of the best airports in the world. As you can see, we’re working hard to ensure that we maintain that status.

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while improving the Airport Authority’s ability to process documents efficiently. As a further testament to the success of the program, IKON demonstrated its flexibility and innovation with a proposal to install two of the newest generation Canon iR2050 colour photocopiers. “The Airport Authority was able to test the newest business copier units from September to the end of Dec. 2001, at no cost, and provide state-ofthe-art colour copying to a number of departments,” said D’Silva. “This reduced existing colour copier lease costs and saved considerable staff time for those departments, which previously had little or no access to colour copying. “More efficient equipment also

reduces the need to send colour-copy jobs to an outside source, which creates further savings.” This example shows that through the support and resources of a worldclass supplier a solid, mutually beneficial working relationship between buyer and seller can be achieved. As opportunities arise, and where possible, the Airport Authority is working to move all its supply arrangements to these types of preferred relationships. This will result in reduced airport operating costs and suppliers who can proactively provide their goods and services in a way that helps keep YVR competitive and in the forefront of airports worldwide.

Your Airport Community Paper JANUARY 2002 ISSUE • VOL. 9 • NO. 3 YVR SKYTALK, the official newspaper of the Vancouver International Airport, is published monthly by Westco Marketing Ltd. for the more than 26,000 people who make up the airport community at YVR. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editorial Liaison: Editorial Board:

Patrick Stewart Joan Stewart Ralph Eastman

Printed on Recycled Stock using vegetable based inks Please recycle this product.

Aggie Stevens, John Korenic, Chris D’Silva Heather Madden-Johns, Ralph Eastman, Ali Hounsell, Kim Abrams, Erin Sills

Contributing Writers:

David Kritzwiser, Arnold Klappe, Phil Melnychuk, Jim Jorgenson

Creative / Production: Photography:

James Martin Jim Jorgenson, Gary Tahir

ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT PUBLICATIONS P.O. Agreement #1676261

VANCOUVER OFFICE: Second Floor – 1965 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1Z3 Tel (604) 736-6754 • Fax: (604) 736-6750. TORONTO OFFICE: Suite 4, 514 Carlingview Drive • M9W 5R3 Tel (416) 679-0064 • Fax: (416) 679-0754


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Duty-Free Shops Target Frequent Travellers By Phil Melnychuk ime never stands still and neither do the duty-free shops at Vancouver International Airport.

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Travellers will see some changes in the stores in the New Year, says Peter Wust, executive vice-president with The Nuance Group, based in Switzerland. “We have to bring it up to modern standards.”

That means “bringing in some new and very exciting concepts,” he said during a stop in Vancouver just before Christmas. Those concepts have yet to be announced but they’ll complement the Armani

menswear, Clinique and Elizabeth Arden cosmetics as well as the alcohol and tobacco currently offered in both dutyfree and duty-paid shops. While Wust wasn’t eager to reveal details, the new products will reflect the needs of the modern traveller, he said. “The changes we are really doing here are updating the retail offerings to current market standards.” But what will change, also by next June, is the layout of the stores, to create new interest and variety for the frequent traveller, said David Huffer, vice-president, commercial development with the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVRAA). Nuance’s shops at the airport include Spirit of the North and Tastefully Canadian, which are duty-paid shops in presecurity. It also runs at least half a dozen duty-free postsecurity kiosks and a duty-free store in downtown Vancouver. At the latter, travellers can pay for the items but pick them up at the airport as they’re boarding. A 10,000-sq. ft. warehouse in Richmond stores all the merchandise. Just exactly who the typical international passenger is has changed from what was anticipated in 1995 when the contract was awarded to Allders to operate the stores. Nuance came on to the scene in 1998 after buying Allders. In 1995, it was assumed the number of Japanese abroad would continue to grow. But today’s reality is that the typical passenger is just as likely to be from other parts of Asia or Europe, Wust said. The Nuance Group operates the largest chain of airport stores in the world, in 60 airports with revenues of $2 billion. Nuance has won a number of international retail awards. While Nuance, like every other business in the aviation industry, was hurt by the events of September 11,Wust said the company’s balanced presence throughout the world minimized the losses. But things are slowly coming back. “I think it’s a question of time.”

