2002-08_skytalk

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

ZIP SERVICE to Start Next Month Z

replace existing Air Canada flights on the following routes: • Edmonton - Vancouver: eight frequencies each weekday with one-way fares starting as low as $94.

• Calgary-Winnipeg: five frequencies

Canada West Announces YVR Launch this Fall ordon Andrews, chairman and CEO of Canada West Airlines has announced that the final steps are being taken for the late-fall launch of Canada West Airlines, with its operations, maintenance and head office based in Edmonton, Alberta, and its marketing operation based in Vancouver.

Canada West Airlines will initially operate two premium-configured Boeing 757 aircraft with seats spaced to provide more comfort. The airline will offer full-ser-

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YVR has the

vice flights from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, as well as to European and sun destinations.

The company will market and distribute its products through its subsidiary, Canada West Holidays.

Former Canada 3000 Holidays vice-president, Richard Carlin, will be heading the distribution and marketing side.

“We will operate a full-service Call Centre and support facility based in SEE CANADA WEST, Vancouver,” said Carlin.

CONTINUED PAGE 12 “The company will

Photo: Jim Jorgenson

A Flower That Flies – Edelweiss Airlines Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Edelweiss Airlines, the charter airline with the bright red-andwhite paint job, was incorporated in 1995 and had its first flight in 1996. The airline is making weekly Airbus A-330200 flights between YVR and Zurich. Check their Web site at www.edelweissair.com

Helijet lowers the 2010 Bid Countdown Clock at Canada Place

Olympic Spirit omentum is building at YVR in support of Vancouver’s bid to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Winter Paralympic Games.

The Airport Authority, one of the bid’s Community Contributors, is sponsoring the 2010 Bid Countdown Clock. The 136-kilogram clock—3.6 metres wide and 1.8 metres high—is counting down to July 2, 2003, when the International Olympic Committee will announce which city will host the 2010 Games.

The clock was unveiled to the public at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver on July 2. It was lowered dramatically to a stage by a Helijet helicopter, another bid supporter.

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each weekday with one-way fares starting as low as $119.

• Edmonton-Winnipeg: two frequencies each weekday with one- SEE ZIP, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 way fares

Photo: David Roels

IP Air Inc. (ZIP) has announced that it will officially take to the skies on Sept. 22, 2002, with a network that will bring a new choice for travel to Western Canadian destinations consisting of 15 flights daily, which will completely

Later this month, the clock will be moved to the Domestic Terminal’s Arrivals Level, where it will be displayed prominently. To gain maximum exposure, the clock will be moved periodically to other locations in the terminals and loaned out to various Vancouver area events through to next July.

“As one of the bid’s Community Contributors, we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Countdown Clock,” said Larry Berg, the Airport Authority’s president and CEO. “Now the many thousands of passengers who use our airport each day can share in the excitement as we count down to the IOC’s decision.”

Sola Fielder, the “Olympic

SEE OLYMPIC SPIRIT, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Cell Phone Rentals CDS Services

Baggage Arrival Levels, ITB & DTB

Call 604-303-4500 * YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.

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ZIP Airlines,

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starting as low as $119.

“Since we announced ZIP in midApril, all of our efforts have focused on developing a product that responds to growing marketplace demand for more options in low fare air travel,” said Steve Smith, president and CEO, ZIP. “For the ZIP team, the arrival of our first aircraft is an exciting start to the official countdown to launch date on September 22.

“Our new broader network responds to the interest which ZIP has generated in communities throughout Western Canada. ZIP will now reach consumers looking for more low fare options between more Western Canadian destinations sooner than was originally announced with the Vancouver-Calgary start-up route.

Consumers in Vancouver, Calgary,

Edmonton, and Winnipeg will be given the first opportunity to enjoy ZIP’s low-fare service with many additional benefits,” he concluded.

In addition to online bookings, comfortable seating, ample storage and Express Check-in kiosks, ZIP offers the following: • Convenient connections to the Air Canada worldwide network including check-in to final destination and seamless baggage transfers.

• Mileage accumulation and redemption on Aeroplan®.

ZIP’s start-up fleet will consist of six Boeing 737-200 aircraft, and will eventually grow to 20 737-200s, all transferred from the existing Air Canada mainline fleet.

Effective this month, customers will be able to book travel on ZIP

No food on the flight?

Take along a bite!

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online at 4321zip.com, through a tollfree call centre, at Destina.ca or through travel a g e n t s .

Customers who have already booked on Air ZIP president Canada for travSteve Smith el on or after September 22, 2002 will automatically have their bookings protected on ZIP. ZIP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada that is designed to

Olympic Spirit, Weaver”, also paid a visit to YVR recently, putting on a display by the Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture in the International Terminal.

Fielder has done a series of portraiture tapestries commemorating the Olympics, including Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000 and Salt Lake City in 2002. To complete each tapestry, Fielder moves to the Olympic host city for up to 18 months to work on the project. The stunning Salt Lake City tapestry—measuring 3 metres by 2 metres—is a view from 15,000 metres above the city and Wasatch

respond to a marketplace that is demanding more options in low fare, high value air service. ZIP will operate on primarily short haul routes, beginning September 22 with service between selected Western Canadian destinations and offering connections to the Air Canada worldwide network.

ZIP is headquartered in Calgary and will operate with an independent operating certificate, management team, and corporate identity.

The new airline could face opposition from two of Air Canada’s largest unions, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing flight attendants, and the Canadian

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mountains. The incredible detailed work took 4,000 hours to complete.

Her first foray into portraiture tapestry commemorated Expo ’86 in Vancouver, and is now in the private collection of Jimmy Pattison.

Fielder’s weaving display at YVR coin-

Power-up with a nutritious turkey or ham and cheese sandwich or tuna snack bite, a fresh fruit $7.00 cup, and a delicious granola bar.

Breakfast/Lunch #3 Kids Satisfy the craving with a health-smart bowl of Lucky Charms and milk, a fresh fruit cup, and a popular $5.00 Dunkaroos treat.

All prices include GST

Prior to Boarding at the Domestic Terminal Level 3 (at the Pizza Hut & Big Apple Bagels).

A message from

cided with Convergence 2002, a biennial international fibre arts conference hosted this year by the Great Vancouver Weavers and Spinners Guild.

A number of other airport businesses are lending their support to the 2010 Olympic Bid, including Air Canada, Helijet, Harbour Air Seaplanes, West Coast Air, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Avis Rent a Car.

