SkyTalk March 2004

$1.4-Billion Capital Program Unveiled New Facilities Needed to Stay Competitive ancouver International Airport Authority (YVRAA) has unveiled a $1.4-billion capital program that will ensure Vancouver International Airport (YVR) meets the growing demands for air travel, and continues to develop as a premier global gateway and economic generator for British Columbia.

The plans include adding nine new international gates, renovations to domestic terminal gate areas, the Airport Spur portion of the

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$300 million has been committed to the RAV Line – Airport Spur.

Richmond-Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit Line, as well as upgrades to the parkade, roads, baggage systems, YVR’s runways and taxiways and

upgrades to security. The projects are designed to accommodate the 23 million passengers expected by 2013, and the newer, larger aircraft of the future.

“The Airport Authority has delivered on our 1992 commitment to build British Columbians a better airport. Now, it’s time to look to the future and build the facilities we need to maximize YVR’s gateway potenSEE CAPITAL PROGRAM, PAGE 2

YVR’s parallel North Runway is 3,030 metres long by 60 metres wide.

F R E E MARCH 2004 • Your Airport Community Newspaper – Vancouver International Airport

On-Board Check-in Earns Tourism Award V

America West’s New Nonstop Service Links Vancouver with L.A. merica West Airlines has announced new nonstop service between Vancouver and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

On June 11, the airline will begin a daily, roundtrip nonstop flight between Vancouver and LAX. “Los Angeles presents several compelling reasons for adding point-to-point service. These include that Los Angeles is home to one of our largest FlightFund membership bases; it’s a leading business market; and it’s in need of more lowfare competition,” said Dion Flannery, vice president, scheduling, route planning and Internet distribu-

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tion. “In addition, Los Angeles is one of America West’s largest markets for originating customers, and we have been serving customers in L.A. since America West first began operations in 1983.”

America West offers advance seat assignments, flexible ticketing policies and an award-winning frequent flyer program called FlightFund, which offers elite members a wide range of benefits such as priority check-in, early boarding, mileage bonuses and the opportunity for award travel to more than 300 destinations on five SEE AMERICA WEST, PAGE 3

ancouver International Airport Authority has won the B.C. tourism industry’s Technology in Tourism Award for its innovative onboard cruise ship check-in program.

In 2003, YVR became the first airport in North America to offer a Webbased on-board check-in application for U.S. residents and their baggage aboard selected Vancouver-Alaska cruise ships. The system reduced processing time for cruise ship passengers to 20 minutes from two hours, enhancing the visitor’s experience while reducing congestion at the airport. This successful program is being expanded for the 2004 cruise season.

“We’ve always taken a leading role in applying technology at YVR to improve customer service,” said Kevin Molloy, the Airport Authority’s vice president, information technology, who accepted the award at the annual B.C. Tourism Industry conference in Victoria last month. “A number of parties were involved in making this program a success in 2003, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Royal

Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and U.S. and Canadian government agencies.”

Molloy said the onboard check-in program will serve as a basis for expanding check-in processes to other off-airport sites in the future.

British The Columbia Tourism Awards are sponsored

by Tourism British Columbia and the Kevin Molloy, (left) Vancouver Airport Authority’s vice Council of Tourism president, information technology, accepts the Technology Associations of British in Tourism Award from Rod Harris, president Tourism British Columbia at the fifth Annual British Columbia Columbia. The awards Tourism Awards held last month. recognize innovation and excellence in the province’s ments and to provide the industry with examples of what can be accomtourism industry.

“The British Columbia Tourism plished through hard work and innoAwards winners establish bench- vation.”

In addition to the Technology in marks for excellence in our industry,” said Mike Duggan, Tourism British Tourism Award, seven other awards Columbia chair. “It is wonderful to SEE TOURISM AWARD, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 honour their dedication and achieve-

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M A R C H

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Capital Program,

Continued from page 1

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Link building project in the International Terminal will provide additional airline counters and baggage transfer area.

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Passengers consistently rate YVR as one of the top 10 airports in the world.

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An additional nine gates will bring the total gate capacity of the International Terminal to 32, with the ability to accommodate 12 combined U.S. and international passengers. tial,” said Larry Berg, president and CEO. “We must continue to develop and improve the airport to ensure we remain an economic leader and a source of pride for our province, and to make certain that YVR is poised to seize tomorrow’s opportunities.”

The major projects in the Airport

Authority’s capital program are expected to generate 5,200 person years of employment and $525-million in direct GDP. The projects include: • $420 million - International Terminal Expansion and Upgrades • $352 million - Information

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Technology and Sustaining Capital • $300 million - RAV Line (Airport Spur Portion) • $150 million - Domestic Terminal Upgrades • $65 million - Airfield Projects • $60 million - Baggage System Expansion and Upgrades • $55 million - Roads and Parking.

To fund the capital projects, the Airport Authority is continuing the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF), and will raise the amount charged to passengers travelling to destinations in North America from $10 to $15 effective Jan. 1, 2005. Passengers travelling within British Columbia will continue to pay $5, and the fee for passengers departing YVR for destinations outside North America will remain at $15.