ICE Currency Services and its Employees raise Funds for Canadian Red Cross U.S. Appeal

ICE Currency Services, which operates the foreign exchange branches at YVR, recently launched a raffle fundraiser to support the Canadian Red Cross efforts in the U.S. (Left to right) ICE Currency Services operations manager, Gabrielle Durning, and Shamir Desai, director, present a cheque for $2,000 to Adrienne Bakker, marketing manager, Canadian Red Cross Vancouver.


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Since up to 40 per cent of regional flights are associated with connected flights, the shift makes “absolute sense,” said Bill Devlin, Air Canada manager, hub development. “Adjacency of our mainline flights to our regional service is very important to us. We like to do connections in about 20 to 30 minutes.” With 2,000 regional passengers per day, many of them connecting onward, the key to the integration of mainline and regional services is ease—easy access for passengers, easy-to-find gates, easy connectivity. Further customer benefits include a natural flow from domestic check-in to Pier C, plus a comfortable route for deplaning passengers from Pier C to Carousels 4, 5 and 6. Access to Pier

2002 Events AEROSPACE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF B.C. EVENTS January 29, 2002 Leading Edge Networking Series Speaker TBC March 2002 AIABC’s Leading Edge Awards banquet Details TBA May 1, 2, 3, 2002 Western Aerospace Allaince Conference, hosted by AIABC, Vancouver, B.C. (604) 538-0071 for more details. Or go to www.aiabc.com/waa2002.htm

BRITISH COLUMBIA AVIATION COUNCIL February 12 BCAC Aviation Dinner Guest Speaker: Rick Antonson president & CEO Tourism Vancouver will be speaking on the impact of September 11, and plans to re-stimulate the market. 5:30 Reception; 6:15 dinner; Tickets: $30 More details at www.bcaviation.org or call (604) 278-9330

Send your event info by e-mail to office@skytalk.com or fax to (604) 736-6750.

C’s Maple Leaf Lounge also is improved. The new arrangements also will be fully serviced by food, hospitality and convenience outlets. “Our move to Pier C is a natural progression in our belief that Air Canada’s customer service be as seamless and convenient as we can make it,” said John Ring, general manager, customer service, B.C. “But we believe also it benefits the YVR community as a whole by making the flying experience here easier and more pleasant.” Lori Chambers, YVR’s director, terminal operations, agreed. “By setting up a more efficient and simplified system, Air Canada’s move makes it easier and more expeditious for passengers to fly.”

QUALITY PRODUCTS • ALWAYS ON TIME!

Air Canada Improves Connectivity n Jan. 9, Air Canada officially transferred its regional arrival and departure facilities in the domestic terminal building from its old location at Pier A to a spacious new site in Pier C. The change means Air Canada will now offer greatly improved connectivity for passengers between the airline’s regional and mainline tiers at the YVR hub. In fact, with the inauguration of the new Pier C facility, passengers disembarking from an AirBC or a regional flight at one of eight parking positions will find themselves just steps away from a quiet, comfortable lounge area and nearby connections to Air Canada’s onward domestic and international flights, and the reverse.

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John Ring, general manager, customer service.

Maple Leaf Lounge, Pier C.

By David Kritzwiser

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Who said that Valentine’s Day was for couples only???? Certainly not us!!!

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Captain Michael John Barry, manager flight operations, CAE Aviation Training, sitting in an A320 flight simulator in CAE’s new facilities.

