2002-05_skytalk by Skytalk Newspaper

UPS to Build Regional Air Hub at YVR nited Parcel Service Canada Ltd. has announced it will construct a new regional air hub at Vancouver International (YVR). The 125,000-foot facility, to be built on land adjacent to the north runway and slated to open in early 2004, will accommodate UPS’s growth in the region and enhance YVR’s status as a premier gateway airport. “UPS is strengthening its infrastructure

and network around the world, as part of its overall global strategy to offer customers better, faster service,” says UPS Canada president Alan Gershenhorn. The new Vancouver air hub is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that UPS meets the increasing demands of one of Canada’s fastest growing markets. “Package distribution is also a labour-intensive business, more volume equals more jobs,” says

Gershenhorn. “The hub could be an engine for growth.” More proof that UPS is expanding its infrastructure comes from Asia where earlier this month UPS opened an intra-Asia air hub to accelerate delivery times for goods moving within and out of SEE UPS, Asia. Located in the C ONTINUED Philippines, the hub proPAGE 2 vides a central sorting

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

Singapore Puts B 777-200 On YVR Scheduled Route By Phil Melnychuk

his spring, a big new bird is flying into Vancouver International Airport.

May 2 marked the inaugural flight of Singapore Airlines’s B 777-200ER on the Singapore-Seoul-Vancouver route, replacing the Airbus A340. Boeing’s first B 777-200 entered service in 1995, while

American Airlines To Begin Seasonal Summer Service From YVR to Chicago

the ERs, with higher fuel capacity and extended range, were launched in 2000. “It’s the first 777 ER to operate into Vancouver,” said Brett Patterson, director, aviation operations at the airport. “It’s a big plane and it has very large, powerful engines.” While it’s not a jumbo jet, park it near a B 767 or an A 330

SEE SINGAPORE, CONTINUED PAGE 2 merican Airlines will begin daily nonstop service between Vancouver and Chicago on June 15, using 129-seat McDonnellDouglas airplanes. The service will operate through September 30. “This new flight will complement our service to Western Canada,” said Thomas Aichele. American’s managing director for passenger sales in Chicago. “Many of our customers have asked for flights to Va n c o u v e r — a n d Anchorage, Alaska—both of which will be starting on June 15.

“The new service will provide travellers with easy connections to cruise ships that sail down the western side of North America,” Aichele added. American also offers service from Vancouver to its newest mid-continent hub in St. Louis as well as its hub in Dallas/Ft. Worth. The new schedule will be: Vancouver to Chicago— Flight 1010 Departs: 12:20 p.m. Arrives: 6:28 p.m. From Chicago to Vancouver—Flight 1461 Departs: 8:36 a.m. Arrives: 11:28 a.m.

Air Canada Zip to Launch this Summer PHOTO: R.COOK

ir travellers will soon have a new choice for low fare air travel, with the announcement that ZIP (ZIP Air Inc.) will launch service in Western Canada this summer. A wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada, headquartered in Calgary,

ZIP will offer low fares, a convenient schedule and friendly, professional service. This will be teamed with Air Canada’s maintenance, safety standards and the Aeroplan Reward program. “The announcement of ZIP speaks to a growing number of consumers who are asking for more options in low fare, reliable air service,” said Steve Smith, presi-

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dent and CEO of ZIP. “Zip responds directly to fundamental changes in the airline industry, especially on short-haul routes where fewer consumers are looking for executive class and meals, but all are looking for low fares and friendly, professional service.” ZIP will initiate operations between Vancouver and Calgary, replacing existing Air Canada network flights without changing the number of frequencies. Within its first year of operations, ZIP

SEE ZIP, CONTINUED PAGE 2

FWIRNEEKEIT! SEE PAGE 8

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UPS,

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ZIP,

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point within four hours from all major Asian cities. Global gateway “UPS’s further investment in Vancouver International Airport solidifies our position as a premier global gateway,” says Larry Berg, president and CEO, Vancouver International Airport Authority. “UPS’s new YVR hub will have province-wide economic benefits, generating jobs and stimulating local industries that depend on reaching global markets.”

Built to house more than 400 employees and 100 delivery vehicles, the new facility will bring most of UPS’s Vancouver-area employees together under one roof. The operation will utilize state-of-the-art package scanning technology, and have the capacity to sort 10,000

SITE FOR NEW UPS HUB

pieces per hour, three times the sort capacity at the current UPS Vancouver facility. The YVR hub will have four acres of air ramp, and will serve British Columbia and the region with three jets and various feeder aircraft. The local air network will include flights to and from Louisville, Kentucky (the site of UPS’s main international and U.S. air hub), Anchorage, Alaska (UPS’s hub for flights between North America and Asia), and domestic points. The new YVR hub will be UPS

Canada’s second largest facility, after Toronto. UPS will be the first business to develop in the Northlands commercial zone at YVR—approximately 200 acres of land to the north of the north runway—designated for airside commercial and air cargo when the north runway was approved in the early nineties. UPS is the world’s largest express courier and largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services, serving more than 200 countries and territories. With more than 250 heavy jet aircraft, UPS Airlines is the ninth largest in North America and the 11th largest in the world. In 2001, UPS generated revenues of $30.6 billion and delivered more than 3.4 billion packages and documents worldwide.

SINGAPORE, and you can see the difference. “When you see it side by side with these aircraft then you really appreciate it’s a much larger twinengine aircraft,” Patterson said. The (Rolls Royce Trent 800) engines themselves look almost the diameter of the fuselage of a classic Boeing 737, he added. To promote the new plane, Singapore Airlines held a reception for its first group of passengers the day of its inaugural flight. The plane offers more room, a better entertainment system and replaces the A-340 on the route, said Singapore Airlines vice-president Casey Ow Yong. “The triple seven is a better aircraft for this market,” he said.