Rapid Transit Task Force Launched new community-based group has been formed to champion a rapid transit rail line linking Richmond, the airport and Vancouver.

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Breakfast Energize your morning with a wholesome cereal cookie (containing six essential nutrients), a fresh fruit cup, and your choice of refreshing orange $5.00 juice, milk, coffee, or tea.

#2 Lunch

Auto Workers (CAW), representing ticket agents and airport staff. As of press date, both unions have applied to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to have ZIP and Air Canada declared a common employer with a common collective agreement. Air Canada believes it will be able to negotiate an agreement with all its unions before the launch date.

Smith has said ZIP is aiming for 30 per cent savings on mainline Air Canada costs, either through productivity improvements or wage savings. A key proposal is to combine into one, the three jobs done by CUPE and CAW staff.

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The Richmond-Airport-Vancouver Transit Task Force is made up of 14 members representing a diverse group of business and community interests from around the Lower Mainland.

The group will be meeting with decision makers, community groups and other stakeholders to build support for proceeding with the project as soon as possible.

Among the task force members are Larry Berg, the Airport Authority’s president and CEO, Michael Harcourt, who sits on the Airport Authority’s Board of Directors and is an expert on community sustainability, and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

During the past 18 months, a steering committee representing eight major stakeholders—including the Airport Authority—has been studying the merits of the transit link. The committee has shown there is a need for the link, and has laid the groundwork for a route and possible financing options, including a public-private partnership (P3). The committee is now into the next phase of its work, which includes further study of technical design, financing, governing options and more detailed study on using a P3 process for the project.

Last March, in a policy report on transportation and urban structure, officials from Vancouver’s engineering and city plans departments recom-

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Big Birds and Little Birds

By Phil Melnychuck hile big birds soar overhead this summer, wildlife management officials from Vancouver International Airport Authority have been keeping a close eye on four others, the feathered kind, closer to the ground.

Two bald eagles built a nest about 350 metres from the approach to runway 26 Right. While the couple fussed over their two eaglets all season, airport staff waited and monitored the birds constantly, watching for any signs they may stray too close to an approach path.

“Eagles are really big birds and they present a very serious risk to aviation,” said Brett Patterson, director of aviation operations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). “It’s certainly something we don’t want to be there.”

Usually in the spring, wildlife management is able to disrupt nesting activities and persuade most birds that an airport really isn’t a good place to build a home and raise a family. But sometime this year, the interlopers moved into their cottonwood tree condo along the fashionable middle arm of the

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Fraser River, close to the end of Grauer Road near the Arthur Laing Bridge.

And because the couple was well on their way to nurturing their offspring to adulthood, wildlife management decided to allow the eaglets to fledge, or leave their nest.

The patience paid off. Earlier this month, some unexpected help came in the form of strong winds that heavily damaged the nest, making it uninhabitable for the eagles. Fortunately, the eaglets had already fledged.

Just passing through With the airport in the middle of the Pacific flyway for migratory birds, and several wildlife preserves in the area, it’s not uncommon for eagles to be around, but usually they’re just passing through, said Patterson.

Airport Authority staff decided to give the pair the benefit of the doubt, he said, as long as the young ones flew low and away from aircraft. The minute they posed a hazard, “we would have moved quickly to ensure the safety of aircraft and their passengers.”

Options included scaring off the birds using pyrotechnics or air cannons or even bringing in Taz, the air-

port’s border collie.

Destroying the nest or killing the birds would have been undertaken as a last resort.

The Airport Authority’s Simon Robinson, environmental specialist, said some bald eagles are migratory and some stay around all year. One of the wildlife preserves in the area, the Sea Island Conservation Area is intended to provide habitat for raptors.

Two eagle strikes Patterson said that on average, about 55 bird-plane collisions a year take place at YVR. Since 1999, Vancouver International Airport has had two eagle strikes on aircraft, one of those when an eagle hit the radar dome of an Airbus A-320. The plane had to land in Seattle.

In another case, “an eagle was ingested into the engine of a Boeing 747,” said Patterson. The aircraft, which was headed across the Pacific, had to shut down an engine to dump fuel before landing safely. “From a risk perspective, these are large,

Security Vigilance Reaps Rewards

heavy birds.”

Keeping an eye on the wildlife in and around the airport is a full-time job for the Airport Authority’s wildlife management team at the airport. At minimum, there are two wildlife officers on duty, 24 hours a day. The department also contracts

out 13 full-time wildlife control officers from the B.C. Corps of Commissionaires.

As for the smartest of our feathered friends, he agreed with the crow’s reputation of intelligence. It’s rare to have a crow strike a plane, he said, unless it is old or sick.

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By Marcia Strang our security-conscious Vancouver International Airport workers have been rewarded for being extra vigilant.

Mark Blais of Singapore Airlines was commended for his actions after an automatic security gate failed to close after he had passed through it. He called (Left) Mark Blais of Singapore Airlines, (Right) Kristy Lewis receiving her mug from Fred security immediately and Eaton, manager of aviation security, Airport Authority. stood by the gate to prevent unauthorized access Alvin Prasad and Jas Mavi, were that had been dispatched to the until security personnel arrived. commended for assisting a very scene.

Kristy Lewis of WestJet Airlines distraught visitor in the parkade, All four showed the kind of secuwas rewarded for coming to the who had accidentally locked her rity awareness and quick action that assistance of a passenger whose two small children in the car, both keeps everyone safe at Vancouver purse had been stolen. Due to her still strapped in their child seats. International Airport. For their quick thinking and action, the pas- The patrollers managed to get one efforts, they were each rewarded senger’s purse was recovered and of the doors unlocked, much to the with a thank-you card and gift, and a the thief was apprehended. relief and delight of all involved, letter of appreciation was sent to Two Securiguard patrollers, before the arrival of a tow truck their direct supervisors.

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INLAND TECHNOLOGIES CANADA INC. (INLAND) James G. Bagnell, President and CEO, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Randy Abel as Inland’s Site Supervisor, Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Randy brings over 20 years experience in the aviation sector including aircraft de-icing operations for major national and international air carriers.

In his role as Inland’s Site Supervisor, Randy will oversee all aircraft de-icing fluid (ADF) collection/recovery operations on behalf of the airline community at YVR. Inland specializes in airport environmental programs that mitigate the impact of aircraft de-icing fluid on the surrounding environment.

Services include the overall safe and efficient management of spent ADF and incorporates collection and recycling for uses other than aircraft de-icers.