CAE Opens State-of-the-Art Aviation Training Centre ast month, CAE inaugurated its Toronto Aviation Training Centre and announced an agreement with Air Canada to train its Boeing 747-400 pilots at the new facility, and to provide them with additional training capacity on the Airbus A330/340 and A320. “CAE has long been the world’s leading supplier of flight simulators,” said CAE’s president and CEO,

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briefing rooms as well as leadingedge concepts in courseware, featuring the PC-based CAE Simfinity™ training concept. Approximately 25 managerial, administrative and technical support staff will be employed permanently at the aviation centre. Four Canadian airlines will be the anchor tenants in the new facility: Air

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Located behind the Delta Vancouver Airport at 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC Phone: 604-276-1962 Fax: 604-276-1975

Derek H. Burney, at the centre’s inauguration. “This state-of-the-art facility—the sixth in CAE’s global network but our first here at home—is tangible evidence that CAE is determined to move beyond simulation to become a leading provider of aviation training.” The only independent training centre for large aircraft in Canada begins operations with three fullflight simulators: an Airbus A330/340, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 747-400. A fourth simulator for the Bombardier Dash 8-100/300 will be installed in early 2003. The Centre offers modern classrooms and

Canada Regional, Skyservice, Air Transat, and Air Canada, which has been purchasing CAE simulators since 1968. In addition to Canadian airlines, the Centre will meet the training needs of U.S.-based airlines on Airbus and Boeing simulators. CAE is the world’s premier provider of simulation and control technologies for training and optimization solutions in aerospace, defence, and forestry. Headquartered in Canada and operating globally, the company employs more than 7,000 people and has revenues in excess of C$1 billion.


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B.C. Aerospace in Orbit By David Kritzwiser hink of industry in B.C. and forestry, film and tourism pop into your head. But aerospace? Though it often seems to be a well-kept secret, the provincial aerospace industry is alive, well, and growing at a phenomenal rate.

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Currently employing more than 7,000 engineers, technicians, and machinists, it has grown by more than 75 per cent since 1995. Few other industries in B.C. have experienced this expansion, especially in the midst of economic uncertainty. And even though a surprising total of over 80 aerospace companies are presently based here,

their markets extend globally—80 per cent of the industry’s revenue is derived from export sales. Covering All Bases From floatplanes in Coal Harbour, to helicopters carrying passengers, goods, or firefighters throughout the province, and to commercial jets flying to the farthest corners of the

world, skilled, trained people are needed to accomplish these operations with safety and efficiency. And that’s where B.C.’s aerospace industry steps in to cover all bases with recognized world-class proficiency.

SEE BC AEROSPACE, CONTINUED PAGE 13

(Pictured Top Left) Serving as a vital maintenance and construction component of the ISS with a system of robotic manipulators, the Canadarm-2 is a triumph of Canadian technology. (Top Right) Orbiting high above, the 16-nation ISS is a virtual laboratory of the future in space.

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Your Guide to the Slopes!

SKI VANCOUVER AREA LOCATION WEB SITE TELEPHONE SNOWPHONE HOURS OF OPERATION AVG. ANNUAL SNOWFALL BASE ELEVATION SUMMIT ELEVATION VERTICAL DROP NO. OF RUNS SKIABLE TERRAIN NO. OF LIFTS % GREEN/BLUE/BLACK NO. OF BEGINNER TOWS LIFT CAPACITY ADULT FULL-DAY TICKET YOUTH FULL-DAY TICKET JUNIOR FULL-DAY TICKET SENIOR FULL-DAY TICKET PIPES PARKS LIGHTS CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS ON-SITE AMENITIES

NEARBY ACCOMMODATION

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

MOUNT BAKER

MOUNT SEYMOUR

WHISTLER / BLACKCOMB

West Vancouver cypressmountain.com 604-926-5612 604-419-SNOW 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. weekends 520 cm 980 m 1,450 m 470 m 34 200 hectares 5 23/37/40 n/a 6,700 per hour $42 (incl. GST) $35 (13-18 yrs.) $19 (6-12 yrs.) $19 1 2 on all main runs 19 km Growlies Bar and Grill, Hollyburn Lodge, cafeteria, rental shop, ski/snowboard school West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver

North Vancouver grousemountain.com 604-984-0661 604-986-6262 9 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Glacier, Washington mtbakerskiarea.com 360-734-6771 604-857-1515 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

North Vancouver mountseymour.com 604-986-2261 604-718-7771 9:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. weekends 250 cm 1,023 m 1,265 m 242 m 21 24 hectares 3 38/43/19 2 5,318 per hour $29 $24 $14 $19 1 2 on 10 runs n/a Two restaurants

Whistler Whistler-blackcomb.com 1-800-766-0449 604-687-7507 8:30 a.m-3:00 p.m.

Development at BC Resorts & Mountains

762 m 1,127 m 370 m 24 86 hectares 6 40/40/20 3 6,600 per hour $35 $25 (13-18 yrs.) $15 (5-12 yrs.) $19 1 2 on 13 runs 5.3 km Ski and snowboard school; renal shop; cafés, bars, restaurants West Vancouver, North Vancouver, 7Vancouver and Burnaby

1,643 cm 1,066 m 1,540 m. 484 m 35 405 hectares 8 30/42/38 1 n/a $46.50 Cdn. (16+ yrs.) $35.50 Cdn. (7-15 yrs.) Free (15 & under) $13.50 Cdn. (60-69 yrs.) 2 2 none n/a Ski-board school, two day lodges, café, mountain shop Inns, lodges, B&Bs in Glacier

APEX MOUNTAIN, Penticton. Wild Side, featuring steep powder glades and a 4.2km intermediate trail. Apex Hostel, with 112 beds in the heart of the village. BIG WHITE, Kelowna. Four new intermediate and expert runs in the Never-Never Land area. Stonebridge Lodge with 75 two-

914 cm 675 m W: 2,181 m; B: 2,284 m W: 1,530m; B: 1,609 m 200+ 2,874 hectares 33 W: 20/55/25; B: 15/55/30 8 59,007 per hour $42 (early season) $36 (early, 13-17 yrs.) $21 (early, 7-12 yrs.) $36 (early season) 3 2 none all over Whistler area 13 on-mountain restaurants; rental shops; ski/snowboard schools, & more Whistler Village & surrounding area

Within Greater Vancouver

bedroom suites, right next to the Bullet Express chair. Expanded parking areas at Gem Lake and Happy Valley. CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, Westbank. New triple chair. Paved road to the resort. Terrain park and half-pipe. CYPRESS MOUNTAIN, West Van-

couver. Beginner-friendly Easy Rider quad chair replaces rope tow. High-speed, detachable Eagle Express quad replaces Eagle Chair. New building has expanded rental shop with all-new equipment. HEMLOCK VALLEY, Harrison Hot Springs. Terrain parks redesigned.

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J A N U A R Y

Know your AIRCRAFT

The Lockheed

L-049 Constellation Lhe Lockheed L-049 Constellation was one of the most graceful airliners placed in service between the end of World War II in 1945 and the advent of the commercial jet age in the mid-1950s. With its long, sinuous fuselage and gently tapered, upswept wings, the sleek Constellation suggested a seagull in flight.

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CONQUEST,

Another distinctive feature of the Constellation was its triple rudder assembly. This feature was in marked contrast to the more conventionally designed, single-fin Douglas DC-4s and DC-6s with which it competed on both domestic and international air routes. Nicknamed the “Connie,” the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

for 30 years. In the wake of the demise of Canada 3000, Conquest formed a deal with Toronto-based Skyservice to take over most of its flying requirements. In a scramble to meet increased demand, Skyservice, which also flies for Signature Vacations, has increased its fleet from 11 to 21 aircraft and hired 80 former Canada 3000 pilots and more than 200 flight attendants. Skyservice started 15 years ago and recently expanded its Pearson International Airport operations to house its three main operations, namely the Skyservice Charter Airline and Air Ambulance plus the Esso Avitat FBO. “We are using our brand new, state-of-the-art A319 Aircraft, which passengers will find very roomy” said Conquests sales and marketing vice president Brent

