2005-02_skytalk

F R E E YOUR AIRPORT AND SEA ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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FEBRUARY 2005

Airbus Reveals World’s Biggest Airliner ast month, Airbus unveiled the world’s first double-deck passenger aircraft, the A380, during a spectacular ceremony attended by leaders of four countries, industry executives and thousands of invited onlookers.

A stunning sound-and-light show, featuring fireworks and illuminated fountains, reached its climax at the unveiling of the A380 at the Jean-Luc Lagardère final assembly line in Toulouse.

L The A380’s modern technology and economies of scale provide 15-20 per cent lower seat-mile costs and 10 per cent more range than today’s largest aircraft.

The story of how the A380 became a reality was told by a variety of people including the leaders of France, Germany, Spain and Britain. Politicians such as Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac spoke about the significance of the new aircraft, while images of Airbus aircraft flew across a sky backdrop and around the auditorium.

The 555-seat A380 has a range of up to 15,000 kilometres allowing it to

CanJet Headed For YVR ulie N. Gossen, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Halifaxbased CanJet Airlines, has announced that the airline will provide coast-to-coast service in Canada later this year, with the introduction of Vancouver and Calgary destinations.

The airline, a division of IMP Group Ltd. of Halifax, currently offers scheduled service to 16 markets in Eastern and Central Canada

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and the United States.

“We will introduce service between Toronto and Calgary on Monday, May 16, and between Toronto and Vancouver on Monday, June 27, and we are pleased to welcome these two great cities to the CanJet route network,” said Gossen.

Last August, CanJet announced that it was expanding its fleet, adding four new Boeing 737-500s by this summer.

“With a full fleet of nine Boeing 737-500

series aircraft this coming summer, route development and customer satisfaction will continue to be priorities for our airline,” said Gossen.

According to Doug Newson, the airline’s director of marketing and sales, CanJet fares will be competitive, with Vancouver-Toronto starting at $179.

CanJet’s new flights to Vancouver and Calgary are now available for sale. Customers can book on-line at www.canjet.com, through a travel agent, or by calling 1-800-809-7777.

fly non-stop between Europe and Asia, while the three-deck long-range freighter version, the A380F, will be able to carry up to 152 tonnes of cargo over distances of up to 10,400 kilometres.

Incorporating the most advanced technologies available in this decade, it will be the most fuel efficient and enviSEE AIRBUS A380, PAGE 2

Cathay Pacific Opens Premium Vancouver Airport Lounge

Qantas Airways Helps Travellers Burn Off Winter Blues Down Under hat better way to escape the winter cold than by visiting Australia for a summer getaway? Qantas Airways has made this dream attainable by reducing their Aussie AirPass fares by 37 per cent for the month of February.

The Aussie AirPass includes a round-trip economy class flight from Canada to Australia and three qualifying domestic stops in the Land Down Under for a limited amount of time. The reduced fare AirPass is valid for travel from February 1 - 28, 2005 and prices start at $1,399.

“North American travellers have easy access to Australia with the Qantas Aussie

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AirPass,” said Howard Goldberg, vice president of marketing and leisure sales for Qantas Airways North America. “With this speciallypriced February fare, travellers can visit their favorite Australian destinations at an exceptionally great value during the best season.”

Your escape from the cold will be made in luxury as Qantas Airways flights offer travellers complimentary meals, bar service, and personal seatback TV screens in economy class.

Qantas Airways flights from Vancouver codeshare with Alaska Airlines.

For complete details and other departure dates and fares for the Qantas Aussie AirPass, contact Qantas at 1-800-2274609. Full details are also available at www.QantasCanada.com. Tour packages using the new Qantas Aussie AirPass are available by visiting www.australia.com.

The seven-metre “Long Table,” is an iconic feature of Cathay Pacific’s premium lounges. anoramic runway and mountain views are just some of the amenities awaiting guests at Cathay Pacific’s newly opened first and business class lounge at YVR. Vancouver is the first city in North America to experience the airline’s award-winning redesign. At 500 square metres, and with an investment of more than $1 million, it is twice the size of the airline’s previous lounge.

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Offering about a third more seating and more available floor space than its closest competitor, the A380 will deliver an unparalleled level of comfort, with wider seats and aisles, open spaces for passengers to stretch their legs and access to lower-deck amenities. ronmentally friendly airliner ever built, while offering unparallelled passenger comfort and cargo-carrying capability.

Singapore Airlines will be the first airline in the world to accept the A380 for commercial service and has already launched a ‘first to fly A380’ logo.

“We feel privileged in having been one of the airlines that enabled the commercial launch of the A380 programme when we placed orders for 10 aircraft,” said Singapore Airlines’

Cathay Pacific,

chief executive Chew Choon Seng at the unveiling event. “The A380 will enable us to increase our capacity at the world’s busiest airports where it is difficult to obtain extra slots. For this reason alone, the A380 is vital to our future development.”