Included in Ticket In response to requests from YVR’s customers and airlines, the AIF will be added to airline tickets for travel after June 1, 2004, and will not be collected in the terminal after that date. An amendment to an existing Memorandum of Agreement between airlines and other Canadian airports was recently ratified, allowing for YVR’s fee to be added to tickets.

“As a not-for-profit company, every penny earned goes right back into improving YVR. You can see exactly where your money has gone,

and we’ll continue to report back on where it is going,” Berg said.

“Adding the fee to the ticket can only help build on YVR’s reputation for excellent customer service, and we thank our airline and business partners for their cooperation in taking this important step.”

Passenger terminal charges are the established and accountable mechanism in Canada and around the world for funding airport infrastructure.

The table below lists airport improvement fees charged by Canada’s major airports, and indicates where the fee is collected on the ticket.

Airport Improvement Fees at Canadian Airports Airport

Departing Passengers

Collected on the Ticket

Calgary Edmonton Montreal Ottawa Toronto Vancouver

$12 $15 $15 $15 $12/$8 connecting $5 BC, $15 NA & International*

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes**

*Rates effective Jan. 1, 2005. **On-ticket collection for travel after June 1, 2004.

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America West,

Continued from page 1

continents.

America West Airlines is the second largest low-fare airline in the United States and the only carrier formed since deregulation to achieve

major airline status. The airline’s 13,000 employees serve nearly 55,000 customers a day in 93 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Flight details for the new service is as follows: Vancouver to Los Angeles FLIGHT DEPARTS ARRIVES START DATE 6474 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. June 12, 2004

Los Angeles to Vancouver FLIGHT DEPARTS ARRIVES START DATE 6475 7:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. June 11, 2004

Tourism Award, were presented: Campbell River’s Shannan Brown won the SuperHost® Customer Service Award; River; the Best Tourism Marketing Campaign Award went to the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance; the Outside of the Box Award was given to Nk’Mip Cellars of Osoyoos; the Tourism Media Award went to Jack Christie, travel writer; the Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award was given to Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education

Continued from page 1

Centre on Vancouver Island; the William Van Horne Visionary Award was presented to three individuals, Rick Lemon, vice-president of operations at Tourism British Columbia; Mike Harcourt, former Premier of British Columbia; and John Jennings, director of sales and marketing, Holiday Inn Downtown, for the creation of SuperHost®. The Tourism Industry Leader of the Year Award went to Jack Poole, chair of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Committee.

2003 Traffic Volumes at YVR

003 was a difficult year with factors such as the Iraq conflict, SARS, and domestic industry uncertainty all contributing to negative passenger growth. Overall passenger traffic was down 3.7 per cent to 14.32 million.

The market steadily recovered in the second half of the year with the last two months exhibiting overall positive growth.

Europe was the bright spot during the year, up 2.4 per cent over 2002.

Domestic was down 2.1 per cent, although it, too, showed strength during the latter two months.

Transborder was also off marginally (1.1 per cent), in part as a result of a temporary suspension of several Eastern U.S. services.

Asia Pacific was severely impact-

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ed by SARS, with passenger volumes down nearly 50 per cent in May. From that point the market steadily recovered, with a positive month-overmonth growth for December.

Cargo volumes declined 8.2 per cent to 215,800 tonnes. This was driven by cargo carried by passenger services, down 12.2 per cent, reflective of the impact of SARS and the reduction in widebody capacity most notably to and from Asia.

The integrator carriers, such as Fedex, UPS and Purolator, grew a healthy 5.8 per cent in 2003.

On a positive note, YVR continues to retain its position as the No. 2 International Gateway on the West Coast of North America, behind Los Angeles but ahead of San Francisco.

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer Gateway Advantage Important to Economic Future of B.C. VR has a strategic geographic advantage over our competitor airports down the West Coast of North America — we’re the closest airport to Asia. For any U.S. point east of the Rockies, it is shorter to travel to Asia via Vancouver than by San Francisco or Los Angeles. This advantage is important to British Columbia’s economic future.

Building a gateway airport — as opposed to an airport that relies only on origin and destination traffic — means we can attract more air service to more destinations than the local market alone can support. The connectivity provided by YVR attracts business to British Columbia. That business, in turn, means nearly 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and economic activity valued at close to $5.2 billion. Building the gateway means more jobs.

Amsterdam’s Schipol airport is an example of a successful gateway. Although Amsterdam’s population is only 738,000, Schipol serves more than 40 million passengers and has service from over 100 airlines.

YVR’s strategic location leads us to focus on Asia, where the future opportunities are enormous. In 2000, China’s gross domestic product was approximately US$1 trillion, while India’s was US$469 billion. In 35 years, it is estimated China’s GDP will exceed US$26 trillion and India’s will be over US$12 trillion. As GDP grows, so does air travel — in fact passenger traffic has grown at 2.5 times the rate of world GDP. Although travel between Canada and China for leisure purposes is restricted, we hope the Chinese government will lift these restrictions in 2005.