Inland Technologies Canada Inc. 3880 MacDonald Road • Richmond • BC • V7B 1Y4 604-241-8494 • www.inlandgroup.ca

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Air Canada Championship Needs Volunteers for Labour Day Weekend Event rganizers of the Air Canada Championship (ACC) golf tournament are appealing to Lower Mainland golf fans to join the tournament as volunteers for this year’s event, scheduled for August 26 through September 1.

“Our number of signed-up volunteers has fallen behind the pace of past years,” said volunteer chair Rosanna Robinson. “We think that is because of all the speculation about the future of the tournament. Some people are apparently under the impression we’re not having a tournament this year, but that is definitely not the case.”

The ACC is staging its seventh annual PGA Tour tournament at Northview Golf & Country Club at 68th Avenue and 168th Street in Surrey. The event is the premier golf event held in Western Canada each

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year and typically requires 1,700 volunteers to operate it.

“Anyone who’s interested in golf—and even those who just like to help out—should consider getting involved in our tournament,” said Robinson. “It’s a chance of a lifetime to experience up close the excitement of a world-class sporting event with golf’s best players showing their stuff.”

Among the top golfers scheduled to play at Northview this year are Vijay Singh of Fiji, Jesper Parnevik of Sweden, Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland, Canada’s Mike Weir and a host of top PGA Tour professionals looking to win the first-place prize money of US$630,000.

Volunteers are expected to commit to 18 hours of work during tournament week. Schedules are flexible and there are lots of tangible benefits,

including a pass to all tournament events, another weekly pass for a guest, two golf shirts, a windbreaker and a hat, complimentary food and (nonalcoholic) beverages while working, participation in a draw for preferred parking passes, and a post-tournaJoel Edwards,last year's winner of the Air Canada ment volunteers’ wind-up Championship Golf Tournament. function. Volunteers pay a $125 membership fee.

The Air Canada Championship throughout B.C. will get on board this is proud of its record over the exciting event and help make a differpast six years of raising more ence in the lives of people less fortuthan $4 million for community- nate,” said Robinson. “It’s a fun week based charitable organizations. It and is very rewarding for all is one of the most successful involved.”

Applications are at the ACC’s Web tournaments on the PGA Tour in site: aircanadachampionship.com or terms of its fundraising efforts.

“We sincerely hope that people in call the ACC office at (604) 647the Lower Mainland and elsewhere 3900.

Three-Dollar Fare Celebrates Arrival of Third Plane o celebrate the arrival of its third Dash 8 aircraft, Hawkair offered a three-dollar fare for flights August 5 through Aug. 11, 2002, the first week of the airline’s new schedule.

Airline spokesperson Charlynn Toews said that the seats sold out quickly and she was happy to see a

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large percentage of new passengers originating in Vancouver.

The three-dollar fare had a catch, of course: the seats were limited and combined with a return at regular fare.

Hawkair’s regular fares start at $179 one-way and when those are

sold the prices go to $209, then $259.

The last few seats on the plane sell for $299 and these are all with three days notice. Full fare walk-up is $389 oneway. The fares include taxes and fees, and there are no extra surcharges.

The ‘new’ Dash 8 has had “one previous, careful owner,” according to Hawkair partner Dave Menzies—the Queen—or rather, the Crown, specifically the Department of National Defence. It was used to fly dignitaries and has such amenities as long-range tanks and enhanced flight management systems.

“It has less than 9,000 hours,” Menzies says, “which is a baby in terms of an aircraft.”

CG-JVB was purchased through

Field Aviation of Toronto. Hawkair’s first two Dash 8s, CF-DNG and CJE were purchased from IMP Group, which operated Air Atlantic.

Hawkair’s co-owner Rod Hayward says the special three-dollar fare was to introduce travellers to the new schedule, which doubles the flights to both Prince Rupert and Smithers and adds a third Friday departure for Terrace.

Hawkair, which serves Prince Rupert, Terrace-Kitimat, Smithers and Vancouver’s South Terminal, employs over 80 people, with the majority in northwest British Columbia.

For more information: www. hawkair.ca; 1-800-487-1216.

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Million-Dollar CAN-AM Golf for Kids

Sold Out for 2002 f you are still planning on entering this year’s YVR CAN-AM Golf for Kids, forget about it.

The million-dollar, hole-in-one, $65,000 Audi TT, $68,000 diamond ring and all those airline tickets offered as prizes at this year’s expanded event have caused a flood of entries and necessitated an early-entry closure.

“After 10 years, we wanted to do something special for our sponsors by increasing the competitiveness on the course and the awareness of the event to the community,” said Wayne Duzita event co-chair, who has been involved with the event since its inception 11 years ago.

“We have raised over $700,000 to support a wide range of children’s foundations, organizations and

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charities in the past decade. My hope is that with these new incentives we will do even better in the next decade.”

There will be a lot of excitement on the course August 29, when 224 golfers tee it up at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in the shoot-out of their lives. But at the end of the day the real winners of this charity fundraiser will be the kids’ organizations, which will receive the proceeds from the golf event and the gala dinner/auction for 500, supported by the airport community, held later that evening at the Richmond Inn. The organizing committee wishes to thank everyone who has contributed to the overwhelming success of this year’s event and remind everyone to book early for next year.

YVR CAN-AM Golf For Kids 2002 Sponsors ONE MILLION DOLLARS— HOLE IN ONE Marsh Canada Ltd. Mercer Human Resource Consulting Chubb Insurance Company of Canada Commonwealth Insurance Co. Zurich North America—Canada

AUDI TT Cowell Motors—valued at $65,000

DIAMOND RING Da Mincci Jewellers—valued at $68,500

AIRLINE TICKETS Cathay Pacific Airways Limited— 2 business-class tickets to New York, valued at $6,500

AIRLINE TICKETS Alaska Airlines Pacific Coastal Airlines British Airways Continental Airlines Eva Air America West Airlines Lufthansa Harbour Air Seaplanes Air New Zealand Aloha Airlines American Airlines Horizon Air Aero Mexico Air Canada JAL Airlines Northwest Airlines Air Transat

Helijet United Airlines

CORPORATE SPONSORS Aeroground Inc. dba Aircargo Handling Services BDO Dunwoody LLP Bosa Ventures Inc. Cara Operations Limited Cara ASD Operations Cisco Systems Canada Ltd. D. Heffring Investments Ltd. Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina The Electric Mail Co. Federal Express Canada Ltd. Fritz Starber Inc. GlobeGround North America, Inc. HMS Host Corporation IAT Management Inc. InterVistas Consulting Leader Cold Storage Ltd. Mahara Electric Ltd. Mega International Air Services (Vancouver) Inc. Pacific Liaicon & Associates Piedmont Hawthorne RCG Forex Service Corporation Richmond Inn HotelRoyal Pacific Petroleum Limited Securiguard Services Ltd. Summit International Trade Services Inc. (operating as Summit Customs Brokers) TD Canada Trust Vancouver Int’l Airport Authority Vancouver Canucks Worldwide Flight Services, Inc. Yellow Freight System

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer

Retail Program Serves the Needs of Passengers… and Employees en years ago, the range of retail services offered at YVR was limited to a couple of newsstands, cafeterias and a duty free shop. Today—with more than 130 restaurants, shops and services—airport customers can sit down for sushi at lunch, follow that with a relaxing massage and purchase some imported olive oil before boarding their flight.

