YYC Airport ranked No. 1 in North America’s ‘large’ global gateways (June 7/19)
A new report by OAG, a global travel data analysis firm, ranked YYC the first with its 43 international flight routes, ahead of Edmonton International Airport (YEG) with 21 routes and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) with 20 routes.
More information available here: www.dailyhive.com/calgary/calgary-international-airport-yyc-global-gateway-2019
WestJet’s Dreamliner takes first transatlantic flight (April 29/19)
WestJet officially launched its new Dreamliner featuring its new long-haul Business cabin seats between Calgary and London, Gatwick with the departure of WS1. The sold-out flight, expected to land in Gatwick at 11:00 a.m. local time, was a first for WestJet’s new 787-9 Dreamliner. The return flight, WS2 departs London at 1 p.m. local time on Monday. Today is a fantastic day for WestJet as we take this important step in our journey to become a full-service global network airline,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “The London market has quickly become an important one for us with service from six cities across Canada. It is no accident that the first transatlantic flight on the Dreamliner is to our largest international market, from our largest hub and home in Calgary.”
More information available here: www.yyc.com/News/tabid/91/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/361/WestJets-Dreamliner-takes-first-transatlantic-flight.aspx
2019 Annual General Meeting April 18, 2019
More information available here: www.yyc.com/en-us/calgaryairportauthority/advisoryannualgeneralmeeting.aspx
Bistro on the Bow finished in sixth position in the Best Airport Sitdown Dining Category (March 21/19)
YYC Calgary International Airport’s Bistro on the Bow as well as Aspire Lounge International finished strong in the Best Airport Sitdown Dining and Best Airport Service / Amenity categories in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Read YYC`s Waypoints Blog Here – www.yyc.com/Media/Blog/TabId/785/ArtMID/1885/ArticleID/109/Bistro-on-the-Bow-and-Aspire-Lounge-finish-strong-in-USA-Today-10Best-Readers-Choice-Awards.aspx
NEW Changes to Airline Check-ins that Summer Travellers Should Know (July 16/18)
The airport is in a constant state of motion: aircraft, people, bags; and our construction activity is no exception. As part of our commitment to elevating the guest experience at YYC, there’s a number of changes happening in the Domestic Terminal. While you may notice the changes front of house, there are some really cool changes happening behind the scene as well as we work to add in a baggage system that will seamlessly connect to the new International Terminal’s system. But while we complete this work, we have to move your airline check-in locations.
Air Canada and Other Airline Domestic Check-ins on the move
It seems like just yesterday we moved Air Canada’s domestic check-in locations to a temporary spot (near doors 5-7) to accommodate the construction of our baggage handling system. Now we’re getting ready to move them back to their original location — which will feature more self-serve options to get you on your way faster. The check-in area will be located adjacent to Doors 9-11.
Central Mountain Air also had a check-in makeover and is located in its new spot at Door 8.
In addition to Air Canada’s and Central Mountain Air’s moves, the following airlines will relocate to the new check-in at Door 8 on August 1:
- Flair Airlines
- Air North
- Air Transat
- Summit Air
WestJet Domestic Check-in location on the move
We know our guests (especially WestJet’s frequent fliers!) are familiar with the domestic check-in locations for our airlines, but some pretty big changes to WestJet’s space are coming soon. Starting on August 14, WestJet is moving from its current home at doors 1-3 to a temporary check-in area, located near doors 5-7.
So whether you’re getting dropped off, parking in one of many lot options or connecting through YYC, make sure you know where to go before you fly.
More information available here: http://www.yyc.com/CalgaryAirportAuthority/NewInternationalTerminal/Blog/TabId/785/ArtMID/1885/ArticleID/74/NEW-Changes-to-Airline-Check-ins-that-Summer-Travellers-Should-Know.aspx
Calgary Airport Authority unveils strategic direction and evolved brand:
North Star aims to elevate guest experiences (June 13/18)
The Calgary Airport Authority unveiled its new strategic direction and guiding vision statement, aptly referred to as the North Star. The Authority’s new direction will focus on elevating guest experiences with the goal of driving economic growth and prosperity for Calgary and Alberta. To embody this new direction, a refreshed visual identity for YYC Calgary International Airport was also unveiled.
North Star vision statement: We create effortless and memorable airport experiences that reflect Calgary’s legendary hospitality and our region’s natural beauty.