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B.C. Aerospace Firm to Expand Workforce

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will grow to service additional markets across Canada and into the United States. ZIP’s start-up fleet will consist of six Boeing 737-200 aircraft, and will eventually grow to 20 737200s, all transferred from the existing Air Canada mainline fleet. ZIP will operate primarily short-haul routes with connections to and from Air Canada’s worldwide network. ZIP’s signature look will be a full, vibrant four-colour palette in fuchsia, blue, green and orange with a prominent white logo. “We have specifically chosen a very distinctive look for ZIP that reflects the unique character we will bring into the marketplace, one of ease, confidence and convenience coupled with value and low fares,” added Smith. The airline will announce schedules, fares and the commencement date for ticket sales at a later date. Customers will be able to book travel on ZIP online at www.4321zip.com, through a tollfree call centre or through travel agents. ZIP will offer electronic ticketing and check-in at Air Canada’s Express Check-In kiosks. On board, customers will enjoy generous legroom, ample storage space and receive a complimentary light snack and beverage service. All ZIP flights will qualify for Aeroplan mileage accumulation and redemption for reward travel. ZIP’s operating certificate, licenses, management team and corporate identity will be independent of Air Canada. ZIP staff will

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manage the airline’s operations from its Calgary headquarters and network loca- ZIP President tions. ZIP will Steve Smith operate with a dedicated team of customer contact people, including flight attendants, reservation agents and, in certain cities, passenger agents. ZIP will contract with Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz for the provision of certain operations services and resources, including pilots for ZIP flights and the maintenance of the ZIP fleet, at commercial market rates. ZIP AT A GLANCE ZIP Air Inc. (ZIP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada, which will launch this summer. ZIP WILL OFFER: • Competitive, low fares • Convenient schedules • Comfortable, reliable aircraft • Friendly, professional service • Electronic ticketing • Ample overhead storage space • Comfortable seat pitch • Complimentary on-board beverage and light-snack service • Aeroplan Reward Program • Convenient connections to Air Canada’s worldwide network • Automated check-in kiosks • A wide range of options for booking including: - Over the Internet - With the ZIP call centre, or - Through a travel agency.

ascade Aerospace Inc., specializing in the maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and modification of commercial aircraft, is experiencing a growing demand for its services, requiring the company to expand its workforce. “Cascade’s reputation for quality has caught the attention of several airlines and leasing companies, and we are experiencing an increasing demand for our services,” said David Schellenberg president, Cascade Aerospace Inc. “We will need, therefore, to increase the number of people in the Cascade family by at least 100 to 150 people over the next twelve months.” To help attract additional people to Cascade, the company has increased wages, putting Cascade in Canada’s top tier for aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) compensation rates. “The demand for Cascade’s MRO services is being driven by two primary factors: emerging opportunities in the MRO industry and Cascade’s growing customer reputation for quality, ontime, on-budget delivery of reliable aircraft,” said Schellenberg. “Since opening the doors of our new, state-of-the art, 250,000-sq.-ft. maintenance facility in December 2000, Cascade has focused its business strategy on becoming the premier Boeing 737 maintenance service provider in North America. Cascade’s accelerated growth confirms our strategy is on-target.”

“A key factor in Cascade’s success is our people,” said Michael Coughlin, executive vice-president at Cascade and the recent-past chair of the Aerospace Industry Association of British Columbia (AIABC). “At

The single biggest challenge to growth in the MRO industry today is a shortage of skilled labour. A survey conducted by the AIABC identified the need for 3,400 new skilled employees in the Canadian aerospace

industry over the next five years. The AIABC is leading an industry change to solve the issue of labour shortages and attract new people to this growth industry through creative recruitment and training programs.

West Coast Air Launches New Floatplane Service to the Sunshine Coast est Coast Air will launch a new scheduled air service between downtown Vancouver and Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast beginning this month, the airline’s president Al Baydala announced.

West Coast Air will operate six flights daily from Monday to Friday and four flights Saturdays and Sundays on the new route. Flight time is 20 minutes. Scheduled departures from West Coast Air’s downtown Vancouver seaplane terminal, next to Canada Place, will be at 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Flights will depart from the Lighthouse Marine Pub in Sechelt at 8:15 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The fare for the scenic 20-minute flight is $69 one-way, plus GST. No

2002 10th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine & Directory Issue

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Inside the cabin, there are 285 seats, 255 in coach class and 30 in business class. Each seat has its own TV screen but passengers on this plane can choose their own viewing time and when they want to start and stop their in-flight movies. Entertainment options include music, the latest movies, news, television programs and video games. While passengers may not care, pilots might take note that the plane has fly-by-wire automated controls that provide feed-back to the pilot, to simulate manual controls. Flights are scheduled Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Cascade, we work hard at treating our people right because we know how well we do in this business now, and into the future, depends on our ability to retain and attract highly skilled people.”

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other fees will apply. Convenient connections to West Coast Air’s Victoria Harbour service also will be offered. The fare for the Sechelt to Victoria trip will be $151 plus GST, one-way. In addition, West Coast Air, in conjunction with Pacific Wings Airlines, will offer connecting service to popular Sunshine Coast destinations including Thormanby Island, Pender Harbour and Nelson Island. “Our new service will offer travellers a convenient and economical way to travel between Victoria, Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast,” said Baydala. “This area has shown consistent growth and has tremendous potential for tourism.” West Coast Air will offer the only scheduled air service between the

Sunshine Coast and downtown Vancouver, with connections to downtown Victoria. Flights on the new route will also qualify for West Coast Air’s frequent-flyer program. Passengers can earn one free flight for every 10 they take with the airline. West Coast Air has been offering Twin Otter float plane service www.westcoastair.com between downtown Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Vancouver International Airport Harbour for over 30 years with up and downtown Victoria is proving to 32 flights per day. Its new ser- very popular. The airline also vice started earlier this year with offers floatplane adventure packsix flights per day between ages and charter services.

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Lufthansa Stops in Vancouver on Route-Proving Flight flight-testing, and is specifically used for cabin system tests to simulate regularly scheduled passenger flights in association with key launch customers. It has flown over 60 times and accumulated over 300 flight hours since its first flight in September 2001.