What a difference a decade makes.

When the Airport Authority assumed management and control of YVR from Transport Canada in 1992, we began putting into place an ambitious retail program that has earned high praise from our passengers and a number of awards from our peers.

Providing quality retail products and services, many with a distinctive British Columbia flavour, helps set YVR apart from other airports. We combine local products and services with widely recognized brand names, offering passengers a truly engaging experience. Additionally, our street pricing policy ensures that all retail shops and services keep their prices in line with similar outlets in the neighbouring marketplace. That means a coffee at Starbucks or a burger at A&W is the same at YVR as it is elsewhere.

The retail program is a big reason why passengers continuously rate YVR as one of the world’s top 10 airports. It is also an integral part of our business.

Like other businesses, airports compete with one another. As a major gateway connecting the Asia Pacific and the Americas, we compete with airports down the West Coast of North America, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

International passengers can choose their gateway. So, as one way to make YVR even more attractive to our customer, the Airport Authority and our business partners spend a great deal of effort enticing these passengers and coming up with innovative ways to serve their needs.

One of the challenges is providing a varied mix of retail

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services to match our 15 million strong customer base— business travellers, leisure travellers and tourists from all over the world. However, we also cater to another significant group: airport employees. About 26,000 people work on Sea Island, more than half of them in the Domestic and International terminals. Though their needs may vary, what they have in common is a desire for the best in customer service, value for money and choice.

As populations and trends change, so do the retail and service offerings at the airport. For example, with a number of airlines offering “no-frills” service to passengers, many of our food and beverage outlets have begun offering “Food-on-the-Fly”: packaged meals the can be taken aboard aircraft.

Innovation is a hallmark of our retail program, and we have had a number of “firsts” at YVR. Last year, we opened a new retail street on Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal that targets both passengers and employees. It includes the most comprehensive suite of health care providers of any airport in the world. It is home to the world’s first in-terminal 7-Eleven, and Canada’s first airport dentist’s office and dry-cleaning operation. YVR is the first airport to have three spas in its terminals. The InMotion DVD rental outlet in the International Terminal is the first its kind in a Canadian airport. In June, Simon Johnson—a premier provider of international quality food—opened his first store outside of his native Australia.

The Nuance Group has also selected YVR as the first airport in the world to launch two of its newest duty free confectionary concepts—Taste and Chunks.

As the travelling public and employee base continues to grow, so too will the selection of products and services at YVR. With our business partners, we will continue building upon our excellent reputation and changing people’s perceptions of what they can do at the airport.

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 E-MAIL: pstewart@westerndriver.com

Your Airport Community Newspaper AUGUST 2002 ISSUE • VOL. 9 • NO. 10 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

ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT PUBLICATIONS P.O. Agreement #1676261

Jim Jorgenson

VANCOUVER OFFICE: Second Floor – 1965 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1Z3 Tel (604) 736-6754 • Fax: (604) 736-6750

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Local Champion, Global Operator

By Chris D’Silva VR – Local Champion, Global Operator—this is the Airport Authority’s vision statement, but it goes beyond the business aspects of the company. As a community-based organization, the Airport Authority is keenly aware of its responsibility to take an active role in community and charitable causes.

Many employees are involved in community and service organizations on their own time, showing their own personal commitment to their communities and neighbours. The Airport Authority and its employees also participate actively in many high-profile fundraising events—such as Big Brother’s Bowling, Children’s Hospital Jean’s Day, Heart & Stroke Dress Red Day and United Way. Local contribution But the company also is making other contributions quietly that are helping better the lives of people here and abroad.

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At the local and community levels, the Airport Authority hosts a blood donor clinic within the terminals, provides work experience for highschool and post-secondary students, donates used computers to local schools, and works with a nearby Richmond elementary school to create an airport curriculum. Its employees are also out doing what they can, such as lecturers for the BCIT Aviation programmes, collecting for local food banks, or assisting needy families at Christmas.

Used computers At the international level, the Airport Authority has contributed much to aid people in developing countries by working through Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs in Richmond, Vancouver and Langley. The contributions have primarily been in the form of used computers, refurbished by Rotarians here in Canada and then shipped overseas to schools for the hearing impaired in Uganda and Zimbabwe, and to primary schools in the Philippines,

BLEACHING (whitening)

Honduras, and Guatemala. Other contributions made through the Rotary International Foundation have helped with the programmes that the foundation provides worldwide.

Another interesting donation was a box of commemorative T-shirts left over from the opening of YVR’s north runway in 1996. This box was delivered to a school for orphaned children with severe dis-

abilities in the Ukraine. They were well received and the joy that this small gift brought to those children was immeasurable.

It is stories like these that show the true nature of an organization and its people, and when you add up all the unseen contributions that the Airport Authority and its employees have made and continue to make, it’s no wonder that the organization truly is living up to its vision: Local Champion, Global Operator.

Fruit Tree Project Helps Feed the Needy non-profit society formed to help feed needy people in Richmond is looking for volunteers to help pick fruits and vegetables this fall or donate surplus produce.

The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project was established in 2001 to involve volunteers in the harvest of local surplus produce for donation to the Richmond Food Bank and Church Kitchen. Last year, volunteers harvested more than 3,000 kilograms of

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produce. To augment the program, this year the society is growing its own vegetables in the former West Coast Seeds demonstration gardens at the London Heritage Farm, overlooking the south arm of the Fraser River.

The Airport Authority donated a computer for the society’s recently opened project office and is planning to put together a volunteer team to help with the harvest this fall. West Coast Seeds donated a variety of veg-

etable seeds and Home Depot donated garden tools.