First passenger operations are scheduled to begin in 2006 when the A380 is due to enter service.

The freighter version, the A380F, is expected to begin operations in 2008.

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flag carrier in Vancouver, we believe our passengers will truly appreciate the new lounge for its unique quality and elegance with ultimate levels of comfort,” said Philippe Lacamp, vice president Canada, Cathay Pacific Airways. “This major investment in the Vancouver lounge is a reflection of the importance of this market to Cathay Pacific, and illustrates the kind of product that sets the airline apart from its competitors.”

Based on the design concepts of U.K. architect John Pawson, the new Vancouver lounge includes premium marble-and-wood finishes and Cathay Pacific’s signature seven-metre “Long Table”. Softly illuminated rice paperlined glass “landscaped” walls provide a hint of natural Asian elegance, while a wide variety of Western and Asian dishes, including dim sum and

sushi, demonstrates the airline’s commitment to offer the finest cuisine to its passengers.

A unique feature of the new Vancouver lounge is the spectacular view from a panoramic window running the entire length of the lounge, which looks directly onto the Cathay Pacific aircraft readying for departure, the airport runway and beyond to the coastal mountains and Gulf Islands.

The lounge also offers passengers seven “Personal Living Spaces”, private and comfortable areas with full broadband access, equipped with ample laptop connections for broadband, modem and wireless Internet access. There are areas to read, relax, drink, dine and enjoy a great range of cable and digital channels on 42” plasma screens.

F E B R U A R Y

Air Traffic Rebounds In 2004 IATA Reports Cost Efficiency The Challenge For 2005 growth in all regions, with the Middle East carriers reporting the highest growth at 26.8 per cent.

Going forward, IATA forecasts average overall growth to be six per cent annually, which is in line with historical growth trends.

Although air traffic recovery was phenomenal in 2004, the price of fuel remains a critical factor for airline profitability. IATA forecasts profits will reach US$1.2 billion in 2005, based on an average price of US$34 for crude oil.

Overall, the industry ended 2004 with an estimated loss of US$4.8 billion.

t a meeting of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) in Holland last month, Giovanni Bisignani, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported air traffic recovery in 2004 was phenomenal.

All regions reported double-digit year-on-year passenger growth, with the Middle East leading the way at 24.8 per cent and Asia Pacific following closely behind with 20.5 per cent.

The recovery from SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) contributed to an estimated five per cent of the global passenger traffic growth.

Freight also saw double-digit

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In Memoriam

Captain Miles Selby July 24, 1973-December 10, 2004

By Nigel Matthews n December 10, 2004, Captain Darren Miles “Milhouse” Selby died in a tragic accident while training for a new solo position with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Canada’s famous aerobatic aircraft team.

I was one of the very fortunate people to have known Captain Selby.

This splendid young man touched everyone with whom he came into contact.

Cpt. Selby was born in New Westminster and resided in Tsawwassen, where he received his education, and later became a member of 828 (Hurricane) Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron.

Following high-school graduation, Miles’ passion for aviation led him to join the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Roads Military College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Throughout his life, this aviation hero accomplished a number of things including receiving top honours for his flight training, receiving the

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Clancy Scheldrup Memorial Trophy, the RCAF Association Award, the Total Endeavour Award, and the Golden Centennaire Trophy, to name a few.

“Milhouse” was not only a shining light in the classroom but a valiant soldier who served in combat missions in Kosovo and various peacekeeping missions. He will be missed.

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By LARRY BERG, President and Chief Executive Officer

Building The Gateway This year, YVR expects to welcome a record 16.2 million passengers, surpassing the previous high of 16 million in 2000. Our longer-term forecasts indicate that by 2013, we can expect 23 million passengers. To ensure that YVR can meet the needs of the travelling public and our business partners, the Airport Authority is undertaking a number of capital projects. Here’s a look at some of the projects on tap for this year.

This month, we will ‘break ground’ on a phased expansion to the International Terminal Building, adding a West Chevron. The first phase, scheduled for completion in spring 2007, will add five gates: four wide body gates, two of which can accommodate the new Airbus A380, and one narrow body gate. Phase two will add four more gates to the terminal. In support of this project, we are adding capacity in the International Terminal check-in area, the Canada Customs hall, and pre-board screening area.

Ensuring passengers have an enjoyable and seamless experience at YVR is a priority for us. To help speed up the check-in process, we are continuing to add self-service check-in kiosks throughout our terminals and at off-airport locations such as downtown hotels and the convention centre. This summer, we will expand our on-board check-in program for cruise ship passengers, as well as offer “U.S. Direct”—a process in which U.S. residents taking an Alaska cruise are transported directly from YVR to their ship and back without having to pass through customs. Behind the scenes, we are undertaking a number of improvements to our baggage systems to enhance efficiencies.