We want the growing pool of transpacific travellers to use Vancouver as their gateway to North America.

To capture this market, Canada’s international air policy needs to change. Today’s bilateral aviation agreements limit what routes can be flown, how they are

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flown, the frequency of service and, in some cases, even the type of aircraft that can be used. For example, Thai Airlines, Lan Chile or any of the French airlines cannot fly to Vancouver. Indeed, 60 per cent of Canada’s bilateral treaties don’t allow foreign airline access to Vancouver.

Little has happened in international air policy since 1995. However, momentum for change is building.

New voices have joined Canada’s airports and airlines in calling on the federal government to end artificial restrictions on international aviation. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has joined the Vancouver Board of Trade in calling for true open skies negotiations with the United States.

The U.S. chief aviation negotiator said that the United States was “ready, willing and able to sit down with Canada as soon as it’s ready and start negotiations…” The U.S. has even indicated a willingness to discuss cabotage — that is, allowing Canadian airlines to fly between U.S. cities, and U.S. carriers to do the same in this country. Canada’s new Transport Minister, Tony Valeri, has responded that he will consider talks to liberalize passenger and cargo service between the United States and Canada.

We must also focus on bilateral agreements with the European Union. The E.U. and the United States are already in negotiations for a transatlantic aviation agreement, and Canada should be at the table. As Don Carty, the former CEO of American Airlines, said: Canada doesn’t “want to be an afterthought when the U.S. does a deal with the E.U.” Aviation policy is about creating economic opportunities that benefit travellers, shippers, airlines and Canadian communities. An open and competitive international air policy will benefit everyone. We must not lose the opportunities that are now before us.

Your Airport Community Newspaper MARCH 2004 ISSUE • VOL. 11 • NO. 5 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:

Contributing Writers: Creative / Production: Photography:

Patrick Stewart Joan Stewart Ralph Eastman John Korenic, Heather Madden-Johns, Ralph Eastman,Ali Hounsell, Kim Abrams, Erin Sills Arnold Klappe, Phil Melnychuk, Jim Jorgenson James Martin 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.

www.yvr.ca/authority/news/skytalk

ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT PUBLICATIONS P.O. Agreement #1676261

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Transport Minister Announces Updated Standards for Flight Crew Training L ast month, Transport Minister Tony Valeri announced new aviation security training standards, designed to assist flight crews in managing on-board security threats, are now being implemented.

In the fall of 2003, Transport Canada updated security guidance material for flight crew member training. This confidential guidance mate-

rial has now been formally adopted. It describes new procedures and training requirements for flight crew members to deal with, among other things, hijackers, chemical/biological threats, and the presence of aircraft protective officers on board aircraft.

“Canada has one of the safest and most secure transportation systems in the world, but now is not the time for

complacency,” said Valeri. “This guidance material will provide flight crew members with increased capacity to manage on-board incidents and to follow best practices as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization.”

The guidance material was updated based on extensive consultations with aviation industry stakeholders,

many of whom have already begun implementation of the program.

The training for air flight crew will take place in three formats: • Instruction (i.e., instructor-led courses); • Practical learning activities (i.e., simulations); and • Formal evaluation process (i.e., oral or written examinations).

WestJet Receives Standing Ovation Award at BC Rehab Gala The Honourable Tony Valeri was appointed Minister of Transport on Dec. 12, 2003. He is a member of the following cabinet committees: Operations; Priorities and Planning; Domestic Affairs; Canada-U.S. Security, Public Health and Emergencies; and Expenditure Review.

n February 14, WestJet Airlines received the BC Rehab’s “Standing Ovation Award” at the second annual Valentine Red Ribbon Gala. The gala is a celebration to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Canadian companies for going the ‘extra mile’ for people living with physical disabilities.

Receiving one of the six awards presented, WestJet was recognized for

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excellence in the category of Transportation. The award was presented by chairman of the BC Rehab Board Al Wagner and vice-chair Dr. George Price.

“This is part of the reason that Vancouver is the most accessible city in Canada,” said Mr. Wagner. “They understand that accessibility is about more than wider washroom doors. All [award recipients] have gone beyond what is required.”

As WestJet employees Cliff Kusch and Martyn LaFleur went on stage to receive the award for WestJet, the crowd gave a standing ovation in

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appreciation The lead up to the award began when the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre contacted WestJet and proposed having their patients tour the WestJet operation at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

WestJet airports team leader, Cliff Kusch and customer service agent Martyn LaFleur, volunteered to put together a presentation and a tour that would outline WestJet’s equipment, processes and customer service stan-

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WestJet’s Cliff Kusch (left) and Martyn LaFleur (right) accept the Standing Ovation Award from a BC Rehab Foundation representative. dards for guests requiring assistance.

The tour demonstrated the process WestJet implements for travellers requiring assistance — starting at their arrival at the airport, check-in and boarding, to their disembarking at their final destination.

