YOUR AIRPORT & SEA ISLAND COMMUNITY CONNECTION
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APRIL / MAY 2021
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WestJet turns 25: a look back over the years
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On a leap day in 1996, a new airline partner known as WestJet landed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for the first time. Fast forward 25 years, WestJet has become a longstanding partner at YVR, introducing new routes and services, increasing their fleet offerings and providing WestJet guests with the airline’s award-winning customer experience. While a formal celebration of this milestone will have to wait, following are some key milestones of WestJet’s 25 years at YVR. Partners since the start When WestJet launched service on February 29, 1996, Vancouver was one of the airline’s five original destinations. Since then, 67 million WestJet guests have travelled through YVR. New home at YVR In 2015, YVR celebrated the opening of the expanded Domestic Terminal, the A-B Connector, home to many of WestJet’s domestic flights. Featuring new gate capacity, an expedited baggage system and a wide range of new dining and shopping options, the
WestJet’s Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft are equipped with blended winglet technology, which help to improve aerodynamic performance and handling characteristics, boost flight range and reduce fuel burn by up to four per cent.
A-B Connector was introduced to keep YVR connected to destinations across Canada. Introduction of new routes & services Over the years, WestJet’s network of flights from YVR has linked some favourite holiday destinations—Huatulco, Mexico; and Lihue, Hawaii— with Nanaimo, Comox, and Terrace in B.C. And of course, let’s not forget Disneyland. When WestJet announced service to Orlando International Airport it was Vancouver’s only service to Florida and WestJet’s first service to
Orlando. Disney devotees and Caribbean cruisers were big fans of the new route. In 2016, YVR also celebrated the inaugural flight of WestJet’s first non-stop service to Europe from YVR to London Gatwick. The event included a ribbon cutting, a model aircraft presentation and a London-themed cake. Plane spotting favourites WestJet’s fleet has come a long way since first being introduced using three B737200 aircraft. In 2013, WestJet introduced Encore, its regional airline, and YVR was one of
the first airports to welcome service via the Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop. And for Disney fans, WestJet’s custom-painted Magic Plane, featuring a Walt Disney World Resort theme, and its Disney Frozen-themed aircraft have both been spotted at YVR. Fast forward to October 2020, which marked a special milestone for YVR’s long-standing partner, when its newest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner, touched down at YVR for the very first time. To celebrate the occasion, members of the Musqueam
community provided a special welcome as the aircraft landed and made its way to the terminal. It takes a team As the initial impacts of COVID-19 grounded the aviation industry to a halt, several WestJet aircraft were parked on the runway threshold at YVR. While this served as a stark reminder of the impact of COVID-19, it also spoke to the adaptability and resilience displayed by industry partners, who rallied together to support one another in the face of a monumental challenge. See WESTJET page 3
YVR rolls out 2021 Strategic Plan Globally, the commercial aviation industry continues to face the impacts of COVID19, with dramatic reductions in passenger and flight volumes. While the emergence of new vaccines provides a glimmer of hope for recovery, most countries continue to impose travel restrictions at a national level and many local health authorities are regularly adjusting mobility and safety protocols in response to COVID case numbers. Though airports are adapting to changing travel requirements and measures—often in short order—and have been responsible for many industry innovations, most aviation
Graphic: courtesy Edelman Vancouver, Tina Furesz.
experts acknowledge that the impact to global travel will continue through 2021 and
beyond. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has a long
history of success, serving the B.C. community and its economy by facilitating trade, tourism and the exchange of knowledge amongst diverse stakeholders. As a result, YVR has been recognized for innovation, growth and, with its uniquely B.C.-themed surroundings, for providing the very best introduction to the region. Comprehensive, long-term plans that consider large capital investments designed to generate value, as well as passenger forecasts, stakeholder priorities, industry trends and economic outlooks have contributed to YVR’s success. While planning has usually been done in timelines
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of decades, not months, the pandemic has forced a reexamination of the airport’s future in the short-term. This has resulted in the rollout of a 2021 Strategic Plan that includes a review of every aspect of its business to ensure YVR continues to thrive in the future. Organized into six strategic areas of focus, YVR’s 2021 Strategic Plan outlines the ways in which the groundwork for success will be laid and includes the flexibility to test and adjust for longer term 2022, and beyond. To learn more about YVR’s 2021 Strategic Plan, visit yvr. ca/en/about-yvr/2021-strategicplan.
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