Through the Nexus Air and Canpass Air programs,

we are also taking an industry leading role in applying iris recognition biometric technology to ease the process of flying to and from the United States and international destinations for low-risk, pre-approved passengers. YVR is also the only airport in North America offering Nexus Air, a new, joint initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

This year, we will complete final design and site preparation for the airport portion of the RichmondAirport-Vancouver Rapid Transit Line. The RAV Line will be a key component of our ground transportation infrastructure. It will reduce congestion on airport roadways and bridges, and lay the groundwork for a regional transportation system that Vancouver needs to ensure we remain at the crossroads of international travel, tourism and trade.

Providing an outstanding customer service experience sometimes comes down to the “personal touch.”

In 2005, we will provide additional Green Coats to welcome and assist our guests, and offer multilingual customer service staff and signage to better meet the needs of our international passengers. We will also continue to expand our award-winning selection of shops, services and restaurants.

These are just a few of the many projects and initiatives under way to help ensure YVR remains an economic leader and source of pride for British Columbians, and promote an outstanding experience for the millions of passengers who will pass through our facility.

Your Airport Community Newspaper FEBRUARY 2005 ISSUE • VOL. 12 • NO. 4 YVR SKYTALK, the official newspaper of the Vancouver International Airport, is owned and 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.

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Contributing Writers:

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Tel: 604-736-6754 • Fax: 604-736-6750

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DAMON WONG, General Manager, Cara Operations At YVR D amon Wong is perhaps best known around the airport for his dedication to the annual YVR Golf for Kids event and his undying enthusiasm for anything sports related.

His enthusiasm transcends sports and is evident in his role as the general manager of Cara Operations at YVR. Cara is the company that owns and operates restaurants such as Milestone’s, Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet, Second Cup, and provides catering services to airlines.

As general manager, Wong oversees the day-to-day operations of these restaurants as well as catering services at YVR, the Air Canada maintenance building and the Kamloops Airport. Wong’s attention to detail, from keeping ahead of trends to the design of their interiors and exteriors, ensures customers receive the best service and product.

Over the years, he has brought a

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number of highly recognized restaurants to YVR such as Milestone’s, Palomino’s Bar, Second Cup, Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet. Although all of these establishments are successful, he is most proud of Pacific Market, as it was his vision and innovation that helped earn the restaurant top honours for its design from Airports Council International (ACI) North America.

Charismatic and lively, Wong is quick to note that his team is part of his success.

“They are a loyal, dedicated team,” said Wong. “More importantly, they know how to work hard and they know how to have fun.”

His career with Cara began more

YVR PEOPLE than three decades ago in Toronto.

After arriving from Hong Kong and studying culinary arts and restaurant and hotel management, Wong was hired by Cara as a sous chef for a French restaurant.

Working with Cara over the years has brought Wong from one end of the country to the other as he carried out a range of roles and responsibilities including menu planning, project development, hiring and management training. He arrived in Vancouver in 1981 and has been working in and around the airport since.

As for the future, Wong hopes to continue his charitable work, and perhaps seek new adventures and challenges separate from his career.

Richmond Hospital Updates ‘Precious Footprint’ Fundraising Display he Richmond Hospital Foundation’s ‘Precious Footprint’ campaign, which raises funds for the maternity and obstetrics units, has had a makeover.

Since 1998, donors could honour the birth of a child by having the baby’s name and date of birth printed on a footprint mould and displayed at the entrance to the hospital’s maternity ward.

The updated look includes pictures and graphics that resemble a baby’s bedroom, as well as a cobblestone-path backing for the footprints, in either pink or blue colour scheme.

“We hope that this will encour-

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age more parents to join our ‘Birth Wall of Fame’ and know that their acknowledgement will be on display for more years to come,” said Lisa Westermark, the Foundation’s executive director.

A grand unveiling event is planned for February 14 at the hospital, and invitations are being sent to all donors that have a baby’s footprint on display.

Grant McDaniel (former YVR Air Canada employee)

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F E B R U A R Y

Observation Decks Remembered any years ago, Vancouver International Airport was blessed with a superb, open-air observation deck. I remember vividly my grandmother taking me to watch aircraft from this deck, which paved the way for a life-long interest in commercial aviation.

The Vancouver observation deck’s L-shaped structure wrapped around the airport’s corner and north-facing expanse and was completely open to the elements, with only a waist-high fence as a protective barrier. It allowed closeup views of Air Canada Viscounts, Vanguards and DC-8s that parked on the west ramp. The deck also provided views of the Canadian Pacific Airlines (CPA) ramp and their Empress-titled DC8s, DC-6s, DC-3s, and Convairs.