Carnegie. “This new aircraft can carry 112 passengers in comfort and is equipped with new LCD flip-down movie screens, which are located every few rows. We offer first-run movies and complementary in-flight meals on every flight,” said Carnegie. Additional flights using Skyservice A320 larger aircraft are expected to be announced soon. Flight times are convenient, with Vancouver departures at 7:05 a.m., arriving in Toronto at 2:35 p.m. and returning at 9:15 p.m. with an 11:30 p.m. arrival time in Vancouver. Departure days from Vancouver are on Tuesdays, Wedensdays and Thursdays and return trip prices start at a competitive $379. For more details or to book a Conquest flight on Skyservice contact your travel agent or direct at www.skybus.ca.

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Lockheed L-049 was designed in 1939 to meet TWA’s specifications for a long-range commercial transport. The Prototype Constellation completed its maiden flight in January 1943, and although both TWA and Pan American had placed orders for the aircraft, the small number then produced was quickly pressed into the military as the C69. With the end of hostilities, the Constellation entered service with TWA in 1946 and was used on both transcontinental and transatlantic flights. The aircraft proved to be

extremely popular and was soon bought by a number of other airlines, notably Pan American World Airways, Air France and Lufthansa. The original Constellations were powered by four 2,200-2,500 horsepower Wright Cyclone engines, giving it a top speed of just under 300 miles per hour. Its wingspan was 123 feet and its length 95 feet. Accommodations were provided for up to 44 passengers in its pressurized cabin. Over the years, Lockheed continued to improve and enlarge the Constellation. In 1951, the L-1049’s fuselage was extended to 113 feet and

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its passenger capacity increased to 66. With auxiliary wing-tip fuel tanks, the new super Constellation, as the enlarged L-1049 was known, could fly non-stop between New York and Los Angeles. Finally, in 1957, the L-1649A Starliner version of the Super Constellation was introduced. Featuring a one-piece 150-foot wing, the Starliner was powered by four 3,400 horsepower Curtiss-Wright turbo-compound engines and remained in service until the introduction of jet powered passenger planes.


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YVR PEOPLE

Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) Green Coats, along with Airport Authority operations and customer services staff, collected toys, clothing and groceries for four needy families in December. The gift packages were supplemented with grocery gift certificates donated by airport Canada Customs and Revenue Agency employees. Presenting the donation to airport chaplain Layne Daggett (second from left) and airport chaplaincy volunteer Agnes Eicter (second from right) are, left to right, Leona Scharf, Isabel Ingram, Mabel Wilson and Betty Murphy, all Green Coat volunteers.

YVR’s volunteer Green Coats received national recognition last month, when the Parliament of Canada and the City of Richmond presented them with a Volunteer Recognition Medal for their outstanding work in the Richmond community. For 12 years, Green Coats—so called for their forest-green blazers—have been providing directions, answering questions and offering smiles to YVR passengers. Representing the Green Coats at the award ceremony were, left to right, Eileen Forward, Harry Wilson, Bernie Smerdon, Beryl Woolard, the Airport Authority’s Linda Dawe, Bev Sampert, Connie Stephenson, Joyce Noel, Gordon Stephenson, Kris Reicher, Joan Milton, Arno Reicher and Tom Milton.

Lifetime Member — Denis Heffring, director at large YVRAA (right), received his B.C. Aviation Council (BCAC) Lifetime Membership Award from Scott Harrold, chairman of the BCAC at their December meeting. A total of five lifetime awards were made to longtime members who have contributed over 25 years of exceptions service to the aviation industry and the BCAC.

