SkyTalk Feb/March 2021 by Skytalk Newspaper

YOUR AIRPORT & SEA ISLAND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021

Boeing 737 MAX returns to Canadian skies

Construction:

YVR Pier D Expansion completed PG

Year in Review:

Global regulators and aviation organizations from around the world collaborated to allow the Boeing 737 MAX to return to service, following an almost two-year hiatus.

2020 at YVR PG

Environment:

Anniversary:

National Aviation Day in Canada Nominations:

15,000 hours independently verifying changes to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to ensure all safety concerns were addressed before allowing its return to service. On January 21, in line with the recertification of the aircraft by Transport Canada— following an almost two-year

pause—WestJet returned the Boeing 737 MAX to commercial service in Canada with a flight from Calgary to YVR. The flight was flown by Captain Scott Wilson, WestJet, vice-president operations, Captain David Colquhoun, WestJet master executive council chair, Air Line Pilots

Association (ALPA) and Chris Rauenbusch, president CUPE, Local 4070, WestJet Inflight. Considered the aircraft of the future, the Boeing 737 MAX reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent over the first Next-Generation 737s. Air Canada also resumed

its Boeing 737 MAX commercial operations on Feb. 1., with the airline’s officials citing “the nearly two-year regulatory process undertaken by Transport Canada and other regulators worldwide,” as a process that ensured confidence in the utmost safety of its MAX fleet.

YVR Green Excellence Awards recognize exceptional environmental efforts

Harbour Air signs Climate Pledge

City of Richmond Arts Awards

More than just another item on a to-do list, safety is a core value at YVR. It is also the top priority for Transport Canada and its airline partners. As the federal institution responsible for transportation policies and programs, Transport Canada’s safety experts spent more than

Every year, the Vancouver Airport Authority recognizes exceptional Sea Island businesses for their commitment, enthusiasm and innovation in improving the environment through its annual YVR Green Excellence Award program. Over the years, Green Excellence Awards have been given to YVR tenants in recognition of their demonstrated environmental stewardship in areas that range from reducing carbon emissions and waste, improvements to water efficiency and contributing to ecosystem health. The recipients of the 2020 YVR Green Excellence Awards: Air Canada, Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Harbour Air Seaplanes, Hellmann World wide Logistics, and SkyTeam VIP Lounge, contributed to the reduction of their carbon footprint in diverse ways. Air Canada was awarded for its Leave Less, Do More Program, which allowed the

airline to reduce its carbon, waste and water footprint. Additionally, Air Canada upgraded energy systems in its facilities and made fleet improvements to reduce emissions. The airline also reduced its use of disposable items, such as bags, coffee cups and plastic utensils and expanded its commercial recycling program, which diverts waste from going to landfill. Additionally, Air Canada reduced water consumption through replacements of fixtures in its cargo and operations’ buildings. Fairmont Vancouver Airport, the in-terminal hotel at YVR, was awarded for upgrades that were made to its mechanical systems to better control energy and water use in guestrooms. The hotel also reduced its waste by eliminating single-use plastics, such as plastic straws and stir sticks, and partnered

2020 YVR Green Excellence Award recipient—Air Canada reduced its carbon, waste and water footprint and upgraded energy systems in its Sea Island facilities.

with community-based organizations—Soap for Hope and Habitat for Humanity—to donate unwanted, usable items to those in need. Fairmont Vancouver Airport has a sustainability committee that meets regularly to raise environmental awareness among employees and the broader community.

Harbour Air Seaplanes became the world’s first fully carbon neutral commercial airline in 2007. The airline continues to reach new heights in its environmental efforts through waste and water reduction initiatives, the development of an electric commercial aircraft and the introduction of a fully electric

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shuttle bus to its fleet. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has completed numerous environmental initiatives, ranging from lighting replacements and heating and cooling system upgrades to office recycling improvements and water fixture retrofits. Hellman also takes into consideration environmental performance as key criteria when evaluating tenders and hiring subcontractors. SkyTeam VIP Lounge has reduced its carbon footprint by making upgrades to its facility’s heating and cooling equipment and promoting green commuting options—98 per cent of its workforce takes public transit to work! SkyTeam has implemented successful waste reduction initiatives that include reducing single-use items and replacing disposable tableware with reusable glassware and See EXCELLENCE AWARDS page 3

CLEANING WITH LOVE

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Pier D Expansion Project completed

Construction

The construction of the Pier D Expansion Project at YVR, which began in December 2017, has now been completed. This expansion was undertaken to provide eight additional gates to support large aircraft—four contact and four remote-stand—as the airport’s existing International Pier was at capacity. The focal point of the project is its thematic passenger area that takes its inspiration from the West Coast of B.C. This area incorporates several unique features: • An immersive, multi-tiered digital experience • An outdoor space with living trees that are open to the skies above • Four commercial tenant spaces integrated around the thematic area • New passenger amenities such as a multi-faith prayer room and quiet room Travellers are encouraged to check out the new Pier D area when flying out of YVR.