More information available here: www.yyc.com/News/tabid/91/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/332/Calgary-Airport-Authority-unveils-strategic-direction-and-evolved-brand-North-Star-aims-to-elevate-guest-experiences.aspx
YYC Navigators: Four Years and Going Strong (May 5/18)
Each and every day thousands of guests fill YYC as they head off to various destinations whether for business or for pleasure. For some, the process is familiar. Bag tags, check. Boarding pass, check. Security screening, check. Have some free time? Enjoy some shopping and/or a pre-flight meal or beverage, check. On the flip side, those who are a bit less familiar may feel the opposite experience rings true. Those are our guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families. The unfamiliar processes of airports can incite anxiety and discomfort as travel can be a little intimidating for those sensitive to the ultra-stimulating sounds, sights and people in a bustling facility. Individuals with ASD have a tendency to dislike new or unfamiliar situations, may have abnormal responses to sensory stimulation, or have other communication/language insufficiencies, keeping many families away from air travel.
This is why The Calgary Airport Authority, in partnership with Air Canada, ASD-focused agencies and other airport partners have brought the YYC Navigators familiarization program back for the fourth year in a row.
Today, more than 85 guests from 26 families joined us for the entire curb to aircraft airport experience.
More information available here: www.yyc.com/CalgaryAirportAuthority/NewInternationalTerminal/Blog
YYC Annual Noise Reports (March 30/18)
The Calgary Airport Authority publishes annual noise reports. The Reports are intended to outline the noise management activities undertaken at YYC Calgary International Airport, and communicate the results of the noise monitoring programs, modes of airport operations and noise concerns data.
Reports available online here: www.yyc.com/en-us/calgaryairportauthority/environment/noisemanagementandprocedures.aspx
Runway Usage Trial (Oct 5/17)
On Saturday, October 14, 2017, the Calgary Airport Authority will launch a six-month Runway Usage Trial that will look to improve the balance of aircraft departures of the southerly runways (17L and 17R) over the weekends.
What are we doing?
We will be working with NAV CANADA to alternate the primary southerly departure runway on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. to balance operations on non-peak days and hours. As we continue to grow as an urban airport, it is important to maintain airspace capacity in consideration of community feedback.
What is runway alternation?
At YYC it means alternating the use of our primary departure runway during non-peak traffic periods. During those times departures can be managed by operating on one of the parallel runways rather than both while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Alternation will be undertaken as follows:
- The east runway (17L) will be the primary departure runway on odd weekend days (Saturdays – Sundays) when south flow operations are active
- The west runway (17R) will be the primary departure runway on even weekend days (Saturdays – Sundays) when south flow operations are active
A detailed calendar can be found here, showing the runway use dates for weekends between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Are there any caveats or limitations to the trial?
Alternating between runways is more complex than just switching between the parallel runways when capacity allows it. Safety is always the first priority. In addition, runway assignment and flight direction must consider among other factors:
- Wind and other weather conditions
- Demand and capacity
- Construction and maintenance
This means that while departures during south flow operations will alternate on the weekend, you can expect day-to-day variations:
- Aircraft may still depart from the other parallel runway
- Aircraft will continue to arrive on both runways
- Not all single runway departures will be straight out
- Aircraft will continue to fly over Calgary and the surrounding areas
This initiative and published schedule will not affect the operational requirement to operate in a particular flow, either south or north.
When will the trial take place?
The trial will begin on Saturday, October 14, 2017, and it will last six (6) months until Saturday, April 14, 2018. Regular updates will be provided to the community via the Airport Community Consultative Committee.
What will be evaluated during the trial?
Once the trial is complete, the Calgary Airport Authority, in collaboration with NAV CANADA and other industry stakeholders, will evaluate performance results and community feedback in order to understand the benefits and long term viability of this initiative.
Will this mean more flights overhead?
The runway use trial will only apply during the weekend between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. when weather conditions require south flow operations (17L and 17R), and there are no other operational factors that may require a different runway assignment. While existing flight paths will not change, communities under the 17L departure path may be overflown more on the weekend odd days, while communities under the 17R departure path may have more overflights on the weekend even days. The trial may result in a decrease use of the 10 degree divergence, allowing aircraft to remain on runway heading (over industrial use land) when runway 17L is in use, though residents can continue to expect to see aircraft over areas they do today. Most communities may not notice any significant change.
Why is the runway trial only applicable to weekends between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm?
Peak periods require additional flexibility to manage capacity requirements, including the use of both parallel runways for departures.
This trial represents another step in the evaluation of noise management tools and initiatives aimed at reducing aircraft noise and addressing community concerns. The Calgary Airport Authority, working with NAV CANADA, airlines and other industry stakeholders, will continue to investigate opportunities to reduce community exposure to aircraft noise.
How can you provide feedback?
You can submit any comments or questions to concerns@yyc.com or through our concern submission form www.yyc.com/aircraftconcerns. We will report back to the community at the end of the trial period including any feedback received.
For more information please visit www.yyc.com/en-us/calgaryairportauthority/environment/runwayusagetrial.aspx