Parked to the east were Pacific Western Airlines (PWA) aircraft.

When the new Terminal opened in 1968, it sported a spacious open-air observation deck situated on the roof underneath the original control tower, giving a panoramic view to the west.

A mere 10 cents granted access through the turnstiles to terrific views of CPA DC8s, PWA 737s, United Airlines DC8s, Wardair 707s, the occasional Japan Air Lines DC-8-62,

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as well as Air Canada’s brand new L1011s parked in the current location of gates 32 and 34.

After a spate of airport hijacking in the early 1970s, a number of North American airports closed their observation decks, as they were deemed security risks, and in 1974, Vancouver followed suit.

A number of leading European airports still have sprawling, open-air observation decks that entertain families, draw visitors, and generate revenues for their facilities. Frankfurt Airport has what must be the world’s largest open-air observation deck, the entire roof area of its Terminal A. Like all European airport observation decks, the Frankfurt facility is open year-round during day-time hours. All visitors must go through a security check, and the airport authority generates revenue through a three-Euro entrance fee, as well as concession sales.

Observation decks enable airports to interact with the local citizenry.

Groups of school children are brought to watch the aircraft, potentially fuelling a life-long interest in the aviation industry and airports in general.

Germany’s Dusseldorf Airport, Geneva and Zurich Airport in

Know your AIRCRAFT

By Henry Tenby

(Left) A spectacular view of a trio of CP Air and United DC8s, photographed from Vancouver’s open-air observation deck on June 24, 1974. The observation deck was permanently closed shortly after this photo was taken. (Right) A spectator watches the Air Canada Viscount and Vanguard activity from Montreal Dorval’s open-air observation deck on July 20, 1967. Spacious observation decks like this one were a feature at airports across Canada until they were closed in the early 1970s, due to security concerns.

Switzerland, and Poland’s Warsaw Airport all have open-air observation decks, as do all airports in Japan. The European and Japanese observation decks have been open for public enjoyment for the past 30 years.

Far from being forgotten, observation decks around the world provide a way for airport authorities to communicate and share facilities with their communities.

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Cell: (778) 858-0498 Dealership: (604) 273-7521 www.richmondchrysler.com Bill Devlin, manager passenger service, Air Canada, presents two tickets to any Air Canada North American destination to Marianne Prins, grand prize winner of the Children’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest.

Holiday Season At YVR Nets $9,300 For CKNW Orphan’s Fund he artistic efforts of hundreds of Lower Mainland children raised $9,300 for charity at YVR’s Annual Children’s Christmas Tree Decorating Contest.

A mainstay of YVR’s holiday festivities for the past six years, the contest invited children from more than 30 elementary school classes to create ornaments for a tree sponsored by a corporate donor.

Once decorated, the trees were

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displayed in the international terminal and visitors were invited to vote for their favourite tree by submitting a ballot and making a donation.

Money raised from the event was presented to the CKNW Orphans’ Fund and voters’ names were entered into a draw to win a flight to any Air Canada destination, compliments of Air Canada. Marianne Prins was the lucky winner of this year’s draw.

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Next- Generation 737 Gets Face-Lift “Stay At One, Play At All”

TRAVEL TALK

Starwood’s Maui Resorts tarwood Hotels have added another resort to their shared amenity program aptly named, “Stay at One, Play at All”. Now guests staying at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas can also enjoy the amenities at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa and the Sheraton Maui at no extra charge.

The three Starwood resorts are located within 10 minutes of each other in West Maui and allow guests to enjoy the pools, restaurants and parking at any of the resorts.

Guests who have booked a package including daily breakfast can

Photo: courtesy Boeing Company.

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ast month, Boeing rolled out its first 737 aircraft without “eyebrow windows,” the four small windows above the front windshield. In the past, the eyebrow windows helped provide better crew visibility, but today’s advanced navigation systems have made those windows obsolete.

The design change reduces airplane weight by 20 pounds and eliminates approximately 300 hours of periodic inspections per airplane.

Retrofit kits to cover eyebrow windows will be available mid-2006 for the in-service 737 fleet.

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Hong Kong Tops List of Shopping Hotspots ravel retailer Flight Centre Limited recently surveyed a number of its clients throughout North America to find out what they considered were the best shopping spots worldwide. The top five spots were all located in Asia, with Hong Kong topping the list.

If you’re planning a shopping spree in any of the five top cities, here are the best places to visit: Hong Kong In Hong Kong, shopping for some of the world’s most recognizable brands can be found on either side of Victoria Harbour, from the fashion houses lining the streets on Hong Kong Island to the markets in Kowloon’s buzzing Tsim Sha Tsui district. Here shoppers can find historic alleys filled with vocal vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and curios.

