2002-12_skytalk

Children’s Wishes Take Flight

A Holiday Celebration at YVR

or the past four years, the merchants at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Vancouver International Airport Authority have worked together to help support the CKNW Orphans’ Fund by hosting Children’s Wishes Take Flight—A Holiday Celebration @ YVR. Companies such as the Airport Authority, suppliers, local businesses, concessionaires and airlines sponsor the

Christmas trees. The trees are displayed on the columns lining the departures level of the International Terminal Building from Dec. 2, 2002 to Jan. 2, 2003 and the public is asked to vote on its favorite Christmas tree by donation. Donation boxes and ballot boxes are located at the Customer Information Counter in the International

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SEE CHRISTMAS WISHES, PAGE 3

Lower Mainland school kids decorate sponsored Christmas trees to help raise funds for CKNW Orphans’ Fund. Vote for your favourite tree for a chance to win airfare for two to any Air Canada North American destination.

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

B.C. Government Releases Economic Report For 2010 Games

Flying During the Holidays?

Will it be Vancouver in 2010? The 2010 Olympic Countdown Clock located in the Domestic Terminal Building Level 2, logs off the days, hours, minutes and seconds to July 2, 2003, when the International Olympic Committee will announce which city will host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

n a report released by InterVISTAS Consulting Inc., which analyzes an economic report by the Ministry of Competition Science and Enterprise published in January 2002, author Michael Tretheway confirms that a 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver would generate between $6.1 billion to $10.7 billion in total economic activity in British Columbia.

The report prepared for Ted Nebbeling, Minister of State for the 2010 Olympic Bid, also reveals that between 126,000 and 244,000 full-time jobs could be created and $1.4 billion to $2.6 billion in tax revenues could be generated if Vancouver hosts the 2010

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SEE OLYMPIC GAMES, PAGE 2

By Marcia Strang f you haven’t travelled by air recently, you may be unaware of the list of what you can and cannot take with you as carryon items, or the list may have changed since your last trip.

For example, corkscrews, all knives and many pieces of sporting equipment cannot be taken through passenger screening as carry-on baggage. Also, many common items such as matches, lighters, and open bottles of alcohol may be confiscated at passenger screening points.

Before you travel, make sure that you check with your airline, and visit www.tc.gc.ca, the Transport Canada Web site

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Tips To Help You On Your Way

that outlines what can and cannot be taken on a flight. Once into the Web site click on the airplane for air travel passenger information.

CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority), the new organization, responsible for passenger screening, also has a Web site (www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca) where additional information is available.

Anyone planning travel into the United States should review the information found on the Transportation Security Administration of the United States Web site at http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/index.jsp, which lists restrictions when travelling through the USA.

Security and travel tip brochures are available at YVR information desks in the Terminal Buildings.

Golden Jubilee Medal Winner Graham Clarke, Chair of the Airport Authority’s Board of Directors, is a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II. The commemorative medal, struck to celebrate the Queen’s 50-year reign, is being awarded to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community or to Canada. Senator Ed Lawson presented the medal to Clarke last month.

HMY Airways – Capt. Harold Knop and first officer Linda Galipeau prepare for HMY Airways’ first flight to Mexico. See Page 2 Photo: Jim Jorgenson

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Olympic Games, Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The study concentrates on money coming into British Columbia from outside the Province.

“This is a once-in-lifetime opportunity that will have a tremendous impact on our industry,” said Rod Harris, CEO of Tourism BC. “We need to make the most of the benefits that hosting an Olympics Games presents.”

The bid committee claimed that operating costs are projected to be $1.3 billion and the report states that this amount will be entirely covered

by Games revenues from out-ofprovince sources. The report also

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examines the capital costs of infrastructure improvements including upgrades to the Sea-to-Sky highway, and factors in permanent benefits from these. However, the report doesn’t account for the costs of some of these improvements.

The Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation will submit a complete bid book with detailed financial information to the IOC by Jan. 10, 2003.

The 105-page economic impact report is available for downloading (1.3MB PDF file) at http://www.gamesbids.com/cgibin/lnkinlte/to.cgi?l=Rep-Van.

Support The Bid Why support the Bid? Vancouver 2010 is our chance to showcase Canada to the world, and to build a better future for generations to come.

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Go to www.2010vancouver.org/ to register your support.