The project was honoured last year

by Volunteer Richmond with the Nova Star Award, which recognizes the value of “responding to the changing needs of the community with creativity and innovation.”

For more information, contact the Fruit Tree Sharing Project at (604) 270-9874 or visit its Web site: www.richmondfruitree.com.

both jaws for $ 00 trays plus bleaching solution.

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FREE Parking (economy lot) For the First 50 Booking s in August: Mention thi s Ad and get a FREE DENTAL HEAL TH TRAVEL KIT. Open 7 days / week 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Full spectrum of dental services.

Dr. ARTHUR L. ROSS & ASSOCIATES Level 1 • Domestic Terminal Vancouver International Airport Phone: (604) 276-2121 Fax (604) 276-2129

A China Airlines 747-700 is re-routed around the construction work on the main apron. Photo: Jim Jorgenson

Apron VI Gets Slab Replacement VR’s main apron slab replacement project started on June 2, with substantial completion occurring in August.

Seventy-nine slabs measuring 6m x 6m were replaced

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with new subgrade material and 0.44m-thick reinforced concrete, at a cost of $1.3 million.

Most of these slabs are from the original 1968 construction and are located on the aircraft taxi centre-line.

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From Eyewear to Kimchee Pickles Chances are it’s at Lost and Found

By Phil Melnychuck uick, do you still have your keys to open your car after your long flight home?

And what about your passport, did it go missing when you re-arranged your luggage upon arrival?

If that is the case, you may want to check with Eddie Milkovic.

As a co-manager of the lost and found at Vancouver International Airport, he knows people who arrive from overseas, pass through the airport and somehow lose their passports in the process.

“A lot of times when I call people about their passport they don’t even know it’s missing.”

But that’s just one of the items turned in at the lost and found at the customer information centre in the international terminal. Often, its eyewear, of all shapes and sizes.

“The most often recorded item is glasses and sunglasses, tons of those items,” said Milkovic.

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23,000 items Milkovic’s job is to collect items that other passengers or staff find around the airport and try and match them up with their legitimate owners.

Since starting computerized records in June 2000, the lost and found has had about 23,000 items turned in.

For instance, in a two-month period from May 23 to July 23, “123 pairs of glasses and sunglasses mixed together, but mostly glasses,” have been turned in, he said. Only 16 of those have been claimed. The rest, after waiting in the lost and found for a week, will be moved to a storage room for 60 days, and from there, sent to the needy in the Third World via Lens Crafters or Operation Eyesight.

The problem, says Milkovic, is finders of such items usually wait a few days before bringing them to the lost and found. By then, a passenger may have already checked and been told they have no such item.

Sometimes, people really tempt fate and call six months after they’ve lost an item. Sometimes, people wait until

they’re on the other side of the world before checking.

“I’ve had people from London, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Korea, you name it.”

Eyewear most common Eyewear is the most common single item ‘seeing’ its way to the lost and found, but lost keys are the second-most lost, or found, depending on how you want to look at it.

Within the same two-month period, 74 bundles of keys were turned in.

Clothing, of all types, is the largest category however, with 290 articles turned in within that two-month period. Jackets and hats are common and women’s underwear has been dropped off.

Nothing goes to waste at the lost and found, which records, sorts and catalogues every item.

Unclaimed clothing and toys are donated to worthy causes such as St. Vincent de Paul, Union Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army.

Jewelry, sometimes including Rolex watches, is forwarded to Ross Auction and Abbotsford Auction to

get the best return.

The airport donates any lost books to seniors’ homes while passport, drivers’ licences and health-care cards are returned to the issuing authority. Over the course of a year, about 15 laptops will be turned in. Most Lost and Found at Vancouver International Airport is located are claimed. behind the info booth, Level 3 of the International Terminal M i l k o v i c Building. A computerized listing is kept of items turned in. says a lot of items go missing near the metal the selection isn’t as exotic as one detectors during security check-in might expect of an international airwhen people empty their pockets of port on the Pacific.

“We’ve had a mouth retainer. items then forget to pick them up on We’ve had kimchee pickles turned in,” the other side. said Milkovic.

“Yeah, that stunk up Sometimes, strange things do find their way into the lost and found but the room for a couple of days.”

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Photo: Patrick Stewart

Aviation Set for Not Just For Kids California’s Disneyland Offers Fun For All

(top left) Hollywood Pictures Backlot, where guests can have lunch on a TV soap opera set, see the Disney animation legacy, or simply pretend to be a Hollywood celebrity. Photo: Patrick Stewart. (left) A granite mountain top, shaped like the head of a growling Grizzly bear, rises 110 feet over the California Adventure Park. Photo: courtesy Disneyland Resort. (above) California Screamin’ is a roller coaster, which begins with a catapult start: taking guests from zero to 55 miles-per-hour in four seconds.

By Joan Stewart ho said only little kids could have all the fun? What about big ‘kids’, the ones who usually foot the bill for all that enjoyment?

The folks at Disney have taken heed, and earlier this year, celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of its all-new Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California, which now includes Disney’s California Adventure™ theme park, its Grand Californian Hotel® and the Downtown Disney® District of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

The original Disneyland® Park, opened by its founder Walt Disney in 1955, set the standard as the first “themed” park ever created. Located

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approximately 27 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the park continues to evolve on its 85-acres of ‘magic’ ground, featuring more than 60 adventures and attractions in eight “themed” lands, including the wellknown favourites such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.

Since 1955, more than 450 million people have visited the “Happiest Place on Earth”. And if you’re one of them and believe there’s nothing more on offer, think again.

55-acre centrepiece Daring to continue the visionary dream of its founder, the Disney California Adventure™ is a 55-acre centerpiece of a US$1.4 billion expansion, and part of a US$5 billion

Orange County transformation.

Located next door to the Disneyland Main Entrance, the new Disney California Adventure Park offers 25 attractions in three lands— Hollywood Pictures Backlot, providing a fun look at the magic behind the motion picture industry; The Golden State, paying a tribute to the beauty of California; and Paradise Pier, which includes a 150-foot-tall Sun Wheel.

The assortment of rides includes the spectacular “Soarin’ Over California”, a hand-gliding flight over eye-catching California wonders; “California Screamin”, a whiteknuckle rollerSEE DISNEY, coaster remiCONTINUED niscent of the PAGE 13 ones found in

20-Year Boom

doubling of the world’s civil aircraft fleet and an aviation market worth US$4.9 trillion is forecast over the next 20 years by an influential market survey.