Air Canada suspends flights south to support Government COVID-19 mitigation efforts

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Following consultations with the federal government, Air Canada has agreed to suspend operations to 15 destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean until April 30, 2021, in response to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. “Air Canada believes a collaborative approach with the Government of Canada involving all air carriers is the best means to respond to the COVID19 pandemic, especially given concerns around the variants of COVID-19 and travel during the Spring Break period,” said Calin Rovinescu, president and chief executive officer at Air Canada. “Through consultation, we have established an approach that will allow us to achieve an orderly reduction in service to these destinations that minimizes the impact on our customers and will support important public health goals to manage COVID-19. System-wide, the incremental impact on Air Canada’s cash burn is not material given the already reduced levels of passenger traffic resulting from COVID-19 and travel

restrictions.” In order to help ensure Canadians are not stranded abroad, Air Canada plans to operate several one-way commercial flights from affected destinations after January 31, 2021, in order to return customers from the suspended destinations to Canada. Affected customers will be offered full refunds, since the services are being suspended with no alternative available. Suspended destinations include: Cayo Coco Cancun Liberia Montego Bay Punta Cana Varadero Puerto Vallarta Antigua Aruba Barbados Kingston Mexico City Nassau Providenciales San Jose For more information, please visit: aircanada.com.

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Your Airport & Sea Island Community Connection FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 Vol. 28 | No. 1

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Interim results for WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Rapid Testing Study show no positive cases It has been more than six weeks since the launch of the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Rapid Testing Study on November 27, 2020, and interim results are in. A collaborative effort be tween researchers from UBC and Providence Health Care and project sponsors WestJet and Vancouver Airport Authority. The study was launched to evaluate COVID-19 rapid antigen testing as it relates to air travel and, more specifically, to help inform the safest and most efficient way to screen departing passengers at YVR for COVID-19. The research team’s interim results are based on 200 participants that met the full eligibility criteria and provided informed consent between November 23 and December 17, 2020. To date, more than 300 passengers have participated in the testing study. Based on the interim results, 100 per cent of the participants tested negative with the rapid

Feedback from participants in the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Rapid Testing Study has been resoundingly positive.

antigen tests that use nasopharyngeal (back of nose) swabs and oral rinses. The tests were later verified in a lab using a sensitive Health Canada-approved RT-PCR diagnostic test, which indicated that no participants had a false-negative rapid antigen test. The interim results show promise that transmissible infection in airline passengers departing from YVR is likely to

be extremely low (less than one per cent). The research team found that the test takes between 15 to 20 minutes, causing minimal disruption to a passenger’s travel journey. Participants appreciated the timeliness and efficiency of the process, with many saying that the procedure was more comfortable than expected. The interim results indicate that a rapid antigen test-

ing approach is feasible for use in departing air travellers, especially for domestic or short international flights. This conclusion will be further validated through the remainder of the study. As part of the next stage of the testing study, eligibility criteria are being expanded to include those whose primary residence is Canada (not just B.C.) and those over the age of 80 years (up to

90 years). The goal is to achieve a desired sample size of 1,000 participants. Testing results will be shared with public health and other stakeholders, before being submitted for peer review to contribute to a future testing framework for the aviation industry. The Rapid Testing Study at YVR is currently operating on Mondays and from Wednesday through Saturday during peak morning hours at WestJet’s domestic check-in area. In addition to rebuilding traveller confidence and providing peace of mind for the airport community, COVID-19 testing adds another important layer to the strict health and safety protocols already underway at airports across Canada. For more information on the study, please visit westjet.com/ covidtesting. WestJet guests who meet the testing criteria may register for the study at testingyvr.ca.

International Airport’s Domestic and International Terminals and Airport South, plus all Sea Island businesses and Pitt Meadows and Boundary Bay airports. The

Sunwing receives LEEFF loan to protect Canadian jobs

CUPE flight attendants call ‘Mayday’ at House of Commons Transport Committee

publication is also distributed at Richmond hotels and to the Richmond community through Richmond City Hall, Richmond Oval, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Public Library, and Community Centres. Each issue can be accessed online each month at www.skytalkonline.com. P U B L I S H E R & E DI T O R :

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The Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corp. (CEEFC) has provided Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines access to $375 million of liquidity to project jobs in Canada’s airline sector. The financing is available through a loan from the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). These loans provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through private market financing. It provides large Canadian employers with access to credit to preserve jobs and continue operations during this challenging period. Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations together provide almost 3,000 Canadians

with full-time jobs. Sunwing has agreed to maintain an account with money received from customers for travel that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This account will be maintained until the government’s broader discussions with the airline industry conclude and a policy is established for the treatment of these prepaid amounts. Other applications for LEEFF financing are currently under consideration. To protect the financial interests of taxpayers, rigorous due diligence and the collaboration of existing lenders is required. CEEFC maintains an updated list of approved LEEFF loans, which can be found at ceefccfuec.ca/approved-loans/.

