FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2014
OTTAWA – The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) and National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) today welcomed the Government of Canada’s initiatives to improve the smooth flow of travellers through Canadian airports. Transport Minister Lisa Raitt made the announcement of expanded harmonized Trusted Traveller lanes and NEXUS kiosks at Pearson International Airport, one of four trans-border airports where the expansion will take place.
“The safe, secure, efficient flow of travellers is a top priority for Canada’s airports,” said Daniel-Robert Gooch, President of the Canadian Airports Council. “We welcome the Minister’s announcement today and look forward to continued positive developments in passenger processes, facilitation and other key areas where Canada’s airports and airlines are working with government on an ongoing basis.”
“Improving the overall passenger experience while maintaining the highest level of security is a priority for air carriers and we welcome today’s announcement by the federal government as a move to enhance convenience for passengers,” said Melissa Pasi, spokesperson for the National Airlines Council of Canada.
Canada’s airports, air carriers and other stakeholders in the aviation sector view the efficient facilitation of air travellers as one of the top areas for recommendations in the Canada Transportation Act (CTA) Review currently being conducted by the Honourable David Emerson and his panel. The Government of Canada is conducting a broad review of the CTA to ensure it meets Canada’s current and future transportation needs. The Review provides an opportunity to consider how the national transportation system can be leveraged to support Canada’s economic growth.
About the Canadian Airports Council
The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada’s airports community. Its 45 members represent more than 120 airports, including all of the privately operated National Airports System (NAS) airports and many municipal airports across Canada. Canada’s airports are independently operated by non-share capital corporations that are fully responsible for self-funding their operating and infrastructure costs. In 2012, Canada’s air transportation industry had a $34.9 billion economic footprint, supported 405,000 jobs, and contributed more than $7 billion to federal taxes.
About the National Airlines Council of Canada
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) is the trade association representing Canada’s largest national and international passenger air carriers: Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet. We promote safe, sustainable and competitive air travel through the development of policies, regulations and legislation that foster a world-class transportation system. Collectively, our member airlines carry over 50 million passengers annually, directly employ 46,000 people and create over 260,000 jobs.