PHOTS: R. COOK

By Jim Jorgenson n Airbus Industrie A340-600, still in Airbus livery, paid a visit to YVR on Tuesday, April 16. It was one of three aircraft being used for route proving flights for Lufthansa before the airliner enters commercial service. Route-proving flights are used to flight test and confirm the operating ability of an aircraft, and the

Vancouver visit was part of a block of long-range routes for Lufthansa, from Frankfurt to San Francisco and Frankfurt to Singapore. The A340-600 is currently the largest aircraft produced by Airbus, and was developed as a growth version of the A340-300. It is 246 feet in length, 15 feet longer than the Boeing 747-400, and almost 50 feet longer than the A340-200 model currently in gen-

eral use. The 600 has a wingspan of 208 feet, compared to 211 feet for the B747-400 and can carry 380 passengers on routes of up to 7,500 nautical miles. This aircraft (MSM 376) is one of three A340-600’s dedicated to

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orld economic growth is in full take-off and will reach cruising altitude by the middle of next year, according to the latest global export forecast released by Export Development Canada (EDC). EDC forecasts global growth to average 2.6 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent next year. Canada’s economy is expected to grow by 2.5 per cent this year supported by a two per cent increase in export sales, making up for last year’s declines. Export sales should be even stronger next year, growing by close to nine per cent as the Canadian economy is forecast to expand by four per cent. “Canadian exporting companies can look forward to rising sales this year and next,” says EDC vice president and chief economist Stephen Poloz. “But this recovery will be an unusual one and the ride could be bumpy for awhile.” The rebound in the first half of this year will give way to slower growth in the second half as the initial inventory rebuild is completed. Job creation, particularly in the United States, will lag the recovery and there will intense pricing competition in the global manufacturing sector. The potential for financial volatility will be high given the lingering stresses due to last year’s slowdown. Interest rates will increase and the U.S. dollar will decline against most other currencies, including the Canadian dollar, which should rise to around the US 70-cent level over the next 12 to 18 months. “There will be periodic concerns about the durability of the recovery, particularly as interest rates rise,” adds Poloz. “Rising rates won’t represent a tightening of monetary policy, simply a return to neutral. They won’t halt the recovery and should instead be viewed as confirmation that the economy is healing.” The improving economy and large production cutbacks in the resource sector mean global commodity prices should continue to firm up and EDC is forecasting further improvement over the next 12 to 18 months. EDC is also forecasting the following sector outlooks: • Global telecommunications should emerge from the “tech wreck” storm to post modest growth this year. Canadian telecom exports should bottom out late this year and return to positive growth of five per

The first passenger aircraft will enter revenue service with Virgin Atlantic in July 2002. As of March 31, 2002, there have been a total of 296 orders of all A340 aircraft, with 214 deliveries.

“Dreams Take Flight” is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from the Air Canada family in Canada and the U.S. The destination: Disney World, Florida or Disneyland, California— for a day. Air Canada donates the aircraft and the employees and corporate sponsors do the rest. On April 23, the Dreams Take Flight day took 120 kids to Disneyland on an Air Canada B767, which flew from YVR, leaving at 6:30 a.m. and returning from Los Angeles Airport at 10:30 p.m. the same day. Significant corporate sponsors

Global Economy Airborne Again – But Bumpy Ride Foreseen into 2003

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cent next year. Telecom equipment, computers and parts will be the most improved growth performers next year, as the investment climate turns more positive. • Canadian aerospace exporters should continue to see double-digit growth in sales this year and next even though the sector will be a significant under-performer at the global level. Most of the weakness will be concentrated in the large aircraft sector. • Continued weakness is forecast for the global automotive sector this year and it will be 2003 before the sector returns to steady growth. Canadian exporters of automotive products can expect another decline this year, but should see exports rise by about four per cent next year once the economy fully recovers. • Canadian energy exports are expected to fall by three per cent this year, but to rise by 12 per cent in 2003. Although sales volumes will continue to grow, gas prices will be lower this year, on average, while oil prices will trend slightly higher. Spare capacity among OPEC producers should limit any near-term spikes in the price of oil. • Forestry exports are expected to drop by three per cent this year, but a stronger global economy will contribute to nine per cent growth this year. • Agri-food export sales will see above-average growth this year and next as a combination of supply shortages and improving demand boosts prices for many products. Canada’s export sales to the U.S., Western Europe, Asia and Japan are expected to post positive growth this year and register even stronger growth next year. Sales to Mexico, China and India also will show continued positive growth while sales to South and Central American and the Middle East are expected to struggle, registering declines again this year before returning to positive growth in 2003. Poloz says the global economy also remains vulnerable to trade protectionism, the fragile situation in Japan and possibly more financial crises in Asia and Latin America. But “the good news is these particular risks should abate as the economic recovery strengthens.”

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

Smart Airport… Passenger Convenience Implementing the latest technology can make all the difference in improving efficiency and providing the best in customer service. At YVR, we speak from experience. This airport is one of the most technologically advanced in the world, and we’re working hard to ensure it remains so. Whether you’re arriving at YVR, departing or meeting someone, we’re using technology to help you have a seamless, enjoyable experience at the airport. I would like to touch on just of few of our hi-tech features and future initiatives. It all starts before you even get to the airport. Our website—yvr.ca—was re-designed recently with passengers and flight planning in mind. Among its many features are real-time flight arrival and departure information, airline flight schedules and destinations, airport maps, as well as information on parking, ground transportation, and our extensive retail and services offerings. Passengers and airlines are benefiting greatly through Common-Use Terminal Equipment, known in the industry by its acronym CUTE. It allows critical resources, such as gates, check-in counters and baggage systems to be shared among all airlines. For example, one airline may use eight check-in counters for their morning flights, and those same eight counters can be used by another airline for their afternoon flights. Airlines can use as many or as few as they need as passenger demand dictates, thereby improving passenger processing and space utilization. Working with our airline partners, we are using CUTE technology to take checking-in a step further. Last year, with Air Canada and Alaska Airlines, we introduced self-service check-in kiosks for domestic and U.S.-bound passengers. Common-use kiosks provide significant cost savings for airlines and allow passengers to check-in for flights—no matter which airline they are using—at kiosks that can be located conveniently throughout the terminals. We’re now working with other airline partners to introduce the same