After much planning, the first GF Strong tour at WestJet took place on Oct. 16, 2003. A group of GF Strong guests came to YVR to see what WestJet had to offer. The Airport Authority arranged for security access for them to tour the airport, allowing them to go from check-in, through security, and then to the gate. They were also taken on board a WestJet aircraft and shown how the Boeing 737 is designed to assist in making travel convenient.

Kusch and LaFleur demonstrated WestJet’s various wheelchair types and features, and included a demonstration of the new Washington Chair.

They demonstrated a move from electric wheelchair to the Washington Chair using one of the GF Strong guests. They also shared information regarding WestJet’s new equipment and programs at their ground loading bases (apron loading).

The tour continued into the International Terminal where travelling abroad was discussed. This included the many barrier-free benefits of travelling through YVR.

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New Airport Screening Program for Restricted Access Areas L ast month, the Canadian government unveiled a new program to screen non-passengers who are authorized to enter restricted areas at Canada’s major airports.

Under the program, non-passengers — such as airline personnel, airport employees, regulars, flight crews, caterers, aircraft groomers, maintenance personnel and ground handlers — are subject to random screening when accessing restricted areas at major airports. The screening will take place at the entrances to restricted areas. Personnel will not be forewarned. Random screening of personnel working in restricted areas may also take place under the program.

The new screening program will

be implemented at major airports across Canada in the coming weeks and months, resulting in coverage of airports handling 92 per cent of Canada’s air passenger travel by the end of the year.

In making the announcement, Transport Minister Tony Valeri said: “While Canada already has one of the safest and most secure transportation systems in the world, we are committed to making ongoing improvements to the security of our transportation system and will continue to work with our partners to identify and implement security enhancements.”

The new screening program will be implemented and run by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which has

responsibility for key aviation security services including passenger and baggage screening.

“This new screening program for non-passengers represents an important addition to our mandate, and will contribute to making security at Canada’s airports even tighter,” said CATSA president and chief executive officer Jacques Duchesneau.

A communications program is being developed for YVR by the Airport Authority and CATSA to provide details to employees on the new screening program’s implementation.

Since 1986, potential employees applying for jobs located within restricted areas at Canada’s airports have undergone a rigorous program of

background checks by Transport Canada to determine whether they pose a threat to aviation security. As a condition of employment, the suitability of each applicant is verified

with the RCMP and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) before issuing security clearances for employees who work in restricted areas.

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Couples say ‘I Do’ to Adventure Travel ore and more newlyweds are ignoring traditional honeymoons and saying “I do” to cycling, camping and walking tours, according to global travel retailer Flight Centre North America.

Honeymoon bookings made through Flight Centre stores have revealed a shift in newlywed travel patterns in the past six months, with many couples opting for an adventure holiday to consummate their marriage.

The relaxing, away-from-it-all break is no longer at the nexus of honeymoon travel with more couples choosing fitness-oriented expeditions, according to the global discount travel retailer.

Carol McLelan, Flight Centre North America’s vice president of marketing, said Cuba, Mexico and

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Smithers Regional Airport

Smithers Regional Airport is situated in the Bulkley Valley of northern British Columbia along Yellowhead Highway 16, approximately half way between the cities of Prince Rupert and Prince George.

Smithers is a member municipality of the Bulkley Nechako Regional District.

The Smithers Regional Airport serves nearby communities of Telkwa, Houston, Hazeltons, Kispiox Valley, Stewart, Granisle, Moricetown, Burns Lake and rural areas in between. The Airport has a catchment area of 45,000 people and is considered to be a regional service centre for the entire Bulkley Valley and offers a great variety of amenities.

The airport is serviced by Hawkair and Air Canada who offer flights to Vancouver daily. Central Mountain Air offers flights to Terrace, Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops and Abbotsford and Northern Thunderbird offers flights to Terrace and Dease Lake.

There are also two helicopters companies, a tanker base for the B.C. Fire Service, a drilling, a construction, and a mining company on the airport premises.

For leasing information call 250-847-3664 during office hours.

Work, Sleep and Fly ork hard and get a good night’s rest. There are no excuses for not sticking with this time-honoured formulae for business success, even while winging your way around the corporate world.

Corporate Traveller’s North American president Greg Dixon, said a new trend was developing among frequent long-haul business travellers to split their journeys into “working” and “sleeping” legs. With at least four major carriers upgrading their business class product, corporate travellers are relying on professional consultants more than ever to ensure that they are getting value for money and a flight schedule that suits their needs.

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TRAVEL TALK Vietnam have emerged as the new honeymoon hotspots with Russia, Eastern Europe and South America also enjoying increased popularity.

Trekking was the most popular activity whether hiking the Machu Picchu trail in Machu Picchu — a fortress city of the ancient Incas in a high saddle between two peaks, circa 50 miles (80 Peru or walking km) NW of Cuzco, Peru. The extraordinary prearound Prague’s Old Columbian ruin, five square miles (18 sq. km) of terTown. raced stonework is linked by 3,000 steps.