Place to be: The lively night market on Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei. Singapore Rivaling Hong Kong for the title of best-place-to-buy electronic goods was Singapore, another former British colony that has boomed due to its own brand of Asian capitalism.

Despite the number of shopping centres and districts on the island of Singapore, the best place to start is at

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enjoy that meal at any of the three properties and children under the age of 12 eat free at many of the hotel restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult.

The “Stay At One, Set along a pristine expanse of Ka’anapali’s North Play At All” program Beach, the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas will be offered offers one of Maui’s most spectacular oceanfront vistas. throughout 2005 with no black-out dates.

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the intersection of Orchard and Scotts Road. Most of the buildings in this area are also linked by underground passages fanning out from the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station.

Place to be: Lucky Plaza for perfume and cologne at bargain basement prices.

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, also known as KL, comes alive at night and the Petaling Street markets are no exception. Known as one of the world’s best places to pick up a variety of goods, Petaling Street offers a thousand variations on the CD, DVD, T-shirt, handbag, walletand-watch theme.

There is also no shortage of malls in Kuala Lumpur, including the colossal Times Square KL, with the world’s largest indoor theme park, which sits atop the shopping centre.

Place to be: The giant indoor roller coaster at Times Square KL that rumbles along at giddy speeds above sometimes startled shoppers.

Japan Tokyo has firmly established itself as one of the world’s fashion capitals, and prides itself on producing highend goods. To get your shopping fix in Tokyo, the best mall to begin your day from is Ginza. Other mega

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department stores such as Matsuya, Mitsukoshi and Wako are all in close proximity.

Ginza has a history of westernstyle shopping that is longer than most in Asia and the area is still home to some of Japan’s oldest and most famous stores.

Place to be: The oldest department store in Japan, Mitsukoshi, which started life as a kimono store in 1673.

Thailand Bangkok is a city of markets, so be prepared to put your best bartering face on and get down to business.

While the Patpong Night Market is popular with tourists, some of the lesser-known markets offer better deals. Chatuchak Market is the largest in Bangkok, and popular with locals (which is usually a good sign), but there are options to suit any taste.

For those with the urge to go shopping in the wee hours, the 24-hour Pratunam Market is known for its cheap clothes, fabrics and textiles.

Alternatively, the market on Khao San Road sells backpacks, stereos, CDs, books, clothes and travelling accessories.

Place to be: Chinatown for its numerous gold and jewellery shops lining the streets.

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VISIT YVR’S WEBSITE AT WWW.YVR.CA

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Sacred Space Offers Respite From Airport Bustle

By Sarah Boothroyd eep within the Vancouver International Airport, beyond the blur of travellers, there is a sacred space — a non-denominational sanctuary in the midst of a busy airport.

In its small carpeted room, white walls are decorated with a Tree of Life tapestry, a colourful map of the world, and a sign reading: “For our Muslim guests: Please note the Qibla [which indicates the direction of Mecca] is located on the ceiling above you.” In this space, you’ll also find a row of Bibles in half a dozen languages—English, Thai, Ukrainian, Swedish, Russian and Malaysian. A leather-bound guest book nearby collects the words of some of the more than 200 visitors each week who come from Guatemala, Iran, Costa Rica, Afghanistan, France, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, California, and points beyond.

Since its origins as a small converted ticket counter in 1983, the Vancouver Airport Chaplaincy has provided food, shelter and solace to

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anyone who desires it, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Refugees, stranded passengers, and travellers flying due to serious illness or a death in the family, find their way to this quiet nook, as do airline personnel and airport employees seeking a moment of solitude or reflection.

The Chaplaincy has also hosted weddings, fear-of-flying seminars

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and memorial services, for which its slogan is: “With every departure there is an arrival.”

Reverend Layne Daggett, head chaplain at the facility, addresses spiritual, personal and psychological issues. As he waves at the lottery centre clerk and the florist on his daily SEE SACRED SPACE, PAGE 8

British Columbia Reservations: (604) 276-8887

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F E B R U A R Y

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Sacred Space, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 walkabout through both terminals, he explains that this complex of glass towers and beeping electronic gadgetry is his parish.

“It’s a community where you get to know people as if you were living in a small town, even though there are about 26,000 people who work here,” he said. “It’s a microcosm. The people here are reflective of the larger community. They are part of the beautiful mosaic of culture as a whole. And for me, it’s all part of the daily routine.”

Of the tens of millions of people who have passed through the Vancouver International Airport many have never heard of this haven under the baggage carousels. For others, it has been a place of refuge, or even the stage for a life-changing experience.

“A few years ago, I helped reunite a Muslim couple who had been separated for seven years,” said Reverend Daggett. “He was accepted as an asylum seeker in the United States, but her application was disallowed because they didn’t have the appropriate documents.”