First Flight To MexicoHMY For Canada’ s Newest Airline Airways Departs Vancouver assengers departing on HMY Airways first flight, Friday, November 22, were greeted at their boarding gate by owner David Ho, a ribbon cutting and a Mexican mariachi band. It was all part of the launch celebrations for HMY, Canada’s newest airline. A full load of 197 passengers boarded the 757-200 aircraft at YVR’s International Terminal Building, while the second aircraft departed from Calgary airport.

HMY’s two Boeing 757200 aircraft will be flying to various vacation destinations from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

The inaugural flight to Mazatlan took place 10 months after Ho decided to establish his own airline after he and his youngest daughter were stranded for 18 hours, waiting for a return flight to Vancouver, at the Maui airport last January.

Other HMY holiday destinations offered through HMY’s sister company Companion Holidays include Las Vegas, England and southern California.

“Our focus will be on growing

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Photos: Jim Jorgenson

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through competitive pricing, terrific customer service and a choice of destinations that are already popular with Canadians,” said Ho, chairman and CEO of David T.K. Enterprises, whose extensive business interests in B.C. include MCL Motor Cars, University Golf Club, DTKH Robson Developments and South Alder Greenhouses.

(Above) HMY’s ribbon-cutting ceremony — (l. to r.) Two of the first passengers, David Ho, CEO HMY, Kevin Falcon, B.C. Government Minister, Lyall Knot, director HMY, Larry Berg Airport Authority president and CEO, Brent Statton, general manager, HMY. (Left) Catering provided by CARA, ground handling by GlobeGround North America.

Starting this month, HMY is scheduled to fly once a week from Vancouver and Calgary to Manchester, England, via Reykjavik, Iceland.

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Qantas And Air New Zealand Form Strategic Alliance

ast month, Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand agreed to enter into a wide-ranging strategic alliance.

The alliance will involve Qantas taking a 22.5 per cent cornerstone shareholding in Air New Zealand.

Qantas chairman Margaret Jackson said the Qantas Board had unanimously approved the agreement and the share transaction. Jackson said the Board believed the strategic benefits to both airlines would ensure they played major roles in growing the economies of both countries.

“This alliance is an outstanding example of CER at work and we are confident of its success,” she said.

Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said the strategic partnership would assist both airlines to retain their independence in an industry facing considerable and continuing difficulties.

“It will also improve job security for employees of both airlines and boost transport and tourism in Australia and New Zealand,” Dixon said.

The agreement, which is subject to Government approval, includes: • Qantas and Air New Zealand forming a group, made up of an equal number of representatives from each airline, that will coordinate the entire Air New Zealand domestic and international network and Qantas flights to, from and within New Zealand.

• Air New Zealand managing the day-to-day commercial aspects of these services with support from the coordinating group.

• Air New Zealand and Qantas codesharing on all New Zealand domestic and trans-Tasman flights and on flights between New Zealand and the Americas.

• Air New Zealand also codesharing on Qantas Australian domestic flights and Qantas international flights that connect with Air New Zealand flights.

• Qantas inviting one Air New Zealand director to join the Qantas Board and nominating two representatives to be appointed to the Air New Zealand Board.

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Dixon said Qantas would fund the investment in Air New Zealand from some of the proceeds of the equity raising completed in August.

He said it was anticipated that the alliance would deliver combined synergies of up to approximately US$225 million by year three of the agreement and would be earnings per share accretive from 2003/2004 onwards.

Dixon said the alliance would enable both Qantas and Air New Zealand to make better use of their resources and capabilities, creating significant synergies and growth opportunities. In particular, the alliance would: • Provide economic benefits over the next five years of more than approximately US$380 million to Australia and about US$500 million to New Zealand.

• Increase visitor numbers to both

Christmas Wishes, Terminal Building; ballot forms are also attached to the signs underneath each tree. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be announced on Jan. 7, 2003.

The merchants at YVR are encouraging travellers to come to the airport early to enjoy the beautiful display of trees and vote on their favourite tree in support of the CKNW Orphans’ Fund. Arriving early will also help passengers take some stress out of

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their travel plans.

When passengers/public vote on their favourite tree by donation, their name is automatically entered in a draw to win airfare for two to any Air Canada destination in North America.

All monies raised from donations and the sponsorship of the trees go directly to the CKNW Orphans’ Fund to buy specialized equipment, teaching aids, auditory training systems, special furniture and wheelchairs.

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At present, neither Qantas nor Air New Zealand fly aircraft into Vancouver. Air New Zealand code shares with Star Alliance partner Air Canada, which flies to Honolulu for connection with Air New Zealand to Auckland. They will remain within Star Alliance for the near future.

