Airport Changes

[Specs]

Couldn't agree more.  The connections that that airport provides have been a significant driver of the city's economy for nearly decades.   I wonder what will become of it as we see more and more eVTOL aircraft come on line.  It's ready made for that traffic if it ever does come.

[Malcolm]

Another airport looking for an additional fee.

Calgary airport to introduce new taxi fee

 

FILE - YYC Calgary International Airport. (CityNews image)

By Lauryn Heintz

Posted Nov 16, 2023 08:48:17 AM.

Last Updated Nov 16, 2023 08:48:22 AM.

Taking a cab to the airport in Calgary will cost travellers more starting next year.

The Calgary Airport Authority says starting Jan. 15, 2024, it will introduce a $4.00 drop-off fee for all taxis coming to YYC Calgary International Airport and reduce its pick-up taxi fee from $5.00 to $4.50.

It explains the inbound fee will be applied across the airport campus, which is contained by Aero Drive/11 Street and adjoining properties on the west, down to McKnight Boulevard, to McCall Way and adjoining properties, and the terminal.

Vice President, Commercial, Strategy, and Chief Financial Officer Rob Palmer says that revenue collected from the fees is “reinvested in improvements to our facilities and operations to ensure guests have safe, efficient experiences.”

The airport authority says the combined rates are in line with combined ride-share fees and will “create a level playing field for taxis and ride-share companies operating on the airport campus.”

It explains inbound and outbound fees from taxi and ride-share operators are collected by the airport authority and are paid for by passengers.

[Kip Powick]

 

I'm surprised that airports have not gone back to removing all urinals and using pay toilets. 

 

[Rascal]

Don't give them any ideas!

[deicer]

A return of the limbo!

 

[Kip Powick]

59 minutes ago, deicer said:

A return of the limbo!

 

Only if you are young.........I would be doing the " belly slide " but only if desperate  

[Jaydee]

[Malcolm]

 

New Permanent Exhibit at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Commemorates Centennial of Royal Canadian Air Force and Airport's Connection to Aviation History in Canada Français

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 

Apr 25, 2024, 05:45 ET

t)

(Left to right) Ryan Goldsworthy, Exhibition Curator, RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, RCAF Commander, MP Kevin Vuong, Chief Warrant Officer, RCAF Chief Warrant Officer W.J. Hall, Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)

RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport speaks following the unveil of the airport's new exhibit commemorating the RCAF centennial and 85th anniversary of the airport. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)

The exhibit features an original First World War-era Curtiss JN-4 Canuck biplane propeller and a collection of nine original pilot's wings badges, representing the evolution of badges worn by Canadian aviators from 1912-present and including the rare Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) wings of the First World War.

The "Canuck", manufactured by Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. of Toronto was the Canadian variant of the Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny", an American/British design. The Canuck was widely used in training by Canadian pilots during the First World War.

Part of the collection of the RCMI museum, these artifacts are now on permanent display at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, next to the airport's cast bronze statues of First World War flying aces and Victoria Cross recipients William Barker and William Avery "Billy" Bishop – the airport's namesake.

Established in 1939, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has operated on the Toronto waterfront for 85 years and has strong ties to Canadian military and aviation history. In its early years, from 1939 to 1943, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport served as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces, with neighbouring Little Norway Park named in honour of the Norwegian community that settled around the airport in 1940.

To learn more about the history of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, please view a video of the airport's journey over the past 85 years, or visit BillyBishopAirport.com to view a timeline featuring archival photos from the PortsToronto collection dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Follow along as we celebrate our 85^th anniversary this year, and connect with us on social media at @BBishopAirport or with the hashtag #YTZ85.

Quotes

"Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport's iconic location on the Toronto waterfront was selected in the 1920s by a City-appointed committee led by First World War flying ace, Victoria Cross recipient, and our namesake, William Avery "Billy" Bishop. The airport went on to play an important role in the war effort serving as a training base for Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Force pilots."

"Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport's connection to military and aviation history in Canada runs deep, and we are honoured that the Royal Canadian Military Institute recognized this in selecting our airport to host these superb, original First World War-era pieces from their collection. The exhibition unveiled today is a fitting tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force's century of aviation excellence in Canada, and underscores Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport's important role in the past, present and future of aviation in this country."
     -       RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

"The story of the Royal Canadian Air Force is one of courage and sacrifice that has shaped our nation's military history and heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is an honour to be able to unveil this exhibit to commemorate the historical connection the Royal Canadian Air Force has with the Greater Toronto Area which encompasses the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Together, we celebrate our centennial, honour our veterans, and recognize today's air force personnel, whose dedication and professionalism keep our skies safe."
     -       Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force

"As the exhibition's curator, I am proud to help commemorate the RCAF's centennial with PortsToronto through this striking new permanent gallery. The carefully curated and original artifacts within have captured the power and character of Canada's storied military aviation history. This important exhibit will endure as a testament to the many Canadian air force personnel who have served, and continue to serve, with great courage and distinction – their history and impact will continue to matter."
     -       Ryan Goldsworthy, Museums Manager, City of Toronto (Former Museum Director & Curator of RCMI)

"Today's unveiling serves both as a testament to how the long histories of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport are intertwined, and as a reminder that as we move into the future, the past should continue to inform our path forward. The history of the airport, the RCAF, and Toronto is all around us if we take the time to look—from Little Norway Park near the airport and the Daniels Building, formerly Spadina Military Hospital, to 'Shrapnel Corners' at Yonge and College, or the early air shows at the CNE where Amelia Earhart developed her love of aviation.

"I encourage everyone to take today's unveiling as not only an opportunity to learn about the Curtiss JN-4 and its role in Canada's military history, but also as a jumping off point to learn more about the rich history of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Toronto."
     -       Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City                  Airport

"The RCAF Foundation's mission is to take a past, present, and future look at the Royal Canadian Air Force, aviation, and aerospace in Canada. We aim to share stories of the 100 years of the RCAF, while supporting the next generation of Canadians who plan to enter the sector, and make an important impact in their community and around the world. The exhibit unveiled today at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a perfect example of the RCAF's legacy in Canadian aerospace and we were proud to see it shared with the airport's passengers and community."
     -       Jeremy Diamond, CEO, RCAF Foundation

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 100 international destinations via our airlines' networks, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important international gateway that will offer US Preclearance in 2025. The airport is a key driver to Toronto's economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output and supporting 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport's operations. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served its community for 85 years from its iconic location on the Toronto waterfront, where it facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is committed to achieving its vision of cleaner, greener and quieter operations, and is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency, and customer service, having won a host of passenger-driven and environmental achievement awards. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. 

About the Royal Canadian Military Institute
The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) of Toronto is an independent member-supported organization which, promotes the study and discussion of military history, defence, security and international affairs, along with the operation of its museum, library and archives, for the benefit of its members and the interested public, through the provision of exceptional services within a unique collegial environment. The RCMI maintains one of the finest and largest military history collections in Canada.

About the Royal Canadian Air Force
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is a part of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. It defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace in partnership with the United States. The RCAF also contributes to international peace and security.

About the RCAF Foundation
The RCAF Foundation works closely with like-minded organizations to help them further their goals in support of the important Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) legacy, promote Canadian aviation and aerospace as a potential area of study/career path, and develop innovative ways to engage youth to learn about the RCAF. In 2021, the RCAF Foundation embarked on a 10-year horizon to build an enduring platform to fulfil our perpetual mission and to preserve, promote and celebrate the RCAF through community engagement, education programs and commemorative activities. We have been using the 2024 RCAF Centennial as the marquee event to create the ground floor substance for our mission, the momentum for our ongoing community support, and the leadership to sustain our efforts.

SOURCE Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

For further information: Media Contact: Jessica Pellerin, Senior Manager, Communications, PortsToronto, Cell: (647) 298-0585, E-mail: jpellerin@portstoronto.com

Organization Profile

 

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key...

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Plan to expand Billy Bishop Island airport for safety zones sparks concern

Latest proposal could be the “thin edge of the wedge” to increase air traffic on Toronto’s waterfront, critic says 

Airplanes take off at Billy Bishop airport as a kayaker paddles by. The agency that oversees the airport has released draft plans to increase the facility’s footprint to meet federal safety standards

Fri Aug 16, 2024 - Toronto Star
by Ben Spurr 

The agency that oversees Billy Bishop airport has released draft plans to increase the facility’s footprint, a measure it says is necessary to meet federal safety standards but which critics warn could open the door to a disruptive expansion of the lakeside hub.

At a public meeting last month, PortsToronto, the arms-length federal agency that owns and operates the airport, presented a short list of options to create runway end safety areas (RESAs) at Billy Bishop.