Excellence Awards utensils. SkyTeam has also reduced water consumption by replacing kitchen plumbing equipment. Many of these businesses are active participants in Project Green YVR, a Vancouver Airport Authority initiative that helps Sea Island businesses reduce their waste, water and energy

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use to limit their impact on the environment, save money and demonstrate leadership in tackling environmental challenges. Since 2011, YVR Green Excellence Awards have been accorded in recognition of remarkable environmental efforts made by Sea Island organizations.

Representatives of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) flight attendants who appeared before the House of Commons Transport committee on January 26, 2021, brought a “Mayday moment” message, as they demanded urgent federal action to support jobs in the sector. “Since April [2020], we’ve been hearing that financial aid for the industry is just around the corner to help protect tens of thousands of jobs,” said Wesley

Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Airline Division and president of the Air Canada Component of CUPE. “And yet each time we think the government may act, we’re met with more delay and disappointment.” CUPE has been calling for sectoral support focused on protecting jobs and pre-boarding rapid testing to make flying safer for cabin crew and the public. “Sectoral support, coupled with a nationwide pre-board testing program is the only way

to avoid the national disaster that would be the full or near full collapse of Canada’s airlines, and the associated economic devastation of the 633,000 jobs associated with the air transport sector,” said Chris Rauenbusch, president of CUPE Local 4070, representing cabin crew at WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop. CUPE is Canada’s flight attendant union, representing more than 15,000 airline workers at nine Canadian airlines.

Kabu Ride App service comes to YVR Richmond-based Kabu Ride is the newest ride hailing service offered at YVR. Kabu joins Lyft and Uber as an authorized Ride App service provider at YVR, offering a fleet of vehicles on the curb at one of the Ride App Services airport pick-up areas. For safety, security and efficiency Ride App services at YVR are highly regulated. The locations of the three pick up areas are: • International Arrivals, Level 2 • Domestic Arrivals, Level 2 • South Terminal To request a ride, download the app of the desired YVR-authorized operator on the App store or Google play.

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2020 at YVR: a year like no other It is safe to say that 2020 was a year like no other—one filled with unexpected challenges, but also some exciting new opportunities—as the YVR community faced its largest-ever adversity, as an industry and as an airport. Following is the year in photographic review, which helps to capture some of the incredible things that happened at YVR in 2020, celebrating what the community accomplished, while also looking towards a brighter future.

COVID IMPACTS

This flock of WestJet aircraft were parked on the runway threshold at YVR as the initial impacts of the Coronavirus (as it was commonly referred to then) ground global aviation to a halt. While this photo is a stark reminder of the impacts of COVID-19 both here and abroad, it also speaks to the adaptability and resilience required in the face of a monumental challenge, as the industry rallied together to provide support and, ultimately, return these aircraft to the skies.

A NEW CEO

In July, Tamara Vrooman joined Vancouver Airport Authority as president & CEO. Since then, Vrooman has championed YVR’s commitment to serving the community and led a provincial task force that aims to reinvigorate the tourism sector.

SNOW OPERATIONS

Even though Sea Island does not always get a lot of snow, YVR is always prepared to deal with such an eventuality. It’s a good thing, too, because the first snowfall in January 2020 was a large one that required the YVR crew to work tirelessly to ensure the continued safety of airport operations. Did you know that YVR uses 60 pieces of snow removal equipment to help clear its runways and taxiways and has equipment that is capable of melting 20 truckloads of snow per hour?

RIDE APP SERVICES

It may simply look like a photo of a sign on the curb, but its unveiling and the official introduction of ride app services, Uber and Lyft (and most recently Kabu) was a big occasion at YVR, representing a significant increase in transportation options for arriving and departing passengers.

eau de baggage

Looking for an exciting new fragrance that captures the very essence of travel? In February, YVR launched a parody cologne Eau De Baggage to encourage travellers to ‘Smell their Journey’ and explore new destinations near and far. The video recently won Best Video Production at the Airports Council Marketing Awards and stands out as a light-hearted way to engage with passengers amidst a year of serious challenges. Fun Fact: All actors including voice over talent are Vancouver Airport Authority employees. View the video Eau De Baggage by YVR Smell Your Journey on YouTube.

