Airports

Air Canada breaks ground on new facility at Edmonton International Airport

Air Canada has broken ground on a new facility that will house its ground support equipment service and cargo teams at Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

This the airline said allows it to further enhance its operational capabilities and reinforce its commitment to Alberta’s capital city.

The 50,000 square foot (4,645 square metres) building will be constructed by Terracap Group. Air Canada has signed a 15-year lease for the multi-tenant facility, representing an investment of C$19 million by the airline over the term of the lease.

Air Canada’s Ground Support Equipment team will utilise 30,000 square feet (2,787 square metres) of the new facility, while Air Canada Cargo will occupy the remaining 20,000 square feet (1,858 square metres). The new facility is expected to open in September 2019.

Senior vice president for regional markets & government relations, Kevin Howlett said: “We look forward to this new facility at Edmonton International Airport which will support two of our important operations comprising ground support services and cargo.

“The