“People are obviously looking for a “Couples are tailoring their holidays new travel experience — they want to to visit a new country, take in the do more than sit by the beach or pool scenery and build their fitness along on their honeymoons,” said McLelan. the way.”

The bar has certainly been raised for business class products and business travellers are becoming more astute about what they want. Besides comfort, the issues of schedules and access to data ports and phones in flight will always be crucial considerations for corporate travellers.

“For short hauls, the main consideration is that you can actually work while in the air, but when it comes to a longer flight, the issues of comfort, privacy and relaxation come into play,’’ said Dixon. “Business travellers are breaking their journeys up – working in business class and sleeping for the second leg.’’

“It is vital to be able to travel well in order to be able to perform on arrival,’’ said Dixon.

Travel Tips

Be Prepared: Always verify the travel and identify documents you will need for your destination with a travel professional. Take only necessary financial and identity documents.

Protect Your Identity: Make two photocopies of all travel and identity documents. This will facilitate replacement if they should be lost or stolen. Take one set of copies with you and leave one in a secure location at home. Safely destroy the copies when you return.

Get it in Writing: Obtain printed copies of all reservation confirmations, including lodging and transportation. Make certain they include all the details you anticipate, itemized on the confirmations.

Take Precautions: Always consider purchasing both travel cancellation and out-of-province health insurance. Ask your registered travel agent for details.

Avoid Rip-Offs: If travelling by car, have your car tuned up before you leave, and make sure you get a written estimate for any repairs before you authorize the work to be done.

Read the Fine Print: Check the details of car rental agreements before you sign a contract.

Timeshare Beware: Look out for timeshare offers — if the deal is “good today only” walk away.

Emergency Know-How: Find and keep on hand the telephone numbers for police, medical attention and embassies or consulates in your travel location.

Vacationing at Home: Check out BC Tourism at www.tourism.bc.ca for great ideas on stay-at-home vacations.

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West Vancouver Museum Takes Flight with Avro Arrow Exhibition ast month, a travelling exhibition show “Avro Arrow: A Dream Denied” opened at the West Vancouver Museum and Archives.

The exhibition, which chronicles the saga of Canada’s aviation marvel from its genesis to cancellation, will run until June 12, 2004.

The Avro Arrow, a revolutionary jet interceptor that was scrapped by the Canadian government in 1959, was viewed as Canada’s best chance to be at the forefront of the international aerospace industry during the 1950s.

An important aspect of the exhibition is the stories from the factory workers and citizens of Parry Sound, ON, where the jet was manufactured and eventually scrapped. Their personal connection resonates through the exhibition and adds a sense of humanity to a project that was seen as politically driven, leading to its cancellation.

“The Avro Arrow has been described as the ultimate ‘might have

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Sleek, elegant and the stuff of legend, the Avro arrow, designed and built by the A.V. Roe Aircraft company of Canada, was a plane of firsts — fly by wire, computer control, integral missile system and capable of MACH 2+. Photo: courtesy National Aviation Museum of Canada. been’ project for Canada during the 1950s,” said museum curator, Darrin Martens. “We are pleased to bring this important aspect of Canadian history to West Vancouver.”

The gallery, located at 680 17th

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Street, West Vancouver, is open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

For detailed program information, call Kiriko Watanabe at 604-9257295.

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Jetsgo expands schedule to Western Canada Greater year-round frequency etsgo has announced it is increasing flights to Western Canada, with an improvement in yearround service and the addition of summer destinations for 2004.

Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg will have extra year-round service to Toronto beginning May 3. Each of these cities will increase to three daily, non-stop flights from two.

Additionally, direct weekday Toronto-Winnipeg-Vancouver service, and six-day-a-week Toronto-

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Winnipeg-Edmonton flights will operate through the summer.

“This improvement in destinations and frequency gives our passengers travelling to and from Western Canada more choices at low fares,” said Michel Leblanc, president of Jetsgo.

“We’ve also been able to provide interconnectivity in the West for the first time with our Winnipeg-Vancouver and Winnipeg-Edmonton flights.”

Jetsgo’s summer schedule runs through the Labour Day weekend for

most destinations.

For full schedule and booking information, log on to jetsgo.net, phone the call centre at 1-866-440-

0441 or contact a travel agent.

All registered jetsgo.net users are eligible for Jetsmiles, Jetsgo’s frequent flier program.

Building the YVR Gateway DELIVERED: NORTH RUNWAY

DELIVERED: INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL BUILDING

DELIVERED: PARKADE

As a community-based, not-for-profit company, Vancouver International Airport Authority is committed to building a better airport for British Columbians.

Nearly $1 billion has been invested in YVR over the past decade. The airport has undergone dramatic growth and transformation into a powerful economic generator, and a showcase for British Columbia at home and abroad.

The job is not finished. Over the next 10 years we’re investing another $1.4 billion to ensure YVR meets the growing demands for air travel.

We’re planning nine new gates for the International Terminal, upgrades to our baggage and information technology systems, the airport portion of the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit line, additional check-in counters and much more. As always, you’ll see the progress of these projects when visiting YVR. Funding for YVR’s improvements is made possible in part through the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF), all of which goes towards building a better airport.