Qantas is part of the Oneworld Alliance, but code shares with Alaska Airlines, which flies between YVR and Los Angeles to connect to Qantas flights to Australia.

countries by tens of thousands each year through more effective promotion and more attractive holiday packages.

• Improve aircraft utilization for both airlines, allowing for the development of new direct trans Tasman routes that neither airline can offer independently.

• Improve the coordination of services both across the Tasman and within Australia and New Zealand; and Increase freight capacity to the benefit of exporters and importers

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BCIT, Pacific Flying Club High Flyers Go Solo .C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Pacific Flying Club combined resources to launch the Airline and Flight Operations (commercial pilot) diploma program in September. The unique program offers commercial pilot training as well as the specialized practical skills needed to operate an airline.

Fastest way Graduates of the two-year program earn a BCIT diploma and a commercial pilot’s licence with a multi-engine instrument rating. The integrated training is the fastest way to obtain the credentials. On graduation, students are eligible to continue their studies by enrolling in BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management degree with

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a specialization in Airline Technical Operations.

The Pacific Flying Club, B.C.’s largest flight training centre, delivers pilot training. Over the past two months, students have been flying to a circuit altitude of 800 feet to practise taking off and landing. Patricia Kennedy is the manager of Pacific Flying Club and she also chairs the Air Transportation Association of Canada.

“There were 60 applicants for 20 spots in this first class,” said Kennedy.

“They all went through a fairly rigorous selection process and they work hard and are very demanding with high expectations in terms of the quality of the instruction.”

Canadian first “The Airline and Flight Operations program was designed specifically to meet the needs of Canadian aviation regulations,” said Lane Trotter, BCIT’s School of Transportation Dean. “It offers the first integrated pilot training program focusing on the specialized needs of the airline industry. Students completing the program will be provided with education and training in all aspects of running different types of airlines. This is a first for British Columbia and Canada.”

Steady demand A 2001 study by Air Transport Association of Canada forecasts steady growth in the industry in both passenger travel and cargo.

Richmond resident and program student Ivan Leung, 18 Retirements and projected growth over the next decade are expected to create strong needs for pilots with superior technical skills as well as a background in different areas of aviation such as safety management systems, WHMIS and cockpit resource management.

“That would translate into a demand for pilots, particularly with the proliferation of regional aircraft,” said Kennedy. “What September 11 did to the statistics contained in that report is move everything 18 months down the road. They still expect the growth to pick up once we get over this very difficult time. What we’re finding, though, is the demand for integrated programs is very high.

Students are recognizing that the airlines have very definitive requirements and are looking for skill sets

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over and above straight stick-and-rudder skills.”

The Canadian aerospace industry forecasts a demand for 3,000 to 4,000 new skilled employees annually. In B.C. alone, an Aerospace Industry Association of B.C. 2000 study reported that business growth plus attrition will result in approximately 3,400 vacancies in 23 skilled occupations over the next few years.

Unique to Canada The student pilots have access to 20 aircraft, including two-seat Cessna 152s, four-seat Cessna 172s, a Warrior (low-winged aircraft) and twin-engine aircraft. Kennedy said the program is unique to the country in terms of the academic component offered.

“It’s giving full-credit for the flying and the academic courses are all aviation-specific. A lot of college programs are generic business courses or science courses. This program sought to address the skill sets that employers have indicated are desirable and have been lacking,” said Kennedy.

The 64-week program operates for four continuous, 16-week terms. The program adheres to training standards prescribed by Transport Canada and the aviation industry. The program is delivered at the BCIT Aerospace and Technology Campus in Richmond and at Boundary Bay Airport.

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Qantas and British Airways Flying for Rugby World Cup 2003 he world will return to Australia next year, with Qantas and British Airways confirmed as the Official Airlines of Rugby World Cup 2003.

With the planet’s third biggest sporting event less than one year away, the sponsorship announcement was marked by the activation of a giant digital countdown clock

by Australian rugby greats John Eales and David Campese.

Qantas executive general manager sales and marketing, John Borghetti, said Qantas and British Airways were extremely proud to have been selected as the Rugby World Cup’s official airlines.

“After the Soccer World Cup and Summer Olympics, the Rugby World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world and certainly the biggest to be staged in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Games,” he said.

“Qantas is a major supporter of Australian sporting, community and cultural organizations, and our involvement with Rugby World Cup 2003 takes this support to another level. In fact, it will be our biggest sponsorship commitment ever.

Three years after the Sydney Olympics, we are looking forward to the challenge of bringing the world back to Australia,” he continued.