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LITTLE WINGS

Supporting the Sea Island community is part of the DNA at YVR and the community was pleased at the reopening of Little Wings Daycare at a new location on Sea Island. Little Wings Daycare has been part of the Sea Island community for nearly 30 years and plays an important role in the lives of many residents and employees.

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CARGO

Cargo traffic played a huge role in 2020, as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), vaccines and other essential goods were shipped around the world. The Antonov AN-225 Mriya, the world’s largest and heaviest cargo plane that is capable of carrying more than 200 tonnes of cargo, was a welcome sight at YVR.

WESTJET DREAMLINER

In October, WestJet’s newest 787 Dreamliner touched down at YVR for the very first time. The airport’s partners from Musqueam welcomed the new aircraft to the unceded territory of the Musqueam people with a traditional ceremony and cedar brushing.

HAMPER DRIVE TAKECARE

YVR launched YVR TAKEcare—a health and safety program designed to help people move through the airport safely and with confidence. It places industry-leading health, safety and cleaning practices and protocols at the forefront of airport processes.

For the past 10 years, YVR has been proud to work with Quest Food Exchange for its annual Holiday Hamper Drive. And, even in a pandemic year, the community pulled together and were able to donate 429 full holiday meals for families in need. Additionally, through a 12 Days of Giving campaign, $10,000 grants were awarded to organizations such as Hogan’s Alley, Hope Air, Camp Kerry, the LIFT Collective, and many more.

ITAC MOU

In September, YVR and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It was the beginning of a new partnership to better support Canada’s culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry now and into the future.

INNOVATION UV TECHNOLOGY

The airport’s Innovation team responded to some of the challenges created by COVID in the travel sector by investing in new and creative ways to move passengers safely through airports. Retrofitted BorderXpress kiosks, which leveraged UV technology to ensure a clean and safe airport experience, were installed in the Arrivals hall.

LIVELY LIVERIES

One of the unexpected outcomes of COVID were visits to YVR of unique aircraft and their liveries—French Bee, Air Tahiti, Antonovs and China Southern A380, which flew weekly.

SERVING THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

WESTJET-YVR COVID-19 TESTING STUDY

In November, YVR launched the WestJet-YVR COVID-19 Testing Study together with WestJet, UBC and Providence Health Care. This is the first study of its kind in Canada to investigate a method of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing to help inform the safest and most efficient way of testing departing passengers at YVR.

HEAD OFFICE / AIRPORT: Tel: (604) 278-3551 • Fax: (604) 278-3291 B.C., Continental USA: Toll-Free 1-800-663-4080 PACIFIC HIGHWAY (BORDER) Tel: (604) 538-8414 • Fax: (604) 538-8148

MAKING WAVES

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

This photo of the Fairmont lit up with a giant heart taken in April is the perfect depiction of the resiliency that was demonstrated by the airport community throughout the difficult year.

Another positive outcome was the opportunity to partner with new community organizations that provide areas of support for people needing assistance. One such partner is Wavefront, a local organization that supports the deaf and hard of hearing community. This photo, promoting their clear mask initiative and prototypes was the airport’s most popular on Instagram.

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Canadian Government adds further restrictions to international travel The Government of Canada, with the cooperation of Canadian airlines, has announced new rules on international travel, in addition to the multi-layered approach on COVID-19 already in place. These include the suspension of all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021. Additionally, in addition to proof of a negative pre-departure flight test, Transport Canada has expanded the existing international flight restrictions that funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports:

Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Calgary International Airport (YYC), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The new restrictions will include scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction. Private/Business and charter flights from all countries will also be required to land at the four airports.

Flights from Saint-Pierre-etMiquelon and cargo-only flights will remain exempt. As soon as possible in the coming weeks, all air travellers arriving in Canada, with very limited exceptions, must reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, and take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost. Details continue to be forthcoming. To ensure travellers’ awareness and compliance with quarantine requirements, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with secu-

LIMIT YOUR #RISK OF EXPOSURE TO #COVID19 WITH THE ArriveCAN APP. IT WILL REDUCE YOUR WAIT TIME AND PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OTHERS AT THE BORDER. Download the ArriveCAN app on your Apple and Android mobile devices The ArriveCAN mobile application, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), provides a digital way for travellers entering Canada to provide their basic traveller information quickly, easily and securely within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. Use this mobile app to speed up your arrival process in Canada and spend less time with border and public health officers. The app helps you to: • provide mandatory information that is required for entry into Canada • avoid lineups and reduce points of contact at the border • provide updates on your quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14 days after arriving in Canada The ArriveCAN app is available for free on Google Play and Apple App stores.

rity companies to help complete compliance checks for travellers arriving in Canada. Employees of these companies were trained by PHAC and authorized as screening officers under the Quarantine Act. These screening officers will visit travellers’ quarantine locations to establish contact and confirm their identity and presence at the place of quarantine they iden-

tified upon entry into Canada. These new officers will conduct visits in 35 cities across the country, starting in Montréal and Toronto. The Government of Canada is also introducing a 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement (molecular test) for travellers seeking entry by land, with limited exceptions, such as commercial truckers.