technology. I am proud to say that YVR is the first airport in the world fully implementing the technology to this extent. It doesn’t stop there. This month, the Airport Authority and Air Canada are carrying out a “wireless check-in” trial. Air Canada agents, each armed with a hand-held computer and a small, belt-attached printer, will be roaming the concourse in the Domestic Terminal, checking-in passengers over the YVR Wireless Network. This will make the process quicker, particularly during peak periods. If all goes according to plan, we will expand this service during the busy summer period. We’re making the most of plasma screen and “big board” technology at strategic locations in our terminals to provide passengers and airport visitors with improved flight information, bulletins and way-finding. We are also moving forward with a new airportwide baggage reconciliation system that, when implemented this year, will be the first of its kind in North America. This automated system will ensure that each bag checked onto a flight is matched to a passenger. If the passenger doesn’t get on the flight, neither does the bag. This system will replace current inefficient manual matching procedures. In conjunction with Air Canada, this system at YVR will be used as a pilot for a national baggage reconciliation and tracking program. The high-speed YVR Wireless Network is also helping you stay in touch with the office or family from your laptop computer. Passengers can use a laptop to access the Internet and send e-mail from anywhere in the airport without plugging in. Additionally, TELUS has 22 Internet payphones located throughout the main terminals. It all comes down to providing the best in customer service. Much of the credit for YVR’s success and reputation as one of the best airports in the world is due to our “smart” facilities, and the people behind them.

YVR WELCOMES YOUR LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

All letters must include your name, address and phone number for confirmation. Please send to: The Editor:

YVR SKYTALK

2nd Floor – 1965 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6S 1Z3 Tel: (604) 736-6755 Fax: (604) 736-6750

Your Airport Community Newspaper MAY 2002 ISSUE • VOL. 9 • NO. 7 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:

E-MAIL:pstewart@westerndriver.com Contributing Writers:

CHECK OUT YVR’S WEB SITE AT WWW.YVR.CA

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JMC Airlines Coming to Vancouver this Summer A

Boeing 777-200 ER

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Travel wholesalers Canadian Affairs and Sunquest Holidays represent JMC locally, with ground handling by GlobeGround and airline catering by CLS.

Hawkair Secures Financing for Dash 8 Purchases awkair Aviation Services Ltd. has announced the company has successfully moved from a lease arrangement to a purchase with both its Dash 8 airplanes. “This puts in an equity position

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THE ABC’S OF FINE VALUE

BY ARNOLD KLAPPE

and frees up capital for continued expansion,” says co-owner Rod Hayward. “Because of the tremendous support of our customers, particularly in the north, Hawkair is able to secure

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financing to buy two multi-million dollar aircraft,” says partner, Dave Menzies. The benefits of a strong local airline include not only competitive fares for travellers, but also employment opportunities for local citizens and a large payroll that stays in the north. “With our expansion last fall, we increased staff from 38 to 70 people, the majority of whom live in northern B.C.,” notes Hawkair controller, Patrick Rife. “Our current annual payroll injects almost two million dollars into the local economy.” Rod Hayward encourages travellers

to enjoy saving money when booking with Hawkair, and to consider where their money is going when they book their next flight. “Yes, you are going to get value for your dollar when you fly Hawkair. But you are also creating local jobs, keeping local businesses going with the salaries that are spent locally and building a local airline that focuses on the needs of the north.” Dave Menzies says Hawkair is extremely proud of its dedicated staff, who make the airline popular with residents of Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Smithers. “These planes really belong to all of us,” he says.

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lthough the Boeing 777 or Triple 7, as it’s commonly known, has been flying for some time now, the ER version is relatively new. The ER suffix simply stands for Extended Range and can be found following other aircraft names such as the 767-200 ER and 767-300 ER operated by Air Canada and KLM from YVR.

Unlike the 767 family, the Boeing 777 is the world’s largest two-engine aircraft and up close is difficult to confuse with any other airplane, but from a distance it is not so easy to identify. For the casual observer, its incredibly large engines can differentiate the Triple 7. The circumference of these engines is roughly the same as that of the Boeing 737 family (Skytalk Aug. 2000). The second and most obvious difference is the main landing gear. Most two-engine aircraft have two sets of main gear with four wheels on each. The Triple 7 has an unmistakable six wheels.

35% design difference The newer 777-2000 ER and 777300 ER aircraft launched in February 2000, has almost 35 per cent of its design different to that of the conventional 777-200. With a very few exceptions there are no external changes for observers to notice. The more apparent exceptions are: A longer wing. The extension is 6.5feet. Added to the end of each wing is a raked wingtip, much like the 767400. This design helps the aircraft improve its aerodynamics, thus reducing takeoff runway length, increasing climb, and reducing fuel burn. Second, a stronger landing gear, including new wheels, tires and brakes. Third, are redesigned engine struts and engine nacelles to accommodate significantly more powerful engines each producing over 90,000 pounds of thrust. Internally, the aircraft has been fitted with up to three more fuel tanks allowing for an incredible 16,316 km (8,820 NM) range, making the Triple 7 the furthest flying passenger jet now in service.

Canada Immigration New Look anada Immigration officers at YVR are sporting new uniforms. On April 22, a new national uniform was issued as shown, left, by Shawn Saran and Kristine.

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JMC Airlines A330 sporting a fluorescent green painted tail and engines is visiting YVR three times a week this summer. Flights will take place on Thursday and Saturday, originating in Gatwick Airport with a stop in Calgary, and on Sunday from Manchester, over Calgary to YVR. Based in Manchester, England, the charter airline is owned by Thomas Cook & Son Travel, the U.K.’s second-largest leisure airline with 28 aircraft. JMC Airlines was formed in September 1999, from the integration of Caledonian Airways and Flying Colours Airlines, and formally commenced operations in March 2000. JMC stands for John Mason Cook, the son of the founder John Cook,

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SEVEN B.C. ATTRACTIONS NAMED AS FINALISTS

2002 Attractions Canada Awards ttractions Canada, a national information program aimed at encouraging Canadians’ interest in the country’s many attractions that have cultural or education value, has

announced the finalists for the Attractions Canada Awards, a national contest that recognizes the merits and excellence of the country’s sites and events.