Go where you’ve never gone before. The G500...now showing at Mercedes-Benz. Last month, a B.C. Liquor store branch opened at YVR level 1 DTB. Manager Patrick O’Mara and clerk Shirley Kendall greet customers at the counter of the new facility.

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J A N U A R Y

BC AEROSPACE, Carrying out the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft generates almost half the industry’s jobs and earns $400 million a year, contracting for customers from the U.S., Asia, South America, and Europe. B.C. excellence is also found in the developing and manufacturing of remote-sensing satellites, satellite communications ground stations, data interpretation, flight management systems, and traffic control systems, all of which ring up $250 million in annual sales. And no less thriving is the sector whose companies manufacture large integrated components for Boeing, Bombardier, and Bell Helicopter, doubling sales in the last five years to $150 million annually. Secret of Success One example of B.C. aerospace entrepreneurship is Pyrotek Heat Treating Ltd. of Langley, where in 1993, Ted Croft, Pyrotek’s president, decided to specialize in the heat treatment of aluminum aircraft components by creating a fast-moving standalone company, a move which departed from the conventional in-house or “captive” type of service that companies previously used with cost inefficiencies. By building a steady foundation of customers and approvals with less operating overhead, more ownership of the heat treatment process, and quicker response time, Pyrotek has carved a unique marketing niche for itself and is now a leader in commercial heat treatment, with customers ranging from Michigan to Taipei to U.S. aerospace companies in Washington state. “The secret of our success is simple,” said Croft. “Faster, better, and less expensive.” A Solid Record Another success story is Zum Hingst Technologies of Port Coquitlam. A pioneer of computer-controlled machining since 1977, Zum Hingst combines state-of-the-art computer technology with exacting standards of machining experience to produce on-time products of the highest quality. The result is a solid record of success as a leading supplier of specialized machining services to airframe manufacturers and aerospace, electronics, defence, and space industries. “ZHT became successful,” says Uwe Zum Hingst, the company’s president, “due to consistent quality products and the fact that we continuously improve our operation by keeping abreast of today’s competitive technology and investing in new technologies and people.” But one of the most recent achievements of B.C.’s aerospace

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 industry was far out – literally. Far out in space. Working intensely, the Space Missions Group of MacDonald Dettwiler of Richmond developed the software for the historic Canadian contribution to the International Space Station, or ISS. Under the supervision of Stephen Oldham, project manager, the group of about 35 employees produced the Operations and Control Software for the renowned, Canadian-produced space arm – Canadarm-2. Or – as Oldham referred to the software – the “brains.” Drawing upon the resources of 16 nations, including the U.S. and Canada, the ISS is an orbiting laboratory providing a space platform for advances in life, earth, and space sciences. The Canadarm-2 contributes a mobile servicing system to the ISS, the purpose of which is to maintain the space station and construct space walks. Though it looks gangly, the space arm is really a highly sophisticated and brilliantly designed instrument, the “brains” of which originated in Richmond, B.C. Great Future Growth The desire to compete and achieve on a world basis is what motivates B.C. aerospace companies. “Maybe in the past decade it seemed like a secret success story of the provincial economy,” said Andrew Huige, executive director of the Aerospace Industry Association of British Columbia, “but I think that the B.C. aerospace industry has built an excellent foundation for great future growth with expansion of capabilities, facilities, employment, and revenue. Its success is just beginning.”

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Cascade Launches Products Group Names Adam Wickstead as GM ascade Aerospace has announced the formation of its Products Group, which will support and promote existing Cascade products and expand its product line. “We have formed the Cascade Aerospace Products Group to better serve our customers and promote our products through dedicated resources,” says David Schellenberg, president of Cascade Aerospace. “We also want to expand our products business by leveraging our engineering and manufacturing capabilities to a greater extent,” says Schellenberg. Adam Wickstead has been named general manager of the new Products Group. Previously Western Regional Manager at Airline Marketing Group Inc., Adam was instrumental in developing Canada 3000’s cargo program into a multi-million dollar business. “Adam’s experience in building a business from the ground up will be very useful in growing our products

Environmental Control System kits for Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. Located in its new purpose-built facility at Abbotsford, B.C., Cascade Aerospace’s principal business is aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification for airlines and leasing companies such as Southwest Airlines, Aloha Airlines, Boullioun Aviation Services and GE Capital Aviation Services.