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canadian Minister of Transport.

Quick facts in the time of COVID • Travellers entering Canada have a responsibility to make suitable arrangements for mandatory quarantine, which begins on the day they enter Canada. They are also required to submit COVID-19 related information electronically daily. • Failure to provide accurate information is an offence under the Quarantine Act. In addition, violating any quarantine or isolation instructions provided to travellers by a Screening Officer or quarantine officer when entering Canada is also an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to serious penalties, includ-

ing six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. • PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) agents currently contact more than 6,500 travellers each day through phone calls, which verify their compliance with the mandatory isolation order. • As of January 26, 2021, 99 per cent of the 48,682 interventions by law enforcement have resulted in compliance by travellers. However, in a minority of cases, verbal warnings, written warnings, tickets, and charges have been issued.

Year of the Ox symbolizes prosperity For those who follow the Chinese lunar calendar, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, ushers in a New Year, the Year of the Ox. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on solar and lunar cycles and thus the New Year falls on a different day of the western solar calendar each year. Ox years are second in sequence on the 12-year Chinese Zodiac calendar. The ox symbolizes prosperity

through fortitude and hard work, according to astrologers. People born during ‘ox’ years—1923, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021— are said to be strong, reliable, fair and conscientious, inspiring confidence in others. Some famous people who were born in the Year of the Ox include U.S. President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, musicians

2021 Year of the Ox silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Johann Sebastian Bach and Oscar Peterson and Canadian politician and former astronaut the Honourable Marc Garneau, to name a few.

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Harbour Air signs The Climate Pledge

Harbour Air’s eplane, a history-making flight towards an all-electric commercial airline.

Harbour Air founder and CEO was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 2019.

Harbour Air Seaplanes has joined The Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050. Signatories to The Climate Pledge agree to: • Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis. • Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies. • Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040. The Climate Pledge was co-founded in 2019 by Amazon

“Being a sustainable and responsible corporate citizen is not only embedded into our organizational values, but, I believe, is vital to our success in the community,” said Greg McDougall,

and Global Optimism to encourage companies to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early. With the addition of Harbour Air, there are now 31 companies from around the world that have signed The Climate Pledge. Named one of Canada’s best managed companies for 11 consecutive years, Harbour Air has been calculating and offsetting the airline’s carbon footprint for more than a decade. In 2007, the Sea Islandbased regional airline became the world’s first and only carbon-neutral airline. Since then, Harbour Air has offset 100 per cent of its emissions associated with seaplane fuel use and corporate operations. In 2019, Harbour Air took its commitment to sustainability one step further and successfully converted and achieved the world’s first flight of a fully electric commercial aircraft.

Rolls-Royce trials biofuel for business jets

The ePlane is now being certified and approved by the FAA and Transport Canada—a critical next step in Harbour Air’s goals to become the first fully electric commercial airline.

Harbour Air founder and CEO. “As the world’s first and only carbon-neutral airline, we are proud of our industry leadership towards sustainability. We look forward to joining The Climate

Pledge community and supporting other organizations and industry leaders such as Amazon, Global Optimism, and other signatories to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.”

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Rolls-Royce has successfully conducted its first tests on a business jet, using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF certification is currently limited to blends of up to 50 per cent with conventional jet fuel, depending on which of the several approved production pathways is used. Unblended SAF has the potential to reduce CO2 lifecycle emissions by more than 75 per cent, compared to conventional jet fuel. The experiment was con-

ducted on a Pearl 700 engine, which is under development for the new Gulfstream G700 and, according to Rolls-Royce, confirmed that the company’s current commercial and business jet powerplants “can operate with 100 percent SAF as a full ‘dropin’ option, laying the groundwork for moving this type of fuel towards certification.” The SAF used in this test was produced by Californiabased World Energy, sourced by Shell Aviation, and delivered by SkyNRG.