As the airline business struggles through one of its worst ever periods, the optimistic outlook comes from the 2002 Current Market Outlook, released by the Boeing Company at the Farnborough Air Show held in the U.K. last month.

The report, widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market, reflects the reality of a more competitive industry and a growing— and to some extent aging—worldwide airplane fleet.

“The shift from a regulated to liberalized market has increased competition among airlines and is forcing them to operate at much higher levels of efficiency to remain profitable,”

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Rapid Transit, mended that a combination subway/street level or above ground line be built generally along the Cambie Street corridor to Richmond along No.3 Road, with a spur line connecting to the airport via Grant McConachie Way. Currently, about one million trips are taken daily between Vancouver and Richmond. The report to city council cites a recent TransLink study that noted a 34-kilometre line could include up to 17 stations, and that daily ridership by 2010 could reach in excess of 107,000 people, with 75,000 being new transit riders.

said Randy Baseler, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president.

“Passenger preference for more frequent, non-stop flights with shorter trip times, will continue to drive market evolution and airline strategies.

After all, air travel is all about passenger convenience and saving time,” he said.

Boeing estimates the world fleet will double to almost 33,000 jets by 2021, comprising around 17,200 new planes for market growth; 6,700 for replacement and more than 8,500 airplanes that currently are flying.

Boeing projects airlines will invest US$1.8 trillion in new commercial passenger aircraft, which equates to about 24,000 airplane deliveries over the next 20 years. It also forecasts that 2,500 planes will be added to the world’s cargo fleet over the next 20 years.

Airwise News, August 2002.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 This corridor is one of the region’s busiest transportation links. On a typical weekday, close to 300,000 vehicles and 20,000 transit riders cross the North Arm of the Fraser River via the three bridges connecting Richmond and Vancouver.

The Cambie corridor is being recommended because it has the population and employment centres and key transit destinations. For example, more than 10,000 people work at hospitals along the corridor, about 8,000 students and staff are at Langara College, and some 26,000 people work at the airport.

Airport Employees… visit our new Russ Baker Way location for your Frequency McFlyer Card and enjoy a special food offer… while quantities last!

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Helijet Inks Frequent Flyer elijet International, a Richmondbased scheduled helicopter service, has signed frequent flyer and codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Both agreements will commence September 8, pending government approval.

The marketing partnership will provide seamless connections through Vancouver International Airport for Alaska, Horizon and Helijet customers. In conjunction with the arrangement, Helijet and Alaska plan to introduce air service operated by Helijet aircraft between Vancouver and Whistler Resort once government approval is received.

With the introduction of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent-flyer program, Helijet customers will be able to earn miles and redeem travel awards on 11 carriers, including American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

“Around the world, Vancouver is recognized as a truly international destination,” said Gregg Saretsky,

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Alaska Airlines’ executive vice president of marketing and planning. “The opportunity to connect Alaska and Horizon passengers through to Helijet’s destinations and new service to Whistler in particular has tremendous potential. Helijet’s solid reputation and loyal following of business customers provide the confidence and quality we need to make this relationship a success.”

“This agreement means we’re committed to providing passengers in Vancouver with connecting flights that are as seamless as any other Alaska or Horizon Air connection,” said Rick Hill, Helijet’s vice president of marketing and commercial alliances. “Also, I think you’ll find all three carriers looking for new opportunities where we can combine our individual talents.”

Helijet International Inc. is North America’s largest scheduled helicopter airline, celebrating its 15year anniversary. Helijet serves commuter and tour routes to Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria,

L a n g l e y , Abbotsford and Richmond.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Alaska and its regional partner, Horizon Air, together serve 80 cities in the United States, Mexico and

ancouver International Airport Authority’s colourful float is once again garnering awards at parades across the Lower Mainland and beyond.

Awards won by the float crew, headed up by Gwynn Hughes of the Airport Authority’s Maintenance Department, include: CHILLIWACK: Celebration of the Arts Parade – Parade Marshall’s Award as Best Overall Entry, and Best Decorated Float.

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The float has one more scheduled parade this season – Penticton’s Peach Fest in mid-August. The float crew is keeping their collective fingers crossed that they do all right at this one as well.

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carrier in the world to allow customers to check in for flights online via the Internet.

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Canada. Alaska was the first North American carrier to sell tickets online in 1995 and in 1999 became the first

YVR’s Parade Float Continues its Winning Ways

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Photo: Jim Jorgenson

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YVR PEOPLE

by Jim Jorgenson

American Airlines Golf Tournament

Make-a-Wish Foundation was the beneficiary of this year’s American Airlines Golf Tournament. inety-nine golfers enjoyed the good weather at the American Airlines Golf Tournament held on Friday July 19, at Mylora Sidaway Golf Course in Richmond, and raised $4,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation charity.

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Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival

Race into Harvey’s today and try our new Chicken Fajita Pita. Sliced charbroiled chicken breast and sautéed vegetables wrapped in a warm pita.

Trademark of Cara Operations Limited.

✂

FREE FRIES

Please present this coupon before ordering to receive a free order of fries with your purchase of our new Chicken Fajita Pita. Coupon is valid only at Harvey’s location in the Domestic Terminal Building, Arrivals Level.This coupon is not valid on delivery or with any other offer and has no cash value. Some limitations may apply.Taxes extra.

Coupon expires Sept. 30, 2002. ®Reg.T.M. of Cara Operations Limited

VIPs on stage—(l to r); West Indies cricket legend Sir Everton Weekes, festival director Clifford Cox of Vancouver, Allan Dumbleton, Golden Oldies secretariat, Keith Robinson of Air New Zealand, Matthew Coyne of Tourism Vancouver. Marching past the stage at the PNE are the Polegate & Stone Cross Cricket Club he 10th bi-annual Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival sponsored

by Air New Zealand was held in Vancouver from July 20 to 27. Over 30 teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Bermuda, England, the USA were hosted by the Vancouver cricket clubs and took part in three days of competition and a sunny week of sight-seeing and meeting old friends.

Matches were played at 12 venues around the Lower Mainland, with Brockton Oval in Stanley Park being

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the favourite for its spectacular views of the mountains and harbour.

Some of the more colourful team names were the University of Arakana Fingletoads, the Polegate & Stone Cross Cricket Club, Tawa Turtles, and the Ringwood Possums.