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business,” says Schellenberg. Among Cascade’s existing products are aerial fire control aircraft operated in France and Canada, C130 spray systems, and

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TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Canadian Butterflies Descend on Mexican Forests ith the coming of another North American winter, Mexico welcomes the return of 250 million Canadian and American monarch butterflies to the Central Mexican state of Michoacan. From November through March, the butterflies flock to Michoacan’s Oyamei forests, colouring trees in a coat of orange and black and filling the air with the sound of their delicate wings flapping. The thrill of hiking through a forest ablaze with thousands of fluttering butterflies brings visitors back to these forests year after year. The monarchs’ annual migration, which spans over 4,000 km, begins in Canada and the northeast United States. The Oyamei forests attract the butterflies with their protective trees and shrubs, cool air and abundance of water. In some areas, the monarchs number up to

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four million per acre of forest. “Each year, we can count on the grace and splendour of the butterfly migration, which is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world,” said Ana Compean Reyes Spindola, Secretary of Tourism for the state of Michoacan. “The arrival of the monarch butterflies adds to the myriad of outdoor activities for travellers in the area.” El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary El Rosario, the larger of Michoacan’s two public butterfly reserves, is located between the towns of Zitacuaro and Angangueo at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet. The entrance fee for the butterfly sanctuary is US$2.00 per person and visitors can snack on tasty Mexican treats sold by vendors outside the sanctuary.

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Sierra Chincual Butterfly Sanctuary Just a short distance from Angangueo, 110 km east of Morelia, is the Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary, opened in 1997. Visitors to this pristine reserve can take horseback tours of the rough trails. The best time to visit is in February, when the neighbouring villages of Ocampo, Zitacuaro and Maravatio celebrate the monarch butterfly with traditional dances, music and artisan markets during the Festival de la Mariposa Monarca. Visitors will find comfortable accommodations within driving distance of the reserves at the Villa Monarca Inn in Zitacuaro (715-1535350/65) or the Albergue Don Bruno in Angangueo (715-156-0026). Although the monarch butterfly is not an endangered species, the Michoacan Reforestation Fund (MRF), funded by tax-deductible contributions, was formed to raise money to replant trees in the forest and preserve the monarch’s habitat. “Since its inception in 1997, the Michoacan Reforestation Fund and the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project have had one basic goal—protecting the monarch butterflies and their habitat,” said Bob Small, director of the MRF. “We have planted more than 500,000 trees in the area since 1997.”

Getting There The Michoacan Reforestation Fund offers special eco-friendly tours starting at approximately CDN$1,890, including food, lodging and transportation in Mexico. For more information on the fund or its tours, visit www.michoacanmonarchs.com or www.spiritofbutterflies.com. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) offers a six-day tour of the butterfly sanctuaries led by an expert naturalist guide. From February 10-15, travellers with WWF can learn about the monarch migration while witnessing the magical site firsthand. Visitors will begin in Mexico City and then

travel to the El Rosario reserve and the Sierra Chincua Reserve as well as to neighbouring areas such as Valle de Bravo, a picturesque Mexican village on the shore of Lake Valle de Bravo. Throughout their journey, visitors will be staying at charming hotels. The package costs approximately CDN$3,775 per person and includes four- and five-star hotel accommodations, round trip airport transfers, tours, entrance fees, ground transportation, meals and gratuities. For more information, visit www.worldwildlife.org/travel/listings/monarchs02.htm or call 1-888WWF-TOUR.