A year after assisting this couple, Reverend Daggett received a Christmas card in the mail. It was also a birth announcement for the couple’s firstborn son.

“The son had a long first name that I can’t pronounce, and I know it’s not usual for their culture to have a second name. I was elated and overjoyed that they would name their son after me. I cherish that birth announcement and it’s one of my favourite Christmas cards.”

The Vancouver Airport Chaplaincy is located on Level 1 of the International Arrivals Area.

Reverend Daggett can be contacted at (604) 303-3010.

we’re

here for you!

VANCOUVER AIRPORT CHAPLAINCY a Quiet Place... ...for quiet reflection, prayer, meditation ...to relax, listen to music, eat your lunch, read a book. a Safe Place...

Please visit us on International Arrivals Level 1, or contact us by phone: (604) 303-3010 or email: daggett@canada.com

F E B R U A R Y

Canadians Funds That Qualify For 2005 Honour Roll ach year, as the deadline for Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) contributions draws near, the media often focus on the previous year’s top fund, or current investment “fad”.

Articles entitled “Where to Put Your RSPs Now,” and “Hot RSP Tips For The Coming Year,” are all too common.

Many of these approaches are short sighted in nature. Markets go up and down in the short term, but rise in the long term as companies innovate and grow their businesses. So rather than attempting to use a crystal ball to predict investments for 2005, let’s step back and take a longer-term view.

Each year, the esteemed “Forbes” magazine publishes a special report

E

on mutual funds. In that report, an annual list of American funds that have displayed superior long-term performance and lower-than-market risk are presented.

I did similar research on Canadian mutual funds, looking for those that really stood the test of time. Using the Morningstar database, which collects and maintains data on more than 10,000 active and ‘inactive’ funds, a selection was made of funds that consistently beat their comparable index over time, with less risk.

To qualify for what I call the “Honour Roll,” funds had to have at least a 10-year track record. The qualifying funds also were required to be

Canadian Equity Category: Benchmark: S&P TSX Total Return FUND 3 YEAR 5 YEAR 10 YEAR RISK Benchmark: 8.7% 5.4% 10.2% B CI Canadian Investment 11.6% 12.7% 13.3% A Franklin Temp. Bissett Cdn Equity 7.5% 10% 13.2% B+ Mackenzie Cundill Cdn Security 12.6% 11.8% 13.1% A+ Saxon Stock 12.5% 14.4% 13.9% BHonorable Mention goes to Aim Cdn 1st Class, Fidelity Cdn Disciplined Equity, and CI Signature Select Canadian, which qualified in all respects except for a full 10-year record.

Canadian Balanced Fund Category: Benchmark: 60% S&P TSX Total Return and 40% Scotia Bond Universe FUND 3 YEAR 5 YEAR 10 YEAR RISK Benchmark 7.8% 6.5% 9.6% B Dynamic Value Balanced 9.8% 9.7% 10.0% BB10.1% 7.2% 4.9% Mackenzie Ivy Growth and Income Mackenzie Sentinel Income 7.3% 8.8% 9.0% A+ Saxon Balanced 10.8% 12.2% 11.7% B10.2% B+ 11.4% 9.5% Trimark Income Growth Honorable Mention goes to Fidelity Canadian Balanced and Mackenzie Cundill Cdn Balanced, which qualified in all respects except for a full 10-year record.

Global Equity Fund Category: MSCI World in CAD$ FUND Benchmark: Mackenzie Cundill Value Mackenzie Ivy Foreign Equity Templeton Global Smaller Cos. Trimark Select Growth

Benchmark— 3 YEAR -3.1% 9.3% .2% 12.5% 1.4%

5 YEAR -5.4% 12.0% 2.9% 11.1% 4.9%

10 YEAR 6.7% 10% 9.3% 10.5% 8.5%

RISK C AC+ BB-

Harmony Airways Awards Maintenance Contract To Cascade Aerospace ancouver based Harmony Airways has awarded Cascade Aerospace a five-year contract for line and heavy maintenance of its fleet of three Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

“We’re very excited to be entering into this agreement with Cascade,” said Gary Collins, Harmony’s new president and CEO. “I am confident that they will provide exceptional service, and I’m pleased that we are able to find a local company to partner with.”

Cascade Aerospace, a privately owned Canadian company, special-

V

izes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of narrow body aircraft, including all models of Boeing 757s and 737s.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Harmony Airways, especially in this innovative, ‘total services’ way,” said David Schellenberg, president of Cascade Aerospace.