Events and sites in B.C. that have been named as finalists are: Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, The Uts’am Witness Society, the Vancouver International Jazz

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DESTINATIONS

Mt. Washington Alpine Resort Situated over 1,500m above sea level, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is one of Vancouver Island’s major leisure centers. Downhill skiers and snowboarders have their pick of some 50 groomed runs, while cross-country enthusiasts and snowshoers can explore kilometres of snow-covered trials. From luge to sliding on inner tubes, there is a winter activity for everyone. Once the snow melts and the flowers bloom, the resort shifts into summer mode, complete with golf, hiking, horseback riding and AV touring.

by Stephan Wong Festival, the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival, Bungy Zone Adrenalin Centre, the Mt. Washington Alpine Resort and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre Competition was stiff with a record year for the number of entries (394 applications) received overall. The B.C. finalists’ attractions are among the 113-provincial/territorial finalists that will vie for top honours at the national level. Attractions Canada 2002 Awards Gala On May 30, in Edmonton, Alberta, Attractions Canada’s gala event will honour these finalists as well as reveal this year’s national winners in 14 different categories. The festival atmosphere of the Attractions Canada 2002 Awards Gala makes it an ideal occasion for finalists and winners to meet and network with members of the tourism industry from across the country. As well, the media coverage generated by this event is instrumental in increasing the visibility of the winning attractions, and in supporting their advertising and promotional efforts. B.C. FINALISTS Home Lake Caves Provincial Park Just about everywhere in B.C. you can see impressive geological phenomena. Among the most visually stunning sights are the underground limestone grottos at Home Lake Caves Provincial Park, a veritable display of Mother Nature’s artistry at its best. In 1912, a geologist noted the presence of caves carved out by the force of the water. But it was only in 1939 that public interest in exploring these natural wonders gained momentum. Today, the park boasts a network of seven caves accessible to the public. The Uts’am Witness Society Being called to witness in the Coast Salish tradition is a sacred honour. In the Coast Salish tradition witnesses are called upon when there is important work to be done. The Witness Project is a cross-cultural collaboration designed to promote respect for nature and encourage the flow of conversation among diverse communities. A unique hybrid, this project is committed to creative

hurl themselves off bridges or cranes. Visit the Bungy Zone to experience a wild rush of adrenaline and the ultimate in sheer fear.

HORNE LAKE CAVES Provincial Park is located along the Qualicum River, north of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Named after a Hudson Bay Company explorer, the 123-hectare park protects seven caves in the Horne Lake Cave system. strategies for social and environment justice. Vancouver International Jazz Festival The Festival is a showcase of the best in jazz, improv music and blues. For 10 days at the end of June, some 1,500 international performers take to the stage in downtown Vancouver to share their passion for music. Squamish Mountain Bike Festival The growing popularity of extreme sports has given rise to unique events, and few are as challenging as the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival, one of the premiere cross-country mountain bike races in North America. The town of Squamish is recognized as a topnotch venue for mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Here enthusiasts gather to challenge the mountain and test their mettle on courses of varying degrees of difficulty. Bungy Zone Adrenalin Centre Since time immemorial, human beings have searched for greater and greater thrills. One modern ‘extreme’ experience is bungy jumping—or propelling oneself headfirst at the end of an elastic rope. This daring feat gets its inspiration from the rite of passage of young New Zealand Maoris, who seek to prove their courage by hurling themselves from a 20m tower with only a rope around their ankles to break their fall. In a modern twist on this sacred rite, bungy aficionados

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre Focused on conservation and education, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is the favourite meeting place of those eager to unravel the mysteries of the underwater world. Visitors get up close and personal with a myriad of fish species, whales, sharks, turtles, frogs and invertebrates. The Aquarium also explores different underwater technologies and introduces guests to fields of study on marine life. For more information on these and other finalists visit www.attractionscanada.com.

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Dental Health Month Celebrated by Airport Health Care Team Dental hygienist Janis Ross demonstrated an intra-oral camera on Grade 3 Sea Island Elementary student Erika Trouw. Photo: Mark Patrick.

ast month, to celebrate Dental Health Month, children from Little Pilots Preschool, Little Wings Preschool and Sea Island Elementary School visited the Vancouver Airport Dental Centre to learn about the importance of dental health and to have their pictures taken with the Tooth Fairy.

The full-service Vancouver Airport Dental Centre’s multi-lingual staff serves the travelling public and the approximately 26,000

men and women working on Sea Island. Open seven days a week, the clinic offers all aspects of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The Vancouver Airport Dental Centre is part of a group of health-care service providers at YVR. The Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic, Pharmasave and MDS Metro Laboratory Services combined with the Dental Centre help provide YVR with the most comprehensive airport health facilities in Canada.

Opened in April last year, the health care “street” is located on Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal Building. Other shops and services in the Level 1 area include, Globespan Travel, Carnation Fine Cleaners, a B.C. Liquor Store and 7-Eleven, which includes a full-service Canada Post postal outlet. The unique group of businesses combines health care services with name brand retailers aimed at serving bother travellers and the airport community.

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TRAVEL HEALTH

Taking the Bite Out of Your Summer Vacation or most Canadian families, a holiday is an ideal opportunity to spend some quality time together. But vacationers who retreat to a warm, sunny climate are often greeted by a variety of pesky bugs lurking in the lush tropical vegetation. Many of these insects are harmless, but a few, notably the common mosquito, can turn a relaxing vacation into a painful, annoying and sometimesdangerous experience.