They will all meet again in 2004 for the 11th Festival on the Sunshine Coast, that’s the Australian Sunshine Coast, with host communities of Maroochy Shire, Caloundra City and Noosa Shire.

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Canada’s Largest Aviation Retailer his month, Aviation World’s YVR location will host its first customer appreciation day. In conjunction with its Toronto store, Aviation World hosts this annual event to say thankyou to all its valued customers.

Festivities include storewide savings and a free BBQ lunch, this year served up by store manager and chef de la cuisine, Steve Neath.

Special guests will include John Lovelace of Wings Over Canada and aviation author Sean Rossiter.

Aviation World started operations in Toronto over 30 years ago, originally conceived to fill the needs of airline pilots and flight crews with personal data logbooks. It was a quick and natural transition from there, with a combination of insight and persistent requests from flight crews for more products, that the fledgling business took flight. This all occurred while the company’s founder, Len Neath was also working his way up the career ladder as a pilot at Air Canada.

The idea for a second store, while discussed at length for years, was not realized until Len’s son Steve, fresh out of university, put together a busi-

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Aviation World

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develop and market both traditional as well as new and innovative products to Western Canadians eager for more competition and diversity. Westerners want choice.

Westerners support Western initiatives and products, and travellers as a whole are looking for better value for their dollar.”

Canada West retained Octagon Capital Corporation to raise the necessary capital for start up.

“Octagon is very excited about this project,” said Jacques Kavafian, a leading Canadian airline industry analyst and vice pres-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ident of Octagon. “The combination of a solid business plan, an underserved market and experienced management creates a compelling business case for this new entrant.”

With the launch of Canada West Airlines, approximately 185 jobs will be created in Western Canada, of which 125 will be flight crew and 60 in support and management positions. Canada West Holidays will employ up to 25 staff in Vancouver.

For further information call (604) 945-4744.

Aviation World’s staff say “thank-you” at customer appreciation days. ness plan and secured financing for the venture. Many locations were discussed in Montreal, various cities in the U.S., and, of course, Vancouver.

Because of the local aviation industry and the opportunity to expand coverage of the Canadian marketplace, Vancouver became a quick frontrunner. Since the city was missing a onestop shop for the aircraft hobbyist, enthusiast, private pilot and the professional airline community, the final decision was easy and the location

only minutes from the Vancouver International Airport at the end of Runway 26 was considered perfect.

The Richmond store opened its doors on Nov. 28, 2000, with over 4,000-square-feet of retail space and the better part of 20,000 items available as well as full function Web site www.aviationworld.ca.

With the opening of its YVR location, Aviation World became Canada’s largest retailer of aviationrelated products.

YVR Says “Hola” to Mexicana Airlines exicana Airlines plans to begin direct, non-stop service from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Mexico City, starting Dec. 14, 2002.

The airline will open a local, sales and ticket office and employ staff in anticipation of increased business from YVR. “We have enjoyed three years of successful growth from the Toronto and Montreal markets and are looking

Canada West,

forward to similar growth from Vancouver,” commented Virginia Barclay, director of North American sales and marketing for the airline.

The Vancouver to Mexico City service will operate five days a week, excluding Wednesdays and Thursdays, utilizing Airbus A319 passenger aircraft.

The direct, overnight flights will depart YVR at 12:25 a.m., arriving in Mexico City at 7:55 a.m.

Mexicana Airlines was founded in 1921, making it the fourth oldest airline in the world, and the oldest operating airline in North America.

The carrier joined the Star Alliance in July 2000 and through the alliance is able to offer its passengers service from 894 airports in 129 countries.

An official announcement with more details will be made Aug. 19, 2002.

Congratulations...

to the winners of the 2nd Quarter Customer Service Excellence Program.

The following YVR Concession employees were recognized by a professional mystery shopping company as providing exceptional customer service.

DINING & BAR 1. Milestone's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Sutton 2. Hanami Japanese Restaurant . . . . . . Eleanor Lee 3. Peak's Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franco Antogetti

FAST FOOD & COFFEE 1. Burger King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Rirao 2. Starbucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Tse 3. Starbucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tunc Gormas

RETAIL COMBO 1. Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katherine Tietjen 2. Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merlene Reddy 3. WHSmith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Kitigawa

Retail 1. Connoisseur Ship Wine Bin. . . . . . . . Jaison Kunamkudath 1. Simon Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin LaRocque (Tie) 2. Tastefully Canadian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Wang

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Know your AIRCRAFT

By Arnold Klappe

ocated on the river at the South side of the airport is one of Vancouver’s oldest, continually operated seaplane operations.

First incorporated in 1980 by Peter Clarke, Seair started as an aircraft chartering and maintenance business. From its inception, with one Cessna 185, the company has grown to include two Cessna 185s, two Beavers, two turbo Beavers, and, as part of their fleet renewal program, two Cessna Caravans, one of which was recently delivered brand new from the factory. The aircraft all have new, custom fitted interiors with amenities such as leather seats and passenger-to-pilot intercoms. In addition, Seair is the only company in the Pacific Northwest to have its aircraft fitted with an air-to-ground telephone system with instant directdial to anywhere in North America.

From its beginning in the charter business, Seair has increased its business to include scheduled service to the Gulf Islands—since 1990—and is B.C.’s only full-service, water-based Fixed Based Operator (FOB).

As an FBO, Seair provides pilots and passengers with services such as fuel, moorage, hangar storage, repair services, the ability to either bring aircraft into or out of the water, waiting room, customs services, pilot room, and even free coffee.

In addition, both Transport

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Canada and the FAA license Seair, allowing them to fly charters in Canada and/or the U.S. Seair’s pilots all have a minimum experience of 3,000 hours flying time and several have as much as 20,000 hours flying in B.C., providing them with an intricate knowledge of the B.C. coastline.

The airline is lucky to have a piece of history in its fleet. It’s one of the aforementioned De Havilland Beavers, carrying the registration of C-FPCG. Why is it famous?

Apart from the fact that it carries one of the most famous Canadian aviation pedigrees, it is also the 1,000th Beaver built. The last three letters of its registration stand for Phil C. Garret, the president of De Havilland at the time, for whom the plane was built as a thank-you for his work. After using the airplane for years as both an ambassador for the Beaver and as his own personal aircraft, Garret convinced the U.S. Air Force to purchase the aircraft, a monumental event, as it was one of the few times in the USAF’s existence that it purchased an aircraft designed and manufactured outside the U.S. C-FPCG entered Seair’s stable in June 1989, where it can be seen flying the skies of the beautiful West Coast of B.C. on a daily basis.