Harmony Airways is privately owned by Dr. David T.K. Ho and operates scheduled service from Vancouver to Toronto, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Honolulu and Maui.

open and available to small investors with as little as $5,000 to invest. (This disqualified some very good funds that had much higher investment minimums, such as funds from ABC, Acuity Pools, and Chou RSP.) Particular attention was paid to risk, using standard deviation and Beta measurements. Standard deviation is a statistical measure of the range of a fund’s performance, and is reported as an annual number. When a fund has a high standard deviation, its range of performance has been very wide, indicating that there is a greater potential for volatility. Beta is the measure of a fund’s or stock’s risk in relation to the market. A Beta of 0.7 means the fund’s total return is likely to move up or down 70 per cent of the market change; 1.3 means total return is likely to move up or down 30 per cent more than the market.

The combination of these factors resulted in a composite score for risk represented by a letter grade. These criteria disqualified some funds with outstanding performance, such as NW Special Equity and Dynamic Power Cdn Growth—both of which had much greater volatility than the market.

A further criterion for a fund to make the honour roll included surpassing their relevant index in at least two of three measurement periods.

The fund performance charts below show average compounded returns as of November 30, 2004. Within each category, funds are ranked in alpha-

By Peter Kutney

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MONEY MATTERS

betical order.

Each of these funds has demonstrated exceptional long-term performance with below-average risk.

Managers of these funds have consistently beaten their relevant market index and done so with less volatility than the index. They truly qualify for our 2005 Honour Roll and should be considered for your RSP. Before buying any fund, it is rec-

ommended that you consult a qualified financial advisor to ensure that your investments are suitable to your risk tolerance and objectives.

Peter Kutney is a financial planner with Partners in Planning and Equinox Financial Group in Vancouver. He can be reached at (604) 438-1603, or pkutney@telus.net

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F E B R U A R Y

UpcomingEvents UpcomingEvents February 18

Vancouver Aviation Collectibles Show ‘05 Venue: Four Point Sheraton Airport Hotel, 8368 Alexandra Road, Richmond 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Booths full of civil and military aviation collectibles. Aviation clothing, art, posters, photos, plus many more collectibles.

Cost: $5.00 per person, children under 12 years old free.

For more information, www.yvraviationshow.com

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Record Loads For Air Canada ir Canada reported that 77.7 per cent of its seats were filled with paying passengers in January, up from 72 per cent for the same month last year.

This was the tenth consecutive month that Air Canada has posted a record load factor, and the highest load factor the airline has ever recorded for January.

In the domestic market, the airline reported capacity decreased 6.3 per cent, while revenue passenger miles increased 3.4 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 76 per cent, a 7.2 percentage point increase from last year.

Air Canada Jazz, the airline’s regional subsidiary, reported a load factor of 67 per cent, compared to 53.8 per cent over January 2004; an increase of 13.2 percentage points.

A

“All of us at Air Canada are proud to begin 2005 with another record load factor, the tenth consecutive record month,” said Montie Brewer, Air Canada’s president and chief executive officer. “The continuing strong growth in domestic traffic further confirms the positive consumer response to Air Canada’s new fare

Aero Inn Sushi Café TAKE OUT OR EAT IN FEBRUARY SPECIALS at Million Air next to Helijet BREAKFAST Blueberry Pancake with Sausage or Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 LUNCH & DINNER 1. Baby Lobster Teriyaki & Tempura with rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.95 2. 18pcs Sushi combo B (chicken Roll,Tempura Roll, Cucumber Roll) . . . . . . . . . .$4.95 3. Bacon Cheese Burger with Fries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.95 4. Turkey Breast Sandwich with Fries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.95 Fast Service Line: (604) 761-2362 D-5455 Airport Rd South (at Million Air next to Helijet) Open 7 Days a Week & Holidays: Mon-Sat 6am-9pm Sun 9am-9pm *Call for details on in-flight catering and company party (sushi & sandwiches) trays

Vancouver International Airport Community South Asia Tsunami

Relief Benefit Featuring the Band

“WAGER” Presented by Summit Customs Brokers and the Richmond Hotel and Convention Centre All proceeds to the World Vision Canada Tsunami Relief Fund

Saturday February 19, 2005 DOORS OPEN: 7:30 PM DANCE: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM

products, which allow customers to choose the fare that best suits their needs.”

AUTOMOBILES

’92 NISSAN 300ZX 110,000km. Silver-Blk leather interior. Fully loaded. Automatic.

Garage wintered. Books and records. AirCared til 2006. $12,500 to a good home. Sweet!

604-575-0727 • 604-808-2481

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CAS Cargo & Travel Inc. Expanding General Sales Agent – Cargo seeks self-motivated, goal-oriented individual for local sales in the YVR area.

For more information or to submit your résumé, contact Stewart@cascargo.ca and Michael@cascargo.ca

LOCATION: Richmond Hotel and Convention Centre Minoru Ballroom 7551 Westminster Highway Richmond, B.C. Canada V6X 1A3 Hors-d’oeuvres Door Prizes - Cash Bar Room Discounts TICKETS: $35.00 CALL: (604) 278-3551

We are currently seeking the following qualified individuals: Mechanics, Structures, Avionics, Composites, NDT, and Engine Technicians for future contracts in the aerospace industry.