British Airways area general manager Asia Pacific Jenny Lourey said rugby is a truly international game that is close to the hearts of many people across the world. “It is therefore only appropriate that two of the world’s great airlines should join forces to fly approximately 1,000 players and officials and tens of thousands of rugby fans into Australia for the 48-game, six-week event,” she said.

Countdown clocks will be located in Qantas domestic terminals in cities which will host Rugby World Cup games to provide a constant reminder that this major international event, will be held October 2003, is rapidly approaching.

If you’re planning a visit, Qantas is part of the Oneworld alliance which codeshares with Alaska Airlines flying YVR to LAX and connecting direct to Australia.

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer

Airlines, Airports and Government Must Work together Last month, the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) released a position paper, which pointed out that special charges and taxes are having a negative impact on travel demand and undermining Canadian competitiveness.

From an airport perspective, we share a number of ATAC’s concerns. The aviation industry is going through some tough times, and there is much the federal government could do to provide some relief.

The rent that Ottawa charges to airports and the security fee it has imposed on travellers are two prime examples cited in the ATAC paper, and shared by the Canadian Airports Council and the Airport Authority.

In 2002, the total rent burden for airports across Canada will be an estimated $266 million. Last year, Vancouver paid nearly $68 million. (Between 1992 and 2001, Vancouver alone paid 44 per cent of all the rent collected by the federal government.) The federal government is conducting a review on the rent paid by Canada’s airport authorities, and we’re working with Transport Canada to assist in completing the review as soon as possible.

Another issue the federal government has committed to reviewing is the $24 security fee brought in on April 1, 2002. Is increased security needed at Canada’s airports?

Definitely. However, it’s not unrealistic to argue that the cost to implement enhanced security measures should be borne by all taxpayers, not just air travellers, because the threat of terrorism is to the state, not just one industry. The Canadian Airports Council, which I currently chair, has raised the issue of the security fee with Ottawa. The council advocates a fairer formula for the fee; if it is not paid for out of general tax revenues, then we believe the fee should at least be pro-rated based on the length of the flight. For example, a traveller flying Vancouver to Port Hardy would pay less than one flying Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta.

Where we differ from ATAC is with the assertion that airport charges are hurting the airlines’ business. Before I address that, some perspective is required.

In 1992, the federal government began transferring responsibility for airports to community-based, not-forprofit airport authorities. Vancouver International Airport

Authority’s directors are locally based and our management team is commercially focused, enabling us to respond quickly to passengers, customers, the surrounding communities and local issues. However, we receive no government funding and have no shareholders. Operating revenues are generated from two principal sources – aeronautical, such as landing and terminal fees, and non-aeronautical, such as concessions and parking.

Airlines are charged landing and terminal fees. In Vancouver, these fees don’t pay for the full cost of the services being provided to the airlines. Revenue from nonaeronautical sources helps subsidize those costs. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association, which represents about 280 airlines worldwide, airport fees represent less than five per cent of airlines’ total costs.

Excess revenue (from all sources, excluding the Airport Improvement Fee or AIF) over expenditures is reinvested in the airport. Over the past decade, for example, the Airport Authority has undertaken a number of projects to improve the infrastructure at YVR, notably the new runway and International Terminal Building, the upgrade to the Domestic Terminal Building, the Airport Connector Project, West Apron de-icing pads, upgrades to our baggage systems and many other projects. These projects benefit airport users, including air carriers, and have accommodated a 50 per cent growth in passengers over the past 10 years.

The ATAC paper also mentions airport improvement fees as contributing to the increasing cost of air travel. At Vancouver, the AIF is used strictly for funding the projects noted above, and represents only a small fraction of the overall costs to travellers. On a Vancouver-Toronto return fare, YVR’s AIF typically accounts for one-third of one per cent of the total cost of the ticket. Compare that with the GST, which costs the traveller 20 times more than the AIF. The bottom line is airlines, airports and government should continue working together on measures to ensure the future growth and success of our industry, and ease the burden on travellers

Your Airport Community Newspaper DECEMBER 2002 ISSUE • VOL. 10 • NO. 2 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 Aggie Stevens, John Korenic, Chris D’Silva Heather Madden-Johns, Ralph Eastman, Ali Hounsell, Kim Abrams, Erin Sills Contributing Writers: Arnold Klappe, Phil Melnychuk, Jim Jorgenson Creative / Production: James Martin Photography: Jim Jorgenson

VANCOUVER OFFICE: Suite 306 - 5400 Airport Road South Richmond, BC V7B 1B4 Tel (604) 736-6754 • Fax: (604) 736-6750 Email: jstewart@westerndriver.com Printed on Recycled Stock using vegetable based inks Please recycle this product.