AIF Becomes Part of Your Ticket on June 1, 2004 Starting June 1, 2004, the AIF will be included on your airline ticket. Passengers will no longer have to purchase the AIF separately. This means that if you’re booking a flight now for travel after June 1, the AIF will be on your ticket.

FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS | $1.4 BILLION

Only Two AIF Zones Starting January 1, 2005 From January 1, 2005, there will be just two AIF zones: travel within BC and travel outside of BC. The AIF for travel within BC will remain $5, all other travel will be $15. These changes take effect January 1, 2005.

NINE-GATE EXPANSION INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL BUILDING

EXPANDED CHECK-IN INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL BUILDING

RAV RAPID TRANSIT LINE AIRPORT SPUR

For more information about YVR, visit www.yvr.ca Community Based, Connected to the World

M A R C H

Qantas Skybed Awarded Prestigious Design Award T he new Qantas international Business Class seat, Skybed, has won a Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international design awards.

Skybed was designed by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson, one of the world’s most accomplished and influential selftaught architects and designers. His Skybed design was developed by USA-based manufacturer BE Aerospace in association with Qantas engineering.

The executive general manager of Qantas Airlines, John Borghetti, said he was delighted Skybed had received the international acknowledgment.

“Skybed is nothing like the traditional airline seat. It has a sleek, contemporary design and offers a range of innovative features that provide comfort, privacy and flexibility for customers,” Borghetti said.

Skybed is six feet, 6.5 inches (199.4 cm) long and 23.5 inches (60

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Skyhigh Cocooning

introduced on the entire 747-400 fleet. It will also be installed on the airline’s new A330-300 aircraft to be delivered later this year.

The Good Design program was founded in Chicago in 1950 with the participation of some of America’s most important designers.

Qantas Airlines’ award-winning reclining Skybed is currently available in business class on its Asian and European routes. It is being progressively introduced on the airline’s entire 747-700 fleet and will also be installed on Qantas’s new A330-300 aircraft to be delivered later this year. cm) wide when fully reclined to eight degrees. Its features include: a fixed cocoon-style seat surround to provide maximum privacy; a privacy screen between seats; extensive seat adjustment controls to ensure maximum comfort in any position, with additional seat controls inside the cocoon surround; cushioned lumbar support; a back massage feature; a large 10.4-

inch (26.4 cm) screen with multichannel entertainment; a PC power outlet that allows laptops to be plugged straight in without the need for adaptor cables; clever storage options including a shoe cupboard and glove box for spectacles and travel documents; and, a water bottle holder.

Skybed is being progressively

WestEx’s New Scheduled Passenger Service Ahead of Budget fter less than three months in operation, Western Express Air Lines (WestEx) first scheduled passenger service to Tofino/Ucluelet continues to push ahead with its growth plans.

“Support from the tourism and business community is exceptional,” said Michael Bell, president of WestEx. “Despite this being the slow season, our service is already ahead of budget. As we develop more relationships, travel packages and value-added services, our team will be able to contribute even more to the community.”

“Tofino/Ucluelet passenger service is an exciting project,” stated Julie Foster, head of customer service for WestEx. “At Christmas, Santa

A

flew on our 16-passenger Metro pressurized aircraft to support the food bank, a special program has been developed for those crazy winter storm surfboarders, our company is supporting the Whale Festival in March, and the Vancouver Ravens [Lacrosse Club] chose us as their official charter airline –- to name just a few projects.”

“I am extremely pleased with the positive response our online booking system, travel agent program and 24hour-a-day customer service line is receiving,” said Dave Frank, director of business development for WestEx. “We will continue to work with our customers to build the best little

scheduled route in the business.”

Scheduled Vancouver-Tofino/ Ucluelet WestEx service is $136 oneway, including all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Both Ucluelet and Tofino are experiencing a wave of investment in resort hotel projects, condominiumstyle suites, retail, and single-family developments, as more people are discovering these rugged Vancouver Island communities.

Now in its 20th year, WestEx provides regional passenger charters, operates scheduled air cargo service into seven communities and is the turboprop and jet operator for the British Columbia Air Ambulance Service.’

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SOUTH SIDE • Approx. 3,000-sq.-ft. on

(near Seaplane Base)

2nd Floor

• Available Space is Open • • • •

Floor Plan Has Own Entrance Easy Access Ample Free Parking Optional Airside Space with Aircraft Parking

Contact Peter (604) 273-8900 • 4440 Stark St., Richmond, B.C.

Let me do your search...

While You Fly!

Are constant travelling and irregular shift work overwhelming your real estate move? I can help! If you are searching for a home, I can supply all the information that you need to make the decisions that suit your life, via e-mail or fax – all the information that you will need, at your fingertips.

You can buy or sell without all the inconveniences of having to be there!

While you are concentrating on your career, I concentrate on your move!

Wondering if your home has increased in price since you purchased? Call and receive a free comparative market analysis at no cost to you.

Expectations Exceeded – Guaranteed!