For further information, please visit our website: www.saxoncontracting.com SAXON CONTRACTING

F E B R U A R Y

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

GlobeGround North America has

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

BAGGAGE HANDLERS

Please fax résumé to 604-303-4574 Attn. Rick yvrhr@globeground-na.com

11

CLASSIFIED SERVICES

POSITIONS AVAILABLE. All jobs are permanent part time and pay $8.84/h. Must hold valid B.C. Drivers Licence.

•

• CONSUMER • COMMERCIAL •

GlobeGround North America

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

B & B ACCOMMODATION

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Chestnut Tree

Start in the right place.

Providing uniformed security officers since 1974.

Securiguard is the Largest Privately Owned Security Firm in BC.

MISCELLANEOUS

THE BAGGAGE HANDLER COUNSELING & COACHING SERVICES Professional counseling to adults & adolescents experiencing loss or life changes such as death, break-up of relationships, chronic health issue, accidents, workplace losses, transitions, anticipatory loss, & special needs.

Call 604-312-6044 for appointment Serving the Airport Community

TRAINING / EDUCATION

Bed & Breakfast

Continuing Education

Comfortable accommodation,

School District No. 38 (Richmond)

with special discounts for airline personnel. Five minutes

Course selection and job-ready Diploma & Certificate Programs available on our website www.sd38.bc.ca > Continuing Ed > Winter 2005 or Telephone: 604.668.6123

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PART TIME (4-24 hrs per week) Do you enjoy working outdoors?

Are you energetic and motivated?

Do you possess exceptional customer service skills?

Do you possess a clean driver abstract (obtainable from the DMV @ no charge)?

■ Are you able to communicate clearly with co-workers and customers?

■ Do you have, or are you willing to obtain a class 4 unrestricted license?

PARK’N FLY is open 24/7, an example of some shifts are: 0500-1000, 1600-2200, 2200-0300.

PARK’N FLY is located at the Vancouver International Airport and we are looking for several new members to join our team. We are a fast-paced, customer-oriented business with room to grow and advancement opportunities. Please drop by 6380 Miller Road to complete our application form.

All applications must be supported by a current & clean abstract otherwise you will not be considered for an interview. All applications must be completed and handed in no later than February 14, 2005 by 12 noon for 1st round of interviews and February 21, 2005 for our 2nd round of interviews.

■ ■ ■ ■

Please no phone calls.

PARK’N FLY 6380 Miller Road, Richmond, BC V7B 1B3

from airport, in Richmond.

Free pick-up to and from airport.

Phone Penny or Ross (604) 273-1198 E-mail: chestnuttree@shaw.ca Web site: www.bbcanada.com/2011.html

Securiguard is seeking applicants for security positions at the Access Control Points in the Vancouver Airport.

Applicants must have previously held a full YVR Restricted Area Pass. Security (BST) training will be provided to suitable applicants.

Apply with your résumé via e-mail joe@securiguard.com or by fax to 604-488-3523 No Phone Calls Please www.securiguard.com

AirlineTalk WHERE THE PROS COME TO PLAY! AirlineTalk is a free interactive Internet based community for airline industry employees world wide, designed by airline employees!

Visit us at www.airlinetalk.ca

OFFICE SPACE SEA ISLAND OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT • • • • •

785 SQ. FT. 2nd floor office space overlooking YVR and the coast mountains (on a clear day) Private Bathroom & Kitchenette Private Entrance $12 per sq. ft. per annum (includes all taxes, but excludes utilities) Contact Steve @ 1-800-668-1987 x222 for more info.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

For cleaner skin and healthier life… Hot Spring Day Spa

RELAXING BODY MASSAGE SPECIAL Waxing from $5.00 and up 35 Minutes - $25.00 Deep pore cleaning facial - $29.95/60 mins.

45 Minutes - $35.00 Relaxing Facial - $29.00/60 mins.

60 Minutes - $50.00 (Gift Certificates Available) (you’ll enjoy it!) Non-sexual

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

ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT

AFFORDABLE LUXURY AT ITS BEST Minutes to Airport & Ocean!!!

Century Royale Apts: 604-277-7368 Minutes to Beautiful Ocean, Steveston Village and next to Garry Point Park!

Carlton Park Gardens: 604-275-7271 Near Ironwood Mall, South Arm Park and Community Centre, Oceanside Steveston Huge and modernized studios, 1, 1+den, 2 and 3 BR; both properties are minutes to Shopping, Bus, Parks, Ocean, Dining & Entertainment! Gym, pool, sauna, recreation centre, satellite TV, sec. parking and sec. cameras.

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