APRIL 2009
Ahead of schedule, Canada Line nears completion
L
ast month, Premier Gordon Campbell and
restoration of station sites is close to completion.
the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of
The exact date for welcoming the public to the
International Trade and Minister for the Asia-
Canada Line will be determined in the coming
Pacific Gateway, announced that the Canada Line
months.
is on track and will open by the September Labour
“[The] announcement means YVR passengers
Day 2009 weekend, about three months earlier
and Sea Island employees are three months closer to
than originally scheduled.
enjoying this fast and convenient new transportation
The announcement was made as Premier
option to and from YVR,” said Vancouver Airport
Campbell, Minister Day, Transportation and
Authority president and CEO Larry Berg. “The
Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon and project
Canada Line will join a series of capital expansion
officials took part in a full system test of a
projects being completed at YVR in 2009, to help us
Canada Line train, riding from Waterfront Station in
continue to meet the needs of our customers and in
downtown Vancouver to the YVR-Airport Station.
time for the 2010 Winter Games.”
Canada Line trains are currently travelling the
The Canada Line will carry commuters from the
complete length of the 19-klilometre line as part of
downtown Waterfront Station to YVR in 25 minutes
testing and commissioning of the system. Finishing
and result in an estimated 200,000 less car trips
work continues at all Canada Line stations and the
per day.
Premier Gordon Campbell (foreground) with Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announces the near-completion of the Canada Line.
New seasonal Vancouver-Paris service from Air Canada
Learning from the experts
T
he Airport Authority recently
Other recommendations made by
welcomed a group of international
the veteran Olympic airport experts
colleagues from airports that
included using airport facilities to
have hosted an Olympic Games.
the fullest, hiring additional staff and
With the 2010 Winter Olympic and
volunteers to assist customers, working
Paralympic Games less than one year
very closely with the Olympic Games
away, planning for the event is moving into high gear, and there’s no better way to prepare than by learning from the experts who have successfully
managed
an
Olympic Games. Representatives Air Canada’s Vancouver-Paris Executive First service features 24 lay-flat beds.
A
Torino,
Salt
Lake
from City,
Sydney and Athens airports shared their experiences and lessons learned,
ir Canada has announced new
president, sales, who along with
Montreal at 11:30 a.m., arriving at 1:15 p.m.,
and evaluated YVR’s current plans for
daily service between Vancouver
French and tourism officials made
departing Montreal-Vancouver at 2:30 p.m.,
operations during February and March
and Paris to meet seasonal
the announcement in Vancouver. “Air
arriving at 4:59 p.m.
2010.
travel demand. Between July 1, 2009,
Canada knows that Europe is a time-
“We are thrilled to partner with Air
From one Olympic Games to the
and September 29, 2009, the carrier will
less destination and one visit is never
Canada on the launch in Vancouver of
next, airports face common challenges.
operate daily, one-stop same plane flights
enough. So we are making it even
this new air service that will bring France
Preparing to handle the thousands
through Montreal, linking Vancouver
easier and more affordable than ever
closer to Western Canada than ever
of pieces of specialized baggage and
with the French capital during the busy
to plan multiple trips from Canada to
before,” said Caroline Putnoki, director
equipment expected to pass through
summer season.
Europe through the summer and the
in Canada of Maison de la France, the
the airport is one priority. Also
Air Canada will operate 211-seat
entire year, with the recent addition
organization responsible for promoting
important is ensuring that the peak
Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft, offering a
of the economical ‘Europe Pass’ to our
France
destination.
departure day—the day following the
choice of Economy Class and Executive
Flight Pass family at aircanada.com.”
“Canadians can make their dream trip
Closing Ceremonies—runs smoothly
to France a reality this summer.”
for the expected 180,000 passengers
First service featuring 24 lie-flat suites.
Flight 884 will depart Vancouver-
as
a
tourism
offer
Montreal at 8:50 a.m., arriving at 4:34 p.m.,
Further details and a virtual tour of Air
ready to get home from the Games.
Vancouver and Western Canada the
departing Montreal-Paris at 6:10 p.m.,
Canada’s new cabin amenities including
Another essential part of an airport’s
only daily service to Paris,” said
arriving at 7:05 a.m. next day.
personal seatback entertainment are
responsibilities is preparing for the
available at www.aircanada.com.
unique needs of the Paralympic Games.
“We
are
delighted
to
Claude Morin, Air Canada’s vice
Air Canada 885 will depart Paris-
Peer review—representatives from airports that have hosted an Olympic Games visited YVR to share their experiences with the Airport Authority.
organizing committee, and, of course, preparing for the unexpected during those exciting few weeks.
See PEER REVIEW page 2
inside:
Guide for travellers with disabilities
Page
Become an Olympic Torchbearer
Page
Classified Crossword
* YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.
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