Free Skiing and Boarding very year, more and more Canadian kids sign up for free skiing and snowboarding, courtesy of the Grade 5 SnowPass. The SnowPass is a coupon book offering free skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing at 147 ski areas in Canada. It’s free for Canadian kids 10 years old and born in 1991, and all kids now in Grade 5. The SnowPass gives three complimentary lift/trail tickets at each participating alpine and cross-country resort. There are 51 ski areas participating in Western Canada and 96 in Eastern Canada, which amounts

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to more than 100 days of free skiing and snowboarding for all Grade 5 Canadian kids. New this season is a special Grade 6 coupon: this year’s SnowPass holders will receive a one-day pass valid for a lift/trail ticket for the 2002/2003 season. Plus, families of SnowPass holders receive special discounts on lessons and rentals at participating areas Participation in Canada’s Grade 5 SnowPass program just keeps growing. “It’s incredible,” said Colin S. Chedore, president of the Canadian Ski Council. “Never

before has a ski and snowboard program created so much enthusiasm. We’re processing hundreds of SnowPass passports every day, Grade 5 kids are keen to get in on the action.” Last season, 21,000 Grade 5 students took advantage of the SnowPass’s free skiing and riding offer. The program is run by the Canadian Ski Council, with the support of the National Snow Industries Association, the Canadian Ski Areas Operators Association and other ski and snowboard partners. “The SnowPass is our industry’s


J A N U A R Y

Two Months Left to Exchange European Currency

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he euro has become the new currency for all financial transactions in Austria, Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. But, don’t panic if you still have any of the old national currency stored away at home: there will be a transition period to convert to euro for people still holding currencies affected by this change. All financial transactions in the 12 participating countries are affected. As of this month, these countries have withdrawn their national currencies and banks will only distribute coins, bills, cheques and travellers’s cheques in the new euro currency. People can still use both the euro and the old currencies throughout many of these European Union countries until Feb. 28. So travellers in Europe in January and February can take their old currency along and convert it to euro currency there. After February 28, most retailers will no longer accept the old currencies— though central banks will still

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exchange the old currencies for a limited period of time. Canadians also have a limited period of time to cash cheques or traveller’s cheques issues in the old currencies dated Dec. 31, 2001 or earlier, subject to local banking arrangements. “Because the introduction of this currency will affect Canadians who travel to these European countries, or who send or receive money from these countries,” said Raymond Protti, president and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association, “it is advisable to keep this historic switch to the euro in mind when making travel or business plans for this winter.” The CBA is an industry association representing Canada’s domestic and foreign-chartered banks and their more than 235,000 employees. Canadians can find out more about how to get ready for the euro by visiting the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) Web site at www.cba.ca, or inquiring at their bank branch’s call centre or Web site.

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for Kids way of encouraging kids and their families to get out and enjoy winter,” says Chedore. “It presents the perfect opportunity to try skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing for the first time—or to participate more often—without spending a lot of money. Our SnowPass booklet includes discount coupons for excellent deals for the whole family.” Mail-in applications will be distributed through Canadian Grade 5 classrooms. Applications also are available online at www.snowpass.org. Plus, Sport Chek stores in

Comfortable accommodation, with special discounts for airline personnel. Five minutes from airport, in Richmond. Free Pickup to and from airport. Phone Penny or Ross @

www.flightnet.com Specializing in Aviation & Aerospace 604-312-FLYT (3598) Western Canada and Ontario, and Sports Experts and Intersport stores in Quebec and Atlantic Canada will have applications available. You’ll also find applications in Ski Press Magazine. The Grade 5 SnowPass is valid until the end of the 2002 ski season. Some restrictions may apply. The SnowPass is not valid on school trips and excursions where group rates apply. For more information, in Western Canada contact Vicki Dalgleish, 250-548-3699.

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FRASER RIVER

Sales Centre and Three Showhomes

call: 272-1381 email: riversreachsales@telus.net

Open Everyday Noon - 6 pm 5700 Andrews, Richmond


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