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Canada’s aviation history celebrated on National Aviation Day While Canada was not the first country to take to the skies, its contribution to aviation has been significant. On February 23, National Aviation Day, Canadians honour the pioneers who opened the skies to connect people and move goods safely and quickly within this large country and around the world. February 23 also marks the anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada, when pilot J.A.D. McCurdy flew the Silver Dart nearly 800 metres in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. This first flight in 1909 paved the way for the future of aviation in Canada. Today, Canada has one of the safest air transportation systems in the world. During the last decade, the accident rate has continually declined. In 2000, this rate was near-

ly eight accidents per 100,000 hours flown; today, this rate is fewer than four accidents a year per 100,000 hours flown, which is a 29 per cent drop. In fact, in 2018, Canada saw the total number of accidents decline to the lowest recorded rate over the previous 10-year period. National Aviation Day is a celebration of excellence in aviation; an occasion to recognize Canada’s world-class reputation for aviation safety. Air operators, aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots, flight attendants, airport personnel, air traffic controllers, air operations specialists, Transport Canada employees, and all those in the aviation community share the credit for Canada’s aviation safety, strength and success. Aviation connects Canadians

The AEA Silver Dart, researched and built by the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) under Alexander Graham Bell’s tutelage in 1908.

in large and small communities with one another, contributing to the health of the economy

and creating jobs. For example, pre-pandemic annual sales of Canadian aerospace products

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and services totalled more than $25 billion, with exports of aerospace goods and services approaching $17 billion. National Aviation Day also offers Canadians an opportunity to advance this industry by encouraging youth to pursue careers in Canadian aviation. For example, licensed pilots in Canada can explore a variety of career paths including working for one of Canada’s national airlines, regional service providers, more than 800 on-demand aviation service

providers (floatplanes, helicopters, charter flights), and a variety of specialty aviation services such as MEDEVAC, forest firefighting, agricultural spraying, and surveillance, among others. The demand for commercial pilots in Canada is projected to grow during the next 10 years, as many licensed pilots are close to retirement. This will open the door for new pilots to take the helm and explore a challenging career in Canada’s aviation industry.

www.baselinewellness.ca

202- 718 West Broadway,

Hope Air has a simple mission:

info@baselinewellness.ca

To provide free flights for Canadians who are in financial need and must travel to healthcare.

Vancouver

604 674 4027

Donate. Volunteer. Organize. Ask us how. We need your help.

www.hopeair.ca 1-877-346-4673

YVR’s Favourite Bar & Grill is Open for Dine-in, Take-out & Delivery n Breakfast Everyday from 9am n Happy Hour Everyday from 3pm-5pm & 8:30pm ‘til Close n 2 for 1 Appetizers on Mondays (5pm ‘til close) n Cheap Taco Tuesdays (3pm ‘til close) n Wings on Sale Every Wednesday (5pm ‘til close) n Steak & Prawn Dinner Special Thursdays (5pm ‘til close) n All Pizzas $10 Each on Sundays (5pm ‘til close)

B A R

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4760 Inglis Drive, Richmond BC Open Daily From 9am-10pm 604.273.0278

MJG.CA

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Preparing for winter driving

Now that we are getting into the full swing of colder weather, it’s time to start readying our vehicles for the full strength of a West Coast winter. Even though, the Lower Mainland gets less snow than other parts of Canada, it is still important that drivers prepare their vehicles for snow and icy conditions in order to drive safely. Following are some tips to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to send you way. TIRES Winter tires are not just for snow or extreme cold weather, they are designed to push away slush and get better traction when it is cold and raining. Along with changing over to winter tires, checking your tire pressure regularly is also important, especially if your vehicle is not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Ensuring that

your winter tires are performing at their best will help you stay safe on the roads this season. HEATER While confirming that your heating system works may be an obvious task for winter maintenance, it doesn’t hurt to turn it on and make sure the defrost system is doing its best. Did you know that proper air conditioning operation in winter is critical? This is because the drying effect of the air conditioning unit helps clear fogged windows much faster. BATTERY Another one of the most important components of your vehicle is the battery. There are a few things to look for when examining it for winter reliability. Look at the terminals to make sure there is no corrosion, and while there look at its manufacture date (mfg). If it’s five years or older, it may be time to

consider changing it. Check the entire battery to make sure the case is not bulging, since this may be an indication that the battery is sulphated and damaged and destined to fail soon. WIPERS Other areas that should be inspected are the wiper blades and window washer fluid. When in operation, wiper blades should sweep the windshield clear in both directions in a quiet manner. Washer fluid should be of the antifreeze type, which is normally blue in colour. ENGINE Finally, no winter maintenance conversation would be complete without discussing antifreeze, or engine coolant. This a coloured liquid that is mixed with water to help regulate your engine during extreme temperatures. As the temperature outside changes from hot to cold, coolant is pumped throughout the engine block to maintain an even operating temperature. Antifreeze does more than just regulate temperature, however. Maintaining proper fluid levels also helps to prevent corrosion. Most cars come with a 50/50 antifreeze mix, which freezes at -35C; much colder than the temperature found in this part of the world. If you are uncertain of

FEBRUARY / MARCH

2021

SKYTALK •

Crossword Solution for February / March 2021.

