August 2011
YVR marks its 80th anniversary
events:
Flying Eye Hospital raises $55,000
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travel talk:
The Fraser Blues, composed of five former Canadian Forces pilots, performed a flypast in classic 50-year-old L17 Navion aircraft. Photo: Jim Jorgenson.
Unusual hotels
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airport history
YVR 80: 1931-2011 page
From a single runway and small, woodframe administration building to a worldclass airport that last year served 16.8-million passengers and employed 23,600 people, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has come a long way over the past 80 years. To celebrate the landmark anniversary of the first terminal’s opening on July 22, 1931, Vancouver Airport Authority opened YVR’s doors to the community last month as part of
a two-day celebration and open house. Community members and travellers from across the Lower Mainland—and the world—were welcomed July 22 and 23 to partake in activities. History buffs enjoyed meandering throughout the South and Main Terminal buildings to explore the 80 Memorable Moments photo gallery, while kids young and old enjoyed a variety of entertainment such as DJs, face painters
The many onlookers who packed YVR’s Public Observation Area enjoyed airside ballet demonstrations performed by emergency and airfield trucks.
and balloon twisters. YVR’s emergency and airfield trucks wowed crowds daily with a unique airside ballet demonstration that saw the Observation Area packed with curious onlookers. At the South Terminal—the original location of the airport when it opened in 1931—a vintage aircraft display highlighted YVR’s aviation roots with unique and
U.S. Global Entry kiosks now an option
unusual aircraft including a 1938 Fairchild 24K, a 1946 Fleet Model 80 Canuck, a 1952 Cessna Bird Dog, a 1969 Cessna Cardinal and a Bede 5—an aircraft that has held the Guinness record as the World’s Smallest Jet Aircraft for more than a quarter of a century. Visitors also had the opportunity to watch vintage aircraft and a Fraser Blues flypast. To read more about the history of YVR, see pages 9-16 and visit yvr.ca.
WestJet removes U.S. taxes from its fare structure
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car talk:
Photo: CBP PAO.
Fiat 500
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restaurants:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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Global Entry (GE) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. It is now also available for passengers who are registered in the program and are departing YVR via U.S. preclearance. Though intended for frequent international travellers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports. Vancouver International Airport is the first preclearance airport to have operational U.S. Global Entry kiosks. These kiosks are part of a trusted traveller option now available to NEXUS members through two kiosks located in the U.S. Preclearance area adjacent to the two NEXUS kiosks. Eligible Global Entry kiosk users do not require a completed U.S. declaration card. All
NEXUS members have access to Global Entry but must meet certain criteria: their full 10 fingerprints must be on file with the NEXUS enrollment office; and they must have a valid U.S. entry document on file with NEXUS (e.g., passport, visa, etc.). This information can be added by visiting a NEXUS enrollment office or completed online by the NEXUS user accessing their Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Eligible users of Global Entry will have their passport read by the machine and their photograph taken, and be asked a series of questions on the screen. Upon completion, the kiosk will issue a receipt which is then handed to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer. Additional Information on U.S. Global Entry can be found online at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/ prog/nexus/notice-avis-1-eng.html and cbp. gov/xp/cgov/travel/travel_news/global_published.xml.
Last month, WestJet removed select U.S. aviation taxes from its fare structure. The action came in response to the U.S. Congress’ failure to either approve a new Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) re-authorization bill or provide for a longterm extension of the bill. The FAA Reauthorization Bill has not been rewritten since 2007. “As of Saturday, July 23, 2011, several aviation taxes imposed by the FAA are no longer being charged,” said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet executive vice-president, strategy and planning. “While some airlines opted to increase their fares to offset the tax amount and are pocketing the difference, WestJet has decided to remain consistent with our brand values and offer this savings directly to our guests. Our reservation system has already been updated and guests booking travel to the United States will not be charged these fees.” The most prevalent tax charged
11th Annual Customer Appreciation Day
New Website Now UP & Flying! www.aviationworld.net
Sign up for our eNewsletter and a chance to Win a $25 Gift Card. * YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.
One-Day Only • Saturday August 20th • Noon – 4pm • Huge discounts on all products store-wide • Free BBQ Lunch! All Welcome!
for Canadians travelling on flights to and from the U.S. is a $16.30 international arrival and departure tax. Airline tickets that were booked on or after July 23, 2011, are no longer subject to this tax. “We don’t know when these taxes will be reinstated,” said Dunleavy. “We encourage our guests to book now while our seat sale is taking place and while this unexpected tax break is being provided. This additional savings combined with a strong Canadian dollar makes now a great time to book.” WestJet provides service using a fleet of 96 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 39 aircraft through 2018. In February, WestJet was one of only two Canadian companies named a 2011 Customer Service Champion by the global marketing information services company, J.D. Power and Associates.
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