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New Superliner from Carnival Cruise Lines

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

‘Conquest’ Sails From New Orleans

By Joan Stewart arlier this month, Carnival’s newest cruise ship, the 2,976-passenger Carnival Conquest, began yearround, seven-day Western Caribbean cruises. These cruises depart from the ship’s homeport of New Orleans every Sunday, sailing to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel.

The Conquest is a magnificent

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110,000-ton ship that is 207 feet high and three football fields in length. It boasts 1,498 staterooms, 22 bars and lounges, four restaurants, a 12,000square-foot health club, jogging track, Internet café, a “boulevard” of shops and boutiques and much, much more.

Veteran cruiser Harvey Lee of Interlining Plus, Vancouver’s industry travel company, recently cruised aboard Carnival’s new series of “fun

ships” and found he “never had to wait in line” and was “very pleasantly surprised at the choices of nightclubs, lounges and restaurants, all of which had plenty of seating, superb sound systems and friendly staff.”

Lee also noted that the staterooms were much larger than other ships he has cruised on, and the vessel’s new electric drive propulsion system made for an extraordinarily smooth, silent ride.

Lee flew to New Orleans a few days before cruising in order to enjoy the ambience of “The Big Easy”. His recommendations are to stay at the Hilton Riverside Hotel, which is adjacent to the cruise-ship terminal and one block away from the famed French Quarter.

Entertainment and fun abound in “The Quarter”, with fine restaurants such as K-Paul’s, the Commanders Palace and the Praline Connection, and nightclubs such as Preservation Hall and the House of Blues.

Lee also recommends taking one

of the many tours—city, swamp and bayou, plantation, riverboat cruises— offered by Gray Line New Orleans, which has been showcasing New Orleans to visitors since 1924.

Flying to New Orleans from Vancouver International Airport is easy, with many choices of flights from airlines such as Air Canada, America West, American, Continental, Northwest, and United.

The combination of the city of New Orleans and a cruise to the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Conquest makes for a great vacation.

Western Express Air Lines Cargo Network to 10 Cities

Best Express cargo agents unload a 3,250-pound capacity WestEx Metro freighter at Kamloops airport. The airport’s jet fighter landmark is in the background.

he addition of Kamloops and Kelowna, Western Express Air Lines (WestEx) ninth and tenth cargo airports, firmly positions the high-growth airline as the carrier to watch in Western Canada.

“Since launching our scheduled “By the Pound” all-cargo service in early 2001, our cargo product line has experienced exceptional growth — sometimes hitting monthly increases in excess of 20 percent,” said Michael Bell, president of WestEx. “Our team started with a single route connecting Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon Territory to our home base in Vancouver. Now that our cargo airline serves ten Western Canadian points on a daily basis, more and more couriers, forwarders and corporate customers are finding us a convenient one-stop-shop for most of their regional air cargo needs.”

Indeed, something is working well. With a fleet of 10 regional aircraft, none larger than a 10,000 pound capacity F-27 cargo freighter; WestEx now moves one of every 25air cargo pounds in or out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

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“WestEx, in a very short period of time, has become the quality regional air cargo link YVR requires if it is to take the next step towards become the premier cargo gateway between Asia, Europe and North America,” said Dave Frank, director of business development for WestEx. “Our network supports the Airport’s international freight, courier, and economic development strategies for the region.”

The airline gives full credit for its rapid expansion to the creativity and “can-do” attitude of its staff. Their efforts have made WestEx a full-service cargo airline handling single pound shipments, heavy oversized pieces, dangerous goods, perishables and live animals.

“Observers always seem to focus on the ‘big iron’ flights serving an airport,” observed David Oliver, CEO of WestEx. “However, a more insightful approach is to build air cargo networks from the bottom up—that means meeting the needs of Western Canada’s smaller communities first.

I’m proud of the work our team has done in this incredibly tough area.”

SEE WESTEX, PAGE 9

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VISITING AIRCRAFT

YVR PEOPLE

by Jim Jorgenson ince October 2002, Howie Parks has held two jobs on his broad shoulders—his former position as superintendent of airport operations and his new responsibilities as superintendent airport south, which he officially transferred to on Nov. 25, 2002.

A 20-year career with the RCMP, followed by a year off, then a return to work with Securiguard, followed by a move to the Vancouver Airport Authority as superintendent of airport operations makes him eminently qualified to manage the expanding operations at YVR’s airport south.