F HEALTHY EATING Wednesday, May 22nd Registered Dietician and FREE Meal Analysis by Registered Dental Hygienist

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Domestic Terminal, Level 1

DID YOU KNOW? • Eating cereals, breads, grain products, vegetables and fruit helps to lower cholesterol. • Eating dark green & orange vegetables and orange fruit supply you with higher nutrients like vitamin A and folacin. • Limiting your caffeine intake (coffee,tea,cocoa, and cola drinks) to 400mg (approx 2 cups) per day is suggested to promote healthy eating. • You need to eat from all four food groups each day. The Canadian Food Guide suggests: GRAIN PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 servings per day VEGETABLES & FRUIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 servings per day MILK PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 servings per day MEAT & ALTERNATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 servings per day

“Protecting yourself against insect bites should be as natural as applying sunscreen,” says Dr. Brian Aw, MD, CCFP, Travel Medicine. “Many vacationers travelling to sunny destinations seem to forget that most tropical climates are the perfect breeding ground for biting insects.” In addition to their painful sting, mosquitoes can carry diseases including encephalitis, malaria and the West Nile virus. For a bug-free vacation, Dr. Aw offers holiday travellers the following tips: • Stay Scent-free — Avoid using scented soaps, lotions and shampoos. You’ll attract both bugs and bees. • Gear Up. Cover your skin as completely as possible. This may be challenging by the beach, but while on the golf course or on walking tours, wear long sleeves, pants and socks. • Be Colour Conscious — Mosquitoes are attracted to blue, so avoid this colour and stick to neutral

colours. • Use Repellent — Like sunscreen, insect repellent is an outdoor essential. Apply the proper insect repellent to any uncovered skin. Repellants containing DEET (N, Ndiethyl-M-toluamide) are most effective for areas with heavy mosquito or tick infestation or areas where mosquitoes carry infectious disease. DEET-free repellents are an option for children or in areas of mild infestation where insects do not carry infections disease. • Alternative Repellents — For frequent applications (every 30 minutes-two hours), use DEET-free products with citronella. Citronella is a natural repellent, derived from lenabatu grass grown in Southeast Asia. • From Dusk ‘till Dawn — Be alert to the time of day when certain insects are most active. For example, mosquitoes tend to bite at dawn and twilight. • Keeping Kids Safe — Children are vulnerable to bug bites because of their size. They are closer to the ground and to flowers and plants that harbour insects and are therefore easier targets. • Check Point — Upon returning indoors, check your children and yourself for bites. • Treatment — Sunburn and bite treatment products should be included in every vacationer’s travel kit. For more information drop by and talk to a YVR pharmacist or visit the medical clinic located on Level 1, Domestic Terminal Building.

Domestic Terminal Level 1

604-207-6900

604-303-7033

604-232-9751

604-276-2121

The late Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, now displayed in the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon.

The World’s Largest Aircraft Is Once Again On Display By Jim Jorgenson

he “Spruce Goose,” Howard Hughes’ giant, plywood flying boat is on display in its new home at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. Hughes detested the name, which was coined by the press. Contrary to expectations, the Spruce Goose is mostly made of birch, using only spruce in the main spars. It was flown only once, on Nov. 2, 1947, when Hughes test-piloted it, flying for over a mile at an altitude of 70 feet for

about one minute. From 1983, the aircraft was displayed alongside the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA., until it was sold in 1992 to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon. It was taken apart, crated, and barged up the coast to Oregon, where it sat until the new museum structure was completed. Last spring, the restored Spruce Goose was once again displayed. The eight-engined aircraft, with a wingspan of 320 feet and 80-feet high

tail, dwarfs the visitors to the museum, as well as the other 30 aircraft on display under and around it. The Evergreen Aviation Museum is just one of 10 groups of the Evergreen family of companies. Evergreen International Airlines Inc. has a large fleet of cargo aircraft serving international routes. The other branches consist of an Air Centre for maintenance, reclamation and storage of aircraft, ground-handling services, helicopters, aircraft sales and service.

eromexico Airlines is listed on the airport’s flight display, but don’t expect to see one of its aircraft at YVR. It is one of many virtual airlines, which code-share with a major airline partner.

This spring, Aeromexico began code sharing 20 assigned seats on JAL flights to and from Mexico City twice a week.

LESS TAXES • LESS LIABILITY H.M. “JAY” JAMES M.B.A. PRESIDENT Nassau Bahamas . Vancouver, BC 1-800-661-7799 . jjames@businessnavigator.com

Occupational Safety and Health Fair Held at YVR he week of May 5-11, was North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH), the goal of which was to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and at home. In support of NAOSH Week the Vanco7uver International Airport Authority held its second annual NAOSH Fair. The Airport Authority provided ‘passports’ for visitors, which were then entered into the prize raffles held at the conclusion Completed ‘passports’ are deposited in the prize draw box at one of of the day.

H.M. “Jay” James – President

the YVR booths at the NAOSH Fair held in the ITB east concourse.

AeroMexico Airlines to Code Share with JAL

Health Professionals Consulting Group

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VR’s volunteer Green Coats just keep on winning awards. In April, they received a “Spirit of Vancouver” award, sponsored by the Vancouver Board of Trade. These newly created awards recognize people, groups and companies that make a difference in the community. For 13 years, Green Coat volunteers have been providing directions, information and assistance to passengers and airport visitors. Collectively, the 200 or so Green Coats speak more than 27 languages. “Our Green Coat volunteers do so much to help create a warm, positive impression of the airport and our city,” says Dave Parson, the Airport Authority’s Green Coat coordinator. “By celebrating the efforts of volun-