Auto Repair and Maintenance By Bernie Pawlik

your antifreeze protection have it tested. It is hoped that these winter vehicle maintenance tips have got you thinking about what prep is needed to ensure your vehicle is safe and sound. Remember, you are your car’s best safety fea-

ture. Take precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or objects.

Courtesy of Mirroreyes Internet Services Corporation

Auto Repair Services you can count on!

We have been providing quality car care in Vancouver, BC since 1980. We’re focused on providing you honest and professional automotive repair and auto maintenance services . Our quality certified technicians employ today’s latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles.

Open For Business At Pawlik Automotive we are open for business and are grateful for that. While life has slowed down substantially, cars and trucks are still moving and will continue to need maintenance and repairs.

Sanitized Work Space

At our shop we are using sanitizing procedures to make sure that we deliver your car germ and virus free. We are also keeping our office area sanitized. Transactions with our shop can be done utilizing social distancing. If you do not want to make contact with us we can take payments over the phone or e-transfer. Keys can be put into our drop slot and hidden in or on your car for pick up.

Complimentary Pick up & Drop off Service

For those of you who cannot or do not wish to leave your homes we can offer the convenience of pick up and drop off service. This could be a great time to service your vehicle and, if you are not currently using it, have it in top shape when life returns to normal. Please contact us with any questions that you have. I wish you and your family good health and strength through the days and weeks ahead. Bernie Pawlik • 604-327-7112

TRUST A PROVEN RECORD OF SATISFACTION!

Voted 18 Times “Best In Vancouver” for Auto Repair.

Vancouver’s Award Winning Auto Service Team. 5 minutes from YVR.

Call us today 604-327-7112 30-966 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver Just east of Arthur Laing Bridge www.pawlikautomotive.com

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SKYTALK

FEBRUARY / MARCH

City of Richmond News

City of Richmond calls for nominations for Richmond Arts Awards

It’s that time again, when the City of Richmond looks to shine a spotlight on the stars of the city’s vibrant arts community. Innovative artists, cultural leaders and supporters, including volunteers and sponsors, are among those who will be recognized for their contributions to Richmond’s arts scene. Nominations are being sought in the following categories: • Arts Education • Artistic Innovation • Business and the Arts • Cultural Leadership • Volunteerism • Youth Arts Anyone can submit an online nomination for the 13th annual Richmond Arts Awards and all artistic disciplines are eligible: visual, performing, literary and culinary arts, as well as craft, environmental arts and new media. The annual awards ceremony has been cancelled due to

safety precautions with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following last year’s model, the recipient of each category will be recognized through the City’s various online platforms and social media campaigns beginning in May 2021. Once again, the Richmond Arts Coalition will award a $200 cash prize to the winner of the Youth Arts category, which recognizes a performing, literary or visual artist 24 years of age or younger, who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the Richmond arts community. The Richmond Arts Awards program is presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition. For more information on the Richmond Arts Awards and to submit an online nomination by 5pm on Monday, March 15, 2021, visit richmond.ca/artsawards.

Did You Know?

2021

www.skytalkonline.com

CrossWord ACROSS 1 Sicilian volcano 5 After the ninth 10 Playwright George Bernard ____ (1856-1950) 14 Fall in drops 15 A U.S state associated with potatoes 16 Wan 17 Investigators 19 Anagram of “Lair” 20 Affirmative 21 Friend 22 Named 24 To the windward side 25 Causes or justifications 26 Excuses 29 Liquified 30 A pure form of ground silica 31 Prevaricators 32 Anagram of “Bio” 35 Hide 36 Matching-cards game 37 Slime 38 Mystery writer ___ Grafton 39 Small ponds 40 Utter impulsively 41 Spurred 43 Drenches 44 Was a featured performer 46 Starting at 47 Mansion 48 Chair 49 Donkey 52 Death notice 53 Figurative 56 Repetitive learning 57 Delete 58 Car 59 Playthings 60 Leases 61 Clenched hand.

