JANUARY 2010
travel:
Carry-on bag restrictions in effect for U.S.bound travellers page
2
name that aircraft:
Enter the correct name of this aircraft and you could WIN a dinner for 2! page
3
Government of Canada announces full body screening at major Canadian airports Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, and Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), announced earlier this month that the Government of Canada is investing in full body scanners to enhance security at major Canadian airports. The scanners will be installed in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax airports. A dozen of the 44 full-body scanners are expected to be delivered to airports this month, with the remainder to come in six to 10 weeks. The scanner technology generates images of the body to allow the detection of items being concealed under clothing without contact between the screening officer and the passenger. This is a voluntary
option for passengers and provides a screening alternative to the physical search. The technology works by projecting low-level millimetre wave radio frequency (RF) energy over and around a passenger’s body. The RF wave is reflected back from the body and from objects concealed on the body, producing a three-dimensional image. The entire screening process takes about one minute. The technology detects anomalies on a passenger, including metals and non-metals of all types, sizes and shapes; knives and sharp instruments; liquids of all types; and explosives of all types. The full body scanner technology was tested last year at Kelowna Airport over several months to evaluate security effectiveness and
Transport Minister, John Baird (left) and Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). validate the screening protocol for this type of technology. Health Canada was consulted on the use of the technology and has indicated that it complies with Health Canada requirements. Minister Baird said the Canadian Government’s privacy concerns about the scanners have also been addressed. The officials using the machines will not see the actual
passengers and will not have any information on their identity. The images created by the machines will be automatically deleted after having been analyzed. In addition to the scanners, Ottawa will be implementing a pas-
senger behaviour observation program. Passenger behaviour observation screening consists of focusing on passengers exhibiting suspicious behaviour, which could be an involuntary response to a fear of being discovered.
Customer Care goes mobile
community:
The blue background on the European Union flag represents the sky and the 12 yellow stars represent the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity.
Richmond O Zone site preparing to rock page
4
destination:
Nancy Baggio, manager, terminal operations at Vancouver Airport Authority, in one of the new YVR Customer Care carts that provides information on the go.
Palm Springs, an oasis that’s no mirage page
Canada and European Union sign Air Transport Agreement
14
Vancouver Airport Authority is rolling-out a new program designed to deliver customer care to increased locations at the airport. With thousands of square metres of terminals, YVR’s Customer Care team has a lot of ground to cover to deliver the best possible experience to each and every visitor. Now, thanks to the help of some specially outfitted golf carts, staff can provide information and care on the go. The new mobile Customer Care Cart program includes a cart with two LCD monitors and brochure racks that allow Customer Care representatives to deliver information
and assistance where it is needed. For example, a cart can be deployed to a specific gate area if there’s information passengers need to know. That information—such as phone numbers—can be displayed on the screen, and the Customer Care representative can answer questions or help deliver important messages. The Customer Care Cart enhances YVR’s 24-hour visitor services delivered by Customer Care staff and Green Coat volunteers. Staff can be found throughout the terminals or at one of nine Customer Care Counters, where visitors will find flight and general information,
maps and translation services available in 170 languages through the Language Line. YVR has also acquired 13 additional golf carts to be used during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games for athletes and other guests who might require special assistance getting around the terminals. Whether on foot or on wheels, the 24-hour team of Customer Care staff and Green Coat volunteers can be identified by their distinctive red or green uniforms, but more often than not, if you need help, they may just find you first.
Last month, the Canadian Government signed a historic new agreement with all 27 European Union (EU) Member States, the largest and most comprehensive that Canada has ever negotiated. The Canada-EU Compre– hensive Air Transport Agreement removes all restrictions on routes, prices, or the number of weekly flights between Canada and the EU. Additionally, the agreement will help tackle common challenges, such as security and the environment. In the field of safety and security, the agreement seeks to produce mutual recognition of standards and one-stop secu-
See Transport agreement page 2
Garmin GPS Aera Series For Aviation & Auto use
New Website Now UP & Flying! www.aviationworld.net Check featured items
rity. In environmental areas, both sides agreed to closely cooperate in order to mitigate the effects of aviation on climate change. The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), the organizational voice for Canada’s airports, congratulated the government for the historic signing of the agreement. “Moving to free trade of the skies is about creating great choice and opportunity for our Canadian communities, carriers and our neighbours in the European Union,” said Jim Facette, CAC president and CEO. The EU is Canada’s second biggest trading partner
• Latest in GPS technology from Garmin. • 4.2”-wide touch screen • Pre-loaded aviation & street maps.
BC Workwear & Safety Quality Workwear ... at affordable prices Any Work Boot from
79.99
$
(YVR Discount 10% off Reg Price)
www.bcworkwear.com
604.272.0708
* YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.