By Ted Laturnus

The sleek and stylish Bombardier Challenger 604 seats up to 12 passengers and has the widest and quietest cabins of any available business aircraft. With a range of more than 7,500 kilometres, the Challenger is able to fly direct to Britain. Cities in Asia, such as Tokyo and Hong Kong can be reached with only one 30-minute stop. The Challenger can also fly to most U.S. or Canadian business centers in less than five hours. “The Challenger enables us to offer a unique long-haul service with efficient operating costs,” said Wynne Powell, president, London Air Services. “Passengers just have to

arrive at our executive terminal 20 minutes before departure. They can even adjust their flight time by calling our pilots who carry cell phones at all times. We fly when you want to, LAS eliminates the stress factor so often associated with airports and scheduled airlines.” The aircraft features many high-tech facilities including digital satellite telephones, modem uplink and dataport. Passengers can also relax with a gourmet meal with a drink from the bar served by their own personal flight attendant. After dinner, they can catch up on some sleep on the foldout divan bed, enjoy the latest movie on the aircraft DVD player, or score a hole-in-one on the LASD in-flight putting green. The Challenger 604 is the third

ince sales in the sport-utility-vehicle market show absolutely no signs of slowing down, Saturn would be pretty foolish not to get on board the sport-ute bandwagon. Especially given the corporate SUV expertise of General Motors, which has been building them for at least 50 years. In fact, if you think about it, Saturn is a natural for the sport-ute marketplace, since these vehicles are becoming less and less sport and more and more utility. SUVs are the station wagons of the 21st century. The VUE, which has Saturn’s trademark plastic composite body panels, is roughly the same size as the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape, Honda CRV, and Jeep Liberty—a compact ute, in other words. Lively model There are two engine choices: Saturn’s 2.2-litre “Ecotec” four cylinder and a lusty three-litre V6, which is what I drove. You can get the fourbanger with just 2WD/front-drive, but all V6 models have AWD. The 3.0litre DOHC, 24-valve V6 generates 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, which propels the VUE from a standing start to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. For a sport utility wagon, especially a compact, that’s a pretty impressive number, and the VUE is definitely one of the livelier models in this class. The downside here is that this drivetrain is pretty stroppy. There’s torque steer in abundance and when pressed, the V6 really howls. Still, it is technically a light truck, so I guess the VUE is entitled to be a little on the loud side.

ondon Air Services (LAS), a sister company within the H.Y. Louie Group, is spreading its wings with the launch of a new long-range luxury jet complementing its current fleet of Lear 45s.

L teers, we create opportunities to raise awareness about the vital contributions they make to Canadian communities and society as a whole.” This latest award is the Green Coats’ second in less than six months. In December, the Parliament of Canada and City of Richmond jointly awarded a Volunteer Recognition Medal to the Green Coats in honour of the International Year of the volunteer. The Airport Authority also honoured the Green Coats in April by dedicating a special bench in Chester Johnson Park, just outside the International Terminal Building.

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A Ute that’s a VUE – Saturn Joins the SUV Market

Vancouver-Based Airline goes Global With Luxury Passenger Jet

More Accolades for YVR’s Green Coats

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addition to the growing LAS fleet that already includes two Learjet 45 aircraft. The company also has ordered a Bombardier Continental that is due for delivery in 2005. LAS fly a variety of passengers including top business executives, sporting celebrities and many of the biggest names in the film industry. For more information, visit their Web site at www.londonair.ca Reprinted from Aviator Magazine.

But just to give you an idea of what kind of takeoff power the V6 VUE has, the supercharged Mini Cooper S is only slightly faster, and the new Mazda 6 has roughly the same acceleration. This rig hauls buttocks, probably because it’s comparatively light (1,587 kilograms, or 3,500 lb). The V6 is only offered with a five-speed automatic, whereas the four-lunger can be had with either a five-speed manual or an ingenious new Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT). Electronic power steering Incidentally, the AWD system in the VUE is based on the Versatrak setup used in the Pontiac Aztek and Buick Rendezvous—not a down and dirty off-road system, in other words, but more than adequate for this market. One interesting technical highlight with the VUE: it has an electronic power steering system, which replaces the conventional hydraulic pump driven arrangement. Apparently, Saturn’s reason for doing this is because the base four-cylinder engine will work better if it’s not always driving a hydraulic pump, which saps horsepower. Instead, there is an electric motor attached to a worm gear that helps drivers steer the car. It’s designed to be speed sensitive and to apply maximum assist at low (e.g., parking) speeds and zero assist at highway speeds, when you don’t need it anyway. Because the electric motor operates only at low speeds, it doesn’t affect fuel economy or performance and is as seamless as conventional hydraulic power steering. Inside the VUE there are a couple

AUTO

TALK

Assembled in Spring Hill, Tenn., the new all-train vehicle also shares a particular characteristic with all other Saturn cars: the use of dent-resistant polymer body panels. of interesting details to report. In the rear, a storage organizer flips out of the floor to help hold sports gear, groceries, tools, or whatever in place, and behind each rear-wheel housing is a recessed compartment capable of holding a four-litre jug. As well, the 70/30 split rear seat folds flat in a simple, one-hand operation, and the front passenger seat also folds for-

ward, allowing inside storage of long, slender objects. Saturn claims that an eight-foot ladder will fit with all doors closed. One feature I’m less than crazy about: the spare tire is located under the rear floor, which cuts down on cargo capacity and is hard to get at— especially if you get a flat with a full load of gear on-board.

Behind the wheel, seating is high and comfortable and peripheral visibility is excellent. I found the front buckets to be a little on the hard side, but there you go. More importantly, this market demands accessibility and the VUE holds no surprises here. After all, that’s what Saturn is all about, right? No surprises.

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What’s UP airport & aviation news & events POLICE WEEK EVENT AT YVR A dozen security agencies, including the RCMP, Coast Guard, Canada Customs and Revenue, and U.S. Customs and Immigration will be participating in a one-day Police Week event on May 17 in the International Terminal Building. Coast Guard dive equipment, a police cruiser, a traffic motorcycle, and other displays are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. inside the terminal near the Haida Gwaii statute, and outside on the curb.

AC’S FIRST QUARTER REPORTS POSITIVE Air Canada released its first quarter results on May 1, showing an operating loss of $160 million, a $133-million improvement from Q1 of 2001. AC reported a seven per cent

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reduction in flying capacity and one per cent reduction in traffic. Aircraft flying hours were down 13 per cent, but load fact was up 4.2 percentage points and the yield per ASM up one per cent. Unit cost per ASM was down one per cent and a positive operating income in March 2002— the first positive month since Sept. 11, 2001. The report goes on to state that the fleet is being reconfigured with more economy seats and fewer J-class seats per aircraft.