Sutton Group Group-Seafair Realty #550-9100 Blundell Road Richmond,BC Cell: 604-961-3907 Bus: 604-273-3155 E-mail:slanser@sutton.com

Sharon Lanser

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M A R C H

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UpcomingEvents Health & Travel Tips Fair March 12 Venue: Level 3 of the ITB, in front of the Haida Gwaii Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

YVR’s Health Care Service will be hosting a Health & Travel Tips Fair to provide health and travel information to airport visitors and employees.

Visitors will receive free blood pressure testing, massages, product samples and valuable health information.

There will also be lots of draw prizes.

Air Fair 2004 (2nd annual) March 12 Venue: Best Western Richmond Inn Conference Centre, 7551 Westminster Hwy., Richmond

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Doors at 5:00 p.m.)

For those who have recently entered or wish to enter the aviation and airline industry. Meet those who have climbed the career ladder and are employed by the companies for which you’d like to work. Presentations by: Kevin Hollands, chief pilot – line operations, WestJet Airlines; Rick Zimmerman, supervisor – flight operations, Air Canada Jazz; Pat Kennedy, chief operating officer, Pacific Flying Club.

Tickets: Tickets available through Ticketmaster, Call 604-280-4444, visit www.ticketmasater.ca or purchase from any Ticketmaster location.

Price: $25.00 (incl. GST, Ticket agency fee in effect).

2004 Vancouver Aviation Collectibles Show Saturday April 10 Venue: Vancouver Airport Conference Resort, Grand Pacific Ballroom, 10251 St. Edwards Drive, Richmond Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Booths full of aviation collectibles — civil and military. Aviation posters, die-cast, plastic and custom models, post cards, mugs, aircraft photos, slides, safety cards, badges, patches, magnets, stickers, books, magazines, pilot wings, pens, key chains, playing cards, aviation art, aviation clothing, plus many more aviation collectibles.

Entrance Fee: $5.00 per person (children under 12 years, free).

Lend Me a Tenor April 15-May 1 Venue: Gateway Theatre Mainstage, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond Dean Paul Gibson directs production of this seven-time Tony Award nomi-

Gateway Theatre is Richmond’s only live, professional theatre featuring Canadian artists, educational programs, and community concerts. Photo: Andree Lanthier. nee. The plot: The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has engaged the world-famous tenor Tito Merelli (Alex Ferguson) to headline its gala season-opener, an event designed to solve the company’s financial troubles. For Merelli, this will be no ordinary concert stop. Before he leaves town, he’ll be drugged, arrested, impersonated, abandoned by his jealous wife (Beatrice Seilinger) and seduced by two women and a bellhop.

Entrance Fee: Single Tickets range from $26 - $32 through the Gateway Theatre Box office: (604) 270-1812 or on-line at gatewaytheatre.com

BC Aviation Council Black Tie & Blue Jeans Auction Friday April 23 Venue: BCIT Hangar, 5301 Airport Road South, Richmond (near South Terminal) Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Hors d’Oeuvres, refreshments, and hundreds of live and silent auction items such as airline tickets, fishing trips, Chevy Aveo 5, Harley Davidson, Chevy Silverado. Live auction bidding at www.bcaviation.org Free parking, compliments of BCIT Entrance Fee: $20 per person; Reserved Tables of 10 are $200. Call (604) 2789330 for advance tickets.

VISIT YVR’S WEBSITE AT

WWW.YVR.CA

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Base Rates $8.00 per sq. ft. per annum 5400 Airport Road South

■ If you are looking for well-appointed office space at budget prices, call us today.

■ Office space available from 300 sq. ft. to 1,800 sq. ft. to suit your requirements.

■ Shop and Storage area also available from 500 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft., strategically situated airside at YVR’s southside, 5400 Airport Road South, Richmond.

Contact: Wayne Duzita: wayne@iat-yvr.com Tina Caven: tina@iat-yvr.com Tel: (604) 273-4611; Fax: (604) 273-5624

Air Fair2004 Join us for professional and social networking Plus informational presentations and aviation industry updates.

When: Time: Where:

Friday, March 12, 2004 17:30 (Doors at 17:00) Richmond Inn, Conference Centre 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Here’s your opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere with Chief Pilots and other senior management from these and other organizations: Air Canada Jazz Pacific Coastal Central Mountain Air RCMP Harbour Air

Learn more through a panel discussion featuring the following speakers: Pat Kennedy

Suite 2000 – 5000 Miller Road, Richmond, BC Canada V7B 1K6 VANCOUVER•CALGARY•EDMONTON•SASKATO ON•WI N N I PEG•L AS VEGAS•R ENO

WestJet Hawkair Helijet Canadian Forces Pilot Recruiting CHC Helicopter Corp.

Rick Zimmerman Kevin Hollands

Operations Manager, Pacific Flying Club.

Supervisor, Flight Operations, Air Canada Jazz.

Chief Pilot, Line Operations,WestJet.

Who should attend: • Aspiring pilots wanting more information on flying as a career.