“My role as superintendent airport south is to manage the facility and co-ordinate the efforts of tenants and airlines

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towards a security screening transition, which will be easy for passengers and our customers,” said Parks.

Terminal South will see close to 300,000 passengers by year-end and Parks is currently working with tenants and airlines on expansion plans, which will accommodate a new extension to the existing terminal building and new security facilities. Details are expected to be announced early in the New Year.

When away from the airport, Parks is active in local sports as a V.P. hockey rep for South Delta. He and his wife Katie live in Tsawwassen with their two children.

Howie Parks, the Airport Authority’s superintendent airport south.

Baseball in the summer, hockey in the winter—Detroit Tigers/Red Wings MD-80 aircraft at Piedmont Hawthorne.

Photo: Jim Jorgenson

Winter Wonderland at City Hall he Airport Authority and the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel are once again co-sponsoring the City of Richmond’s Winter Wonderland celebration to boost local arts programs. As part of the festival, local businesses have decorated 30 Christmas trees that are on display at City Hall through December.

The Richmond Sunset Rotary Club presents Winter Wonderland, which includes a series of free community Christmas concerts at City Hall.

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Japan Air Force 747-400 taxiing in front of an Antonov-124 cargo aircraft on YVR’s West Apron. The 747 was one of two aircraft, which made a refueling stop at YVR recently. Onboard was Japan’s Prime Minster Junichiro Koizumi on his way home from the 10th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, held in Los Cabos, Mexico. The Antonov has been a frequent visitor to YVR in recent months.

Photo: Jim Jorgenson.

Decorating the YVR entry were the Airport Authority’s (left to right) Heather Jo McCarley-Tomlin, Gwen McFadyen and Lorraine Tufts.

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MONEY MATTERS A serious illness can just kill you financially. Think about it—first, there is the cost of private nursing, medical equipment, refitting your home, etc. Next, there is the cost of paying for treatment in Phoenix or Seattle if you can’t or won’t wait nine to12 months on our B.C. waiting lists for a specialist. And of course, there is the lost income if you’re off work for an extended period.

To protect yourself from the financial fallout from such an illness, you may wish to consider a new type of insurance that you’re going to be hearing about a lot in the years ahead.

This insurance is called “Critical Illness” and it pays a tax-free lump sum of $50,000 to $1,000,000 if you’re diagnosed with a range of illnesses that includes cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart attack, stroke, blindness, multiple sclerosis, and kidney failure.

Dan Richards, the financial industry “guru” says baby boomers are

When Serious Illness Strikes

already struggling to save for retirement, for their children’s education, and even to care for aging parents.

“With all these Peter Kutney, Equinox Financial priorities, it is doubtful they Group will have the resources to pay the bills in the event of a catastrophic illness. This is classic example of where insurance makes absolute sense,” he said in a recent interview.

Case study Consider the case of Thomas Grandley, of Surrey, B.C. Grandley had suffered from heart pains and shortness of breath for years, and last year was diagnosed with serious heart disease. His physician recommended a cardiologist and advised he would likely need surgery.

Grandley faced a three- to four-month

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wait just to see a cardiologist, and then an eight- to10-month wait for surgery. He didn’t think his weak heart would hold out that long, so he went to Phoenix for surgery. He is doing much better now, but the surgery cost him $60,000, a good portion of his savings.

Critical Illness insurance would have paid him a lump sum to cover that, with some extra to cover living expenses while he was off work.

There are no strings attached to the payment. The insurer will pay the

lump sum in the policy within 30 days of diagnosis of the illness, and the recipient can spend it in any way he or she chooses. There are no restrictions on how the funds are spent and in most instances the money is tax-free.

What is the cost?

For a healthy, 40-year-old male, critical illness insurance would cost about $50 per month for 10-year term policy where the premiums increase sharply each 10 years. Count on about $100 per month for a policy where the premiums are unchanged until age 75.

Obviously premiums increase if an applicant is older, has certain preexisting medical conditions themselves, or in their family history.

Disability gap In contrast, traditional disability insurance comes with many strings attached. Coverage under an employer’s group benefit plan usually requires a wait of four to six months before benefits begin. Also, the definition of disability changes after 24 months to “any occupation”—which SEE MONEY MATTERS, PAGE 9

Preferred Supplier Trade Show a Hit ancouver International Airport Authority’s inaugural preferred supplier trade show was a resounding success, with exhibitors and attendees suggesting it should be an annual event.

