Vancouver International Airport (YVR) President and CEO Tamara Vrooman has responded to comments made by the prime minister today that could change the way some major airports work.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Mark Carney made waves across the country when he mentioned the Canadian government would seek private investment at Canada’s four largest airports, which include YVR, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and Calgary International Airport alongside YVR.
“Following best practice in other countries, the Government of Canada will retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, but we will unlock their true value by bringing in new capital and expertise into their operations and growth,” Carney said.
Carney said the investments would come through long-term concessions.
Daily Hive Urbanized got a statement from Vrooman about what the future could hold from the perspective of YVR.
Vrooman said that YVR has been productively engaging with the Canadian government for months, ever since Carney indicated he had intentions of exploring airport investment opportunities.
“Going forward, YVR will continue to engage with the Government of Canada, as well as with Musqueam, given our unique relationship,” she said.
“Since adopting our current operating model in 1992, YVR has generated significant value for B.C. and Canada. Today, 28,000 people come to work every day on Sea Island, and YVR supports an additional 130,000 jobs nationally, contributing $16 billion to Canada’s GDP,” Vrooman added.
Vrooman said that the strong foundation, in combination with YVR’s role as an “economic catalyst and global gateway,” made YVR one of the world’s best airports.
The YVR CEO added that they look forward to “exploring” how Carney’s proposal can continue to drive the passenger experience, while supporting people and community, “and ensure YVR delivers long-term economic value for the region and Canada.”
Vrooman’s assertion that YVR is one of the world’s best airports is backed by various reports that consistently rank the airport among the best in the world.
Our Skytrax report earlier this year revealed that YVR was named the best airport in North America for the 15th year.
Carney suggested that the investments could lead to a better experience for passengers.
“That will mean investing in regional airports and providing better and more affordable regional and remote air connections. It will mean a better passenger experience,” he said.
“It will mean investing in new local transportation infrastructure to make commutes easier and faster for everyday Canadians. And will mean helping to finance new nation-building infrastructure, including a sovereign broadband backbone that connects Canadians from coast to coast to coast, with more direct, secure links to Europe and Asia,” he added.
You can see Carney’s full press conference on the CPAC website.