DOWN 1 Ripple or current 2 Tall woody plant 3 Eggs of parasitic insects 4 Gorilla or chimpanzee 5 Names of books 6 A magistrate of the Roman Republic 7 Armed forces of the sea 8 Definite article 9 Hotel for travellers 10 Not dense 11 Musically pleasing 12 Extraterrestrial 13 Joins metals together by heating 18 Chalice or cup 23 Consumes food 24 Assist 25 Wanders 26 Vipers 27 French for “Place” or “Location” 28 Unlawfulness

29 Played charades 31 Enticed 33 Drill 34 Anagram of “Spot” 36 Saviour 37 Morose 39 Anagram of “Cram” 40 Kiosk 42 Speaks 43 Curtains 44 Athletic competition 45 Forbidden 46 Banquet 48 Comedian ____ Laurel 49 Wild African sheep 50 Seats oneself 51 An inhabitant of the northern part of the island of Great Britain 54 Before 55 Fool.

Crossword solution on page 9

• The first nonstop coast-to-coast flight across Canada was completed by RCAF North Star 17512 on January 15, 1949 as part of a fuel consumption test for the Experimental and Proving Establishment (E&PE) Station Rockcliffe.

Name that Aircraft LAST MONTH’S WINNERS:

• A 14-man crew under the command of Flying Officer J.A. Jolicoeur, flew from Vancouver to Halifax in 8hrs, 32min.

Shenif Dewshi Lana Lofgren

• A distance of 4,482 kilometres were flown at an average speed of 384 kilometres per hour.

Answer:

Send the correct name of this aircraft (make & model) and you could win a

Avro Vulcan

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to

FLYING BEAVER BAR & GRILL

4760 Inglis Drive, Richmond, BC

Donate to help support and make a difference in the lives of BC’s Organ Transplant Children and their families. Children’s Organ Transplant Society offers: • Support Services • Peer, Teen and Sibling Support • Education • Advocacy • Financial Support • Key Links and Resources • Awareness For additional information or to make a donation, visit www.childrensots.org 8323 Fremlin Street Vancouver, BC V6P 3X1 • Tel: 604-271-7719 Email: info@childrensots.org

Send your answer: Email joanbelgrave@hotmail.com; Mail to: #181-4438 West 10th Avenue,Vancouver, BC V6R 4R8 Draw will be made from all correct entries received by Mar 31, 2021. The winner’s name will be published in the April / May 2021 edition of SkyTalk and at skytalkonline.com.

Avro was a British aircraft manufacturer, founded in 1910. Its designs include the Avro Vulcan, a stalwart of the Cold War. The company was merged into Hawker Siddeley Aviation in 1963, although the Avro name has been used for some aircraft since then.

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Classified

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FEBRUARY / MARCH

SKYTALK •

CONSUMER | COMMERCIAL

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

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Make your dollar go further!

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SERVICES

we’re here for you! ti e for rs u o H New

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a Safe Place... Please visit us on International Arrivals Level 2, or contact us by phone: (604) 303-3010 or email: ChaplainKirkley@gmail.com : yvrchaplaincy.org

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Help us Purchase Most-Needed Items

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Chestnut Tree Bed & Breakfast Comfortable accommodation, with special discounts for airline personnel. Five minutes from airport, in Richmond. Free pick-up to and from airport. Phone Penny or Ross (604) 273-1198 E-mail: chestnuttree@shaw.ca

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FEBRUARY / MARCH

2021

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West PointTerminal & Canadian K9 Air Cargo Screening Services West Point Terminal and Canadian K9 have formed a strategic business alliance to offer future air cargo screening, using explosive detection K9 teams. This alliance ensures a dedicated K9 screening facility on Sea Island, offering premium cargo screening both on and off the airport site via a 26,000-sq.-ft bonded warehouse facility, coupled with a mobile K9 screening capability. The use of K9 for explosive detection amounts to one of the fastest, reliable, cost-effective and robust real-time detection strategy available to safeguard air cargo. To maintain the integrity of the air cargo secure supply chain and to assure compliance when handling shipments, the K9 screening services operate in accordance with Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program and the future Explosive Detection Dog and Handler Team (EDDHT) Program requirements.

Established in 2006, West Point Terminal operates within Canada’s air cargo secure supply chain. Our bonded warehouse is a CBSA-Partners in Protection (PIP) designated facility. West Point Terminal is also designated as a Certified Agent under the Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Program. Established in 1997, Canadian K9 is a division of group8108 Executive Protection Inc., a privately held VIP security company established in 2010 to provide security support to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. An innovative leader in the detection of explosives and narcotics, it was the first security company to provide K9 detection services in Western Canada. K9 teams are professionally trained to a high level of proficiency and validated through the Justice Institute of BC and possess Transport Canada Security Clearance.

For more information on K9 services, Contact Kevin Haggerty, Cargo Security Coordinator, West Point Terminal

778.870.1920 or email kevin@westpointinc.com