The show, designed to showcase

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the many preferred supplier relationships the Airport Authority has developed over recent years, was held last month in the East Concourse of the International Terminal Building. It provided an opportunity for these select suppliers to show other businesses and airlines on Sea Island why the Airport Authority values them for the goods and services they provide.

Over 20 suppliers participated, and all came away with a sense that this had been a day well spent. Potential business leads were generated from not only the visiting public, but also from within the trade show participants themselves. As one supplier remarked, “Meeting some of the Airport Authority’s other Preferred Suppliers opens up a whole new avenue for potential opportunities for YVR.” Many of the participating suppliers also took this occasion to demon-

strate the latest technology or tools they employ in their businesses.

Examples of this could be seen in the wireless incident reporting and tracking from Securiguard, a revolutionary new way to make coffee from Red Carpet, and the latest in electronic document management from IKON. “We’re pleased that so many of our preferred suppliers participated, and gratified with the number of people who attended the show,” said the Airport Authority’s Chris D’Silva, manager, corporate procurement services. “We were very encouraged by the involvement of everyone who took part. Special acknowledgement goes to Farrah Ataie from corporate procurement services for putting the show together. The show’s success probably means a repeat performance in the not–too-distant future.”

Stay tuned for details.

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D E C E M B E R

Westcoast Aviation History Featured At Art Exhibition O n Sunday, Dec 15, Aviation World in Richmond will present an aviation art exhibition and print signing featuring aviation paintings and prints by B.C. artist O.C. “Doby” Dobrostanski. All of the pieces that will be displayed have been completed by the artist during the past year and will include both commercial and military aircraft.

While some of the aircraft in the exhibition still fly today, others are not even to be found in the region’s

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Year-To-Date Passenger Traffic Sept 2002

museums. History books, model kits and aircraft encyclopedia have been the major sources for the subject matter with some of the sources from the artist’s own photo album.

For more information contact Aviation World (604) 718-7400, located at 105, 6080 Russ Baker Way, Richmond, or attend the exhibition on December 15 and meet the artist.

BCAC Auction Raises $50,000 Vancouver airport’s east concourse ITB provides a great location for the annual BCAC event.

Year-to-date to September 2002, total passenger volumes at YVR were down by 6.7 per cent over the same period last year, but a recovery trend is evident.

Domestic volumes were down by 7.9 per cent, while U.S. traffic is 6.8 per cent off last year’s performance. However, recent trends in the U.S. market are encouraging, with YVR benefiting from a strong

Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel’s food booth.

Alaska cruise season.

Overall, international passengers are down by 3.8 per cent yearto-date, but Asia-Pacific traffic is up by 2.2 per cent over last year. YVR turned in the best international passenger performance on the West Coast in September.

Cargo volumes have recovered to exceed last year’s levels by 2.6 per cent.

Money Matters, Continued from page 8

Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel food booth served up sushi and other delicacies.

Master of ceremonies, Scott Harrold general manager of Piedmont Hawthorne Vancouver.

Barry Scott of Maynards Auction House provided the fast-paced live-auction action.

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nization’s other activities.

Established in 1948, the BCAC is a non-profit society. Its primary aim is to stimulate and encourage the safe, orderly development of aviation and aviation services in B.C.

Photos: Jim Jorgenson

some statistics that show that one in three Canadians will suffer from a “life-altering” illness, and that the average age of a critical illness claimant is 41. Today’s medical technology is increasing survival rates for these serious illnesses, while reducing the mortality rate. If this happens to you, what will your quality of life be?

Peter Kutney is a Financial Planner with Equinox Financial Group in Burnaby. He can be reached at 604 438-1603 or at kutney@aebc.com.

WestEx, Continued from page 6

The addition of Kamloops Airport to Western Express’ network is particularly important, as it is the airlines’ first link between two YVR Airports.

“Kamloops Airport is operated by YVR Airport Services,” said Tariq Jamil, network manager for WestEx. “This made start-up support relatively headache free and is definitely a positive factor in our Business Development planning.”

Continuing its tradition of working with the very best local agents possible, WestEx is represented in the Greater Kamloops region by Best Express, and by Daley Express in the

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Kelowna-Okanagan region.

WestEx operates 10 aircraft in Western North America and is the largest all-cargo and air ambulance operator headquartered at YVR. Services include a wide range of scheduled and charter air cargo operations plus regional passenger charters. With an annual revenue increase of 37 per cent, WestEx is currently one of North America’s fastest growing airlines. The airline was founded in 1994 and currently serves 12 communities on a scheduled cargo or exclusive lease basis.