ANALYST BULLISH ON AIR CANADA UBS Warburg announced earlier this month it was upgrading Air Canada stock to “buy” from “hold” as analysts saw the airline’s earning rebounding faster than expected from a global air travel slowdown.

WESTJET PROFITS CLIMB 22 PER CENT

HELICOPTER REPLACEMENT DELAYED

WESTJET BUYS MORE 737-700S

WestJet announced its first quarter results last month, reporting a profit climb of 22 per cent over last year. This marked 21 consecutive quarters of positive earnings for the upstart airline. WestJet announced April 27, that it will be cutting flights on the CalgaryEdmonton route by 13 trips per week. The blame was put on the new $12 airport security fee imposed by the federal government, which is adversely affecting short-haul passengers. This fall could also see a reduction in the numbers of flights on other short-haul routes such as VancouverKelowna. On April 30, WestJet announced that its shareholders had approved a proposed three-for-two stock split at the corporation’s annual and special general meeting held April 25.

As a result of new delays in the tendering process, Ottawa’s promise to announce the winner of the $2.9billion race to replace its aging Sea King helicopters before year-end will not be achievable. The announcement is now expected sometime in 2003.

The WestJet Board of Directors has approved the purchase of two additional 737-700 series aircraft to be delivered in April and July 2003. The airline also has signed an agreement to accelerate delivery of an additional 737-700 originally scheduled for delivery in January 2004 forward to October 2003. This will bring total 2003 deliveries to 11 737-700 jets.

NO-GO YET FOR JETSGO Jetsgo Corp. wants to start selling tickets for discount flights in Eastern Canada this month. Jetsgo is the latest venture by Michael Leblanc, the former chairman of Royal Aviation, who sold his last airline to Canada 3000 before it went bankrupt last year. The Canadian Transportation Agency has not yet given approval to fly, but has granted permission to sell tickets. Jetsgo has said its business plan depends on being able to sell tickets by mid-May, but Leblanc says he doesn’t intend to sell tickets before getting full approval. It is believed the airline will use leased MD-80 aircraft.

NEW AC WEB SITE Last month, Air Canada launched its new travel Web site call www.Destina.ca, dubbed as “Canada’s newest online travel site.” As the exclusive partner of Air Canada’s loyalty program, Aeroplan, Destina.ca is the only travel site that rewards customers with Aeroplan Miles for every purchase made online. The site can be used for booking air tickets, hotels and car rentals.

The New “Roll Bar Look” Crane. Unique, Attractive, Functional When not in use, this attractive, remote-controlled electric hydraulic crane for pickups is usually mistaken for a roll bar. Perfect for lifting ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, engines….uses are unlimited! The Swift Lift Crane uses no deck space, thus maximizing cargo area. An affordable, cost-effective, injury-free way to load cargo quickly and effortlessly.

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illiam S. Ayer, President and CEO of Alaska Airlines was the guest speaker at the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) lunch meeting held at the Richmond Inn on April 26. Ayer gave an audio-visual presentation on the history and future of the airline. On April 29, Alaska Airlines began its new daily non-stop service from YVR to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA, 10 miles from Disney World, using the new 120 seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

Bill Ayer, president Alaska Airlines.

98 B-Line Service Promoted at YVR Transit Fair

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Pacific Ocean then south through the Inside Passage to Vancouver Island, down the island to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, then back to Vancouver. Travel is by rail, ferry and motorcoach. Prices begin at $2,370. Other options include heading east with the The Whistler Northwind offers a variety of Discovery Jasper and The Tours for 2002 in new, all-dome passenger coaches. Rockies package. The eight-day, The Whistler Northwind showcasseven-night itinerary is the choice of rail lovers, taking guests by train east es the best of Canada’s West: diverse to Jasper aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena, landscapes; fresh, healthful cuisine; then south to Vancouver aboard Via world-recognized B.C. wines, and Rail’s “Canadian,” or the reverse. gracious hospitality. Guests ride in Prices begin at $2,775. spacious, comfortable seats, in new, all-dome passenger coaches. The remainder of the train consists of tastefully restored and refurbished vintage cars. For Whistler Northwind reservations or information call BC Rail (604) 984-5246 or 1-800-663-8238, or contact your local travel agent. Information may also be obtained by visiting the Web site at www.whistlernorthwind.com.

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• CONSUMER • COMMERCIAL •

YVR PEOPLE

From the Sea to the Sky with Whistler Northwind or 2002, British Columbia’s Whistler Northwind luxury rail tour is offering everything from the Pacific Ocean to the Rockies in its 2002 Discovery Tour packages. There are seven optional tour programs that enable guests to enhance their Whistler Northwind journey into other areas of British Columbia and Alberta. The Whistler Northwind’s basic itinerary travels north and south between Vancouver and Prince George, B.C., with overnights in Whistler Resort and 100 Mile House. The Discovery Tours include the 11-day, 10-night, Queen Charlotte Islands Adventure, which features a taste of Canada’s native heritage. It includes a visit to Skidegate Haida Gwaii Museum and a traditional Haida meal in the company of Haida residents. Prices begin at $4,835. The nine-day, eight-night Totem Pacific Tour takes guests west to the

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TRAVEL SERVICES transit fair promoting transit alternatives in the Lower Mainland was held at YVR on April 25. A joint initiative of Vancouver International Airport Authority and TransLink, the fair was held to promote the new 98 BLine rapid bus service connecting downtown Vancouver, the airport and Richmond. More than 160 people stopped by the display at the Haida Gwaii statue in the International Terminal Building,

about 100 of whom were employees on Sea Island. TransLink representatives were available to answer any questions and to provide assistance in route planning. Feedback was received on issues such as cost, travel time, convenience, and bus schedules. The information will prove valuable when planning for future transit developments to the airport. For information on route planning, contact TransLink Customer Information at: (604) 953-3333.

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More than 200 people attended Vancouver Interntional Airport Authority's annual public meeting earlier this month to hear presentations by Larry Berg (above), president and CEO, and other members of the executive team. A full story on the meeting will be carried in next month's edition.

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