• Career pilots ready to move to the next level.

• Licensed pilots looking for new career opportunities.

Tickets available through the Ticketmaster charge-by-phone center (604.280.4444), at all Ticketmaster centres and online at www.ticketmaster.ca Advance tickets:

$

25*

For more information contact Tom Zeiser, Pegasus Presentations, tzeiser@shaw.ca www.pegasuspresentations.com *Ticket Agency fee in effect.

M A R C H

$500 Bursary Award Up For Grabs ach year, the Quarter Century in Aviation Club awards a bursary of $500 to a deserving student enrolled at an accredited institute, college or university in the Province of British Columbia who is pursuing a career as an aviation professional.

The bursary is available to a full time student who has: 1 Completed 50% or more of the course.

2 Has a high academic standing.

3 Has the recommendation of the head of the department.

To apply for the bursary, applicants are required to submit evidence of attendance and scholastic standing,

along with a descriptive essay outlining their curriculum vitae, aviation history and career goals including, but not limited to, such items as, where they see themselves in five to 10 years, involvement in aviation related activities, and how this bursary will help them to attain their goals.

Applications should be sent to The Secretary, Quarter Century in Aviation Club, 4958 3rd Avenue, Delta B.C., V4M 4C1 Applications must be received before March 31.

The Award will be announced at the Annual General meeting of the Club on the third Tuesday of April.

ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT

SERVICES

2-BDRM CONDO FOR RENT

For cleaner skin and healthier life…

E

10 mins. from airport in desirable Richmond location. Clean & secure building. 5 appliances, 2 parking spaces. $1,400/mth.

Prefer mature/non-smokers.

(604) 270-7580

RECREATION PROP FOR SALE CABIN FOR SALE MOVE IT TO YOUR PROPERTY

Buy this beautifully crafted portable cabin for your recreational property. Cabin is currently located on the sunshine coast as part of a cabin village rental resort.Owner will transport to buyers property anywhere in B.C. Built to a high standard by a reputable Vancouver company it has strong laminated arched ribbed interior with pine finish. The exterior is cedar with a maintenance free aluminium shake roof. Includes wood stove and all fixtures plumbing, electrical and furniture.Just connect the utilities and move in. Lease expiry. Must sell. Price Reduced $35,900 plus transportation costs.

604-644-9067.

Hot Spring Day Spa

RELAXING BODY MASSAGE SPECIAL 35 Minutes - $25.00 45 Minutes - $35.00 60 Minutes - $50.00 (you’ll enjoy it!)

Non-sexual Waxing from $5.00 and up Deep pore cleaning facial - $29.95 60 mins.

Relaxing Facial $29.00/60 mins.

(Gift Certificates Available)

Tel. 604.261.4878 Open 7 days a week: 10 AM – 8 PM

8554 Granville St. – 2 min from airport Between W. 69th & 70th Ave. Park in front or at the back

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• CONSUMER • COMMERCIAL •

CLASSIFIED 49,000 READERS EVERY MONTH • $17.50 per col inch

Tel: 604 736-6754 • Fax: 604 736-6750 • E-mail: pstewart@westerndriver.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Wanted Operations Coordinator Full-time position available for Operations Coordinator.

Involves sales, managerial and flight dispatching duties.

Individual must be well-organized, motivated, and have good communication skills. Able to work weekends.

Knowledge of the B.C. Coast an asset.

Contact Christy at: (604) 273-8900 Seair Seaplanes, 4640 Inglis Drive, Richmond, BC

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ON-CALL COURIERS NEEDED

Purolator Courier, Canada’s number one courier company, is looking for Casual, On-Call Drivers for vacation relief.

Qualified candidates must have a professional appearance, minimum of two years customer service experience, an excellent knowledge of the Lower Mainland, be bondable, physically fit to lift 70 lbs., and have no more than three points on a valid BC Driver’s license.

Candidates must be available Mon.-Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM, Burnaby location.

Wages start at $11.71 per hour.

Interested applicants should fax résumé and Driver’s Abstract to: Purolator Courier 3700 Jericho Road, Richmond, BC V7B 1M5 Attention: Human Resources FAX: (604) 273-5176

Grant McDaniel (former YVR Air Canada employee)

New and Used Vehicle Sales and Leasing

ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT

AFFORDABLE LUXURY AT ITS BEST and Minutes to Airport!!!

Oceanside Steveston! Century Royale Apts: 604-277-7368 (604) 273-3766 Cell: (604) 868-5875 Tel:

At The Richmond RICHMOND Auto Mall

Minutes to Ocean and Steveston Village! Beautiful 7 acres of Park-Like Setting!

f no o i ct ele atrix S M ge Hu 004 rolla 2 o &C

Carlton Park Gardens: 604-277-7271 Huge and completely renovated studios, 1, 1+Den, 2 BDRM and Elegant oversized 3 BDRMS, both properties are minutes to Shopping, Bus, Parks, Ocean, Dining & Entertainment! Include gym, pool, sauna, recreation center and Free Satellite TV. Going Fast! Call Today!