The structures would act as buffers if a plane overran or undershot the runway, and according to new federal regulations must be in place by July 2027. 

RESA 3 Option under consideration for implementation at Toronto Island Billy Bishop Airport

The three potential designs PortsToronto is considering would require extending the airport’s land mass at both ends of the runway by between 52 and 82 metres. The extensions would be up to 270 metres wide, but wouldn’t affect the existing “marine exclusion zones” that boaters and other water users are prohibited from entering.

The project could take between two and three-and-a-half years to complete, and could also include new noise walls, roadways and reconfigured taxiways. The agency plans to present its preferred option and an environmental assessment of the plan at a public meeting in the fall. 

Building the safety zones would require amending the agreement that governs the airport, which was signed in 1983 by PortsToronto, the City of Toronto, and Transport Canada, and prohibits expansion.

PortsToronto is also seeking an extension to the agreement’s current end-date of 2033, which it says is required to allow it time finance the safety zones, the cost of which it estimates at more than $100 million.

In an interview, PortsToronto vice-president Warren Askew said the agency hasn’t determined how long an extension to the agreement it will request, but noted that Canadian airport agreements can be up to 60 years.

Billy Bishop is the ninth busiest airport in Canada, and served 2.8 million passengers in 2019. According to PortsToronto it generates $2.1 billion in economic output and employs more than 2,000 people.

Norm Di Pasquale, who organized against a failed push to allow jets at Billy Bishop a decade ago, said he worries the latest proposal could be the “thin end of the wedge” for additional changes that will increase air traffic at the airport, and inflict more noise, pollution and congestion on Toronto’s rapidly densifying waterfront.

He said he’s skeptical of any plan for “paving the lake,” and is concerned the safety zones could be a stepping stone to a future runway extension that would enable jet flights.

Di Pasquale, the NDP’s candidate for Spadina—Fort York for the next federal election, said he doesn’t want to shut down the airport, but argued that any changes should undergo thorough public consultation and not be rushed.

The airport “cannot be allowed to grow completely uncontrollably because it will end up dominating the waterfront. And the waterfront works when all uses are in balance,” he said.

PortsToronto said it’s committed to consultation, and the plan to expand the airport footprint is “about compliance and safety.” It “will not address runway extensions or have any effect on current runway operations, runway capacity or aircraft types using the runway,” the agency said.

However, it acknowledged that in the longer term, it intends to explore the use of other types of aircraft than the Q400 turboprop planes currently allowed to operate out of the airport, as part of a process it stressed was separate from the RESA project. 

Next year the agency plans to update its airport master plan to look at ways to make the facility “cleaner, greener, and quieter,” which will include exploring efficient modern aircraft technology and a “managed growth study.” 

Askew said aviation technology has evolved since the agreement was signed, and hybrid, electric or hydrogen aircraft could address concerns about noise and air quality around Billy Bishop. He didn’t confirm the agency wants to explore jets.

“I think we want to look at all technologies,” he said. 

While allowing new types of aircraft would also require amending the tripartite agreement, it’s not clear whether that issue will be bundled into the upcoming talks between the signatories about safety zones.

PortsToronto says it’s waiting for feedback from the city, which is expected to bring a report on the safety zone request to Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee this fall. But the agency said negotiations on any additional changes will likely take place in a second round of talks. 

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, whose Spadina—Fort York ward includes the airport, said the focus needs to remain on the safety zones for now.

Given the “very tight timeframes” to meet the 2027 RESA deadline, the signatories can’t “get distracted,” she said. “Safety is the highest priority.”

Neil Pakey, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, the company that operates Billy Bishop’s passenger terminal, and which records show has been intensely lobbying council members about the airport, said it will be up to the signatories to determine the timing of discussions.

But he said it would make sense to discuss “modernizing” the agreement while discussing amendments for the safety zones.

“You’re at the table, you’ve got the book open. Look at the language and modernize it,” he said. 

A spokesperson for Chow said the mayor would wait until the city report is published to weigh in on potential changes to the airport. 

[conehead]

They should allow jets.

[J.O.]

That runway is long overdue for a RESA upgrade. The best way to minimize the footprint would be to invest in EMAS. 

Edited August 18 by J.O.

[Malcolm]

I wonder which would cost more, a runway extension or EMAS? I they went with EMAS would that allow larger aircraft to land or would they still be limited by the actual paved(?) runway length?