For more information: www.seair.com

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Disney,

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• CONSUMER • COMMERCIAL • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

seaside amusement parks, and “Grizzly River Run”, a swirling, wetand-wild rafting experience through the great outdoors.

Be sure to buy a Disney FASTPASS®, a timesaving, virtual queuing program, which allows you to reserve a ride for the most popular attractions.

The new Downtown Disney® District is a must-visit, and it’s hard to miss, located between the park gates and the Resort hotels. This colourful and lively area open to the public is full of innovative restaurants, shops and nightclubs. The 300,000-squarefoot avenue includes the ESPN Zone, Ralph Brennnan’s Jazz Kitchen, House of Blues and World of Disney.

And after all those fun-filled days of adventure, eating and shopping, you will be glad to retire to a room

located only minutes away within the Park—the Grand Californian, offering premium accommodation, boasts a décor that celebrates the Arts and Crafts movement of early 20th century California. The addition of this 751-room hotel, along with the original Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel, means the Disneyland hotel district now has more than 2,200 guestrooms and suites.

To help you plan your Disney vacation, call 1-800-477-2541 for the free 16-minute Disneyland Resort Vacation Planning Video, or visit www.disneyland.com.

YVR has daily connections to Los Angeles on several airlines with bus connections direct to Anaheim. For airline connections check www.yvr.ca.

New Technology and Good Looks

YVR’s Upgraded Domestic Terminal Building

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Comfortable accommodation, with special discounts for airline personnel. Five minutes from airport, in Richmond. Free Pickup to and from airport. Phone Penny or Ross (604) 273-1198

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Photo: Jim Jorgenson

Airport Job Training as Day or night, the Domestic Terminal Building is always a hive of activity. he newly refurbished Domestic Terminal Building has more than just good looks; it also incorporates some new technology to make it work better.

The lighting is more energy efficient, with automatic controls adjusting the light levels to match the ambient light, while taking advantage of the increase in natural light from the large skylights and front window stall.

Big board display Two new custom-designed, bigboard display panels provide up-todate flight information and information bulletins to travellers. The latest in display-board technology offers improved brightness, increased viewing angles, longer element life and greater energy efficiency. Each panel

consists of two parts, a lower character-based LED board shows flight departure information, while the upper section is a multimedia display screen for video. A large clock at the top right is constantly updated by satellite signals to maintain accuracy.

A new, better-designed sound system makes PA announcements more audible to passengers.

The computers are all on a UPS (Uninterruptible Power System), and each pair of check-in counters is fed from a different communications equipment room to keep the others running if one system fails.

Enjoy the view, but think of the behind-the-scenes technology that makes the ticketing/check-in process a lot more efficient.

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Watch What You Eat – Avoid Gastrointestinal Infection

By Dr. Michael Kelly, M.D. ow that we are into the summer season of vacations, warm weather and outdoor activities, a few cautionary notes may help you to avoid spoiling your holiday with a gastrointestinal infection.

Our risk of acquiring a gastrointestinal infection is greater in the summer because of warm temperatures, increased exposure to the environment, and outdoor cooking.

Travellers to remote areas and/or developing countries are particularly at risk for the development of gastrointestinal infections at any time, but especially so in the summer.

Gastrointestinal infection refers to

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infection of the digestive system, especially the intestine. These infections are associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and in more serious cases, fever and/or blood in the stool.

Bad water A variety of bacteria, parasites and viruses can cause gastrointestinal infections. For example, the parasite, Giardia lamblia, can be found in natural waters, and people who drink untreated water while hiking or camping may be at risk for developing giardia infection (sometimes referred to as beaver fever). It is best to boil untreated water before drinking it or to use a water purification device that will filter out giardia parasites.

Improper cooking Salmonella and Campylobacter are bacteria that are commonly acquired from poultry that has not been properly cooked to kill any bacteria that may be present in the meat.

In addition to improper cooking, use of utensils and cutting boards for other foods without thorough cleaning after contact with poultry can be a source of infection.

Salmonella and Campylobacter infections may range from mild, 24hour “stomach” flu to a more prolonged and unpleasant infection with fever, abdominal pain or cramps and diarrhea.

A potentially even more serious infection is caused by a toxin-producing version of the bacterium, E. coli.

We all carry harmless or even beneficial E. coli in our intestines, but some strains of E. coli have developed the ability to cause gastrointestinal infections. These bacteria, called shigatoxin producing E. coli, cause bloody diarrhea in many infected people.

Some victims of these infections develop a serious complication of the infection that results in failure of the kidneys to function properly. This complication is sometimes fatal, especially in young children.

Although many foods can be a source of infection (e.g. sprouts, juice, etc), the most common source of shigatoxin producing E. coli infections is undercooked hamburger (these infections are often called “hamburger disease”). It is important to cook hamburger thoroughly until it is steaming hot in the middle and no pink meat remains. Also, don’t put cooked hamburgers back on the same plate used for the uncooked ones.

Seafood There is even a bacterium found in the ocean that may cause summer diarrhea. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a natural inhabitant of coastal marine waters that generally does not cause any problems. However, in summer, when seawater temperatures rise, the numbers of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the water may increase. Oysters filter large volumes of seawater as they feed, and if Vibrio parahaemolyticus is present in the water the oysters may concentrate the organism in their tissues. If someone eats these oysters, they may develop a gastrointestinal infection from the bacteria in the oysters. Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections often result in only mild diarrhea of a few days duration, but sometimes debilitating and prolonged diarrhea can result. These infections are best prevented by adequately cooking all seafood before consumption.

Need a doctor If you do have the misfortune of developing diarrhea, despite all precautions, many cases will resolve spontaneously without needing to visit your doctor or take antibiotics.

However, if you have fever, blood in the stool, severe diarrhea that results in dehydration and/or diarrhea lasting more than three days, a visit to your doctor is advised.

Your doctor will not be able to determine if you have an infection or what type of infection it is without doing a culture of your stool. You will be sent to a medical laboratory where

they will ask you to provide stool specimens. For the convenience of employees and travellers, there is a lab located on Level 1 of the domestic terminal at the airport.

After two to three days, the lab

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will be able to tell your doctor if you have an infection and what type of infection it is. Based on this information, your doctor will be able to determine the best treatment of your infection. Hopefully, you will soon be back

to normal and ready to enjoy the rest of the summer.

Dr. Michael Kelly, works for MDS Metro Laboratory Services in Vancouver.