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ast month, more than 4oo guests attended the B.C. Aviation Council’s (BCAC) 10th annual Black Tie and Blue Jeans Auction, held in the east concourse of the International Terminal Building.

Guests enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvres, prepared by five local hotels, and sampled different wines and beers while bidding on hundreds of silent auction items.

Auctioneer Barry Scott of Maynards Auction House conducted the live auction, which included fishing trips, two Mini Coopers, airline tickets, cruises and motorcycles.

The event raised $50,000, which will be used for the BCAC’s scholarship program and to support the orga-

Ken Sharubsol (left), Air Canada manager customer service, presents the grand prize of two return tickets, Hospitality Class to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean / Bermuda to Mr. and Mrs. Robert McNish.

means a claimant, must be so sick that he/she is unable to perform any work at all (“any occupation”). Thus, many claimants on a group plan actually lose their monthly benefits after 24 months of illness. Additionally, most plans only pay 50-60 per cent of regular monthly income, leaving a huge gap between income and expenses for most families.

So what are the odds of you needing this?

Canada Life recently presented

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Bring in this coupon & get a free dinner entrée when a second entrée of equal or greater value is purchased. Up to $15.00.

Not valid on holidays—Expires January 31, 2003.

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D E C E M B E R

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Grant McDaniel New and Used Vehicle Sales and Leasing

AUTO TALK

(former YVR Air Canada employee)

HOTEL SWITCHES INTO HIGH GEAR or the ultimate driving adventure,Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Porsche North America, Inc. have created the “Tour de Fairmont”, a four-day package that allows guests to test drive a Porsche 2003 Boxster, 911 or Cayenne and unwind with worldclass pampering in luxury suites at two of Fairmont’s California properties — The Fairmont San Francisco and the newly reflagged Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The package includes: four nights accommodation in luxurious suites; use of a new 2003 Porsche Boxster, 911 or Cayenne throughout the four days; Porsche Selection welcome gift; a bottle of Moët & Chandon; two spa treatments; a ‘Box’ster picnic lunch for two; Porsche-recommended driving routes; one complimentary tank of gas; valet parking at the hotel; taxes and gratuities.

Cost for the four-day package: US$7,990. Now where is that American Express card?

F (604) 273-3766 Cell: (604) 868-5875 Tel:

At The Richmond RICHMOND Auto Mall

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A CAR WITH REFLEXES ercedes-Benz engineers have designed an innovative Pre-Safe system in the 2003 S-Class sedan, which is programmed to sense an imminent crash up to five seconds before the actual impact.

The development of Pre-Safe is based on the findings of MB’s accident researchers, who concluded about two-thirds of all accidents are preceded by skidding, emergency braking or a sudden evasive manoeuvre—all of which provide advance warning before impact.

The PreSafe system makes use of technology that reads these danger signals in advance and uses the remaining seconds to react and take some precautionary measures such as tensioning the seatbelts,moving the power seats to a vertical position if reclined, and automatically closing the sunroof if open. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again if necessary. Pre-Safe also reacts to oversteer, understeer, and emergency braking.

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FILL ‘ER UP… WITH COOKING OIL British environmental engineer at Staffordshire University has developed a way to convert unwanted cooking oil into a so-called “biodiesel” that would be much cleaner than regular diesel. Tarik Al-Shemmeri used discarded vegetable oil because when it is burned it does not give off sulfur dioxide, unlike conventional diesel.

Sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain and is a major world polluter. The biodiesel also finds a new use for the unwanted cooking oil produced by restaurants and hotels around the world. If not properly disposed off, it can pollute agriculture land and waterways.

One disadvantage: sitting behind a vehicle using this biodiesel may produce an overwhelming desire for French fries.

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pany, based at Vancouver Airport (southside). Our business is associated with aircraft chartering, scheduled flights to the Gulf Islands and servicing of other seaplanes.

CHESTNUT TREE COTTAGE

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 E-mail: pshaff@intergate.bc.ca Website www.bbcanada.com/2011.html

We are looking to expand our operations and are seeking a qualified professional to fill the position of General/Operations Manager.

Experience in the seaplane industry is required. A knowledge of the B.C. coast as a seaplane pilot and/or a background in travel sales would be considered an asset.

Fax résumé to 604-273-7351

Seair AVIATOR’S BED & BREAKFAST Closest B&B to Vancouver Airport. Free pick-up arranged. Rates: Single, $55.

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Avail. Nov. 1. $400/mth; $600 with room & board.

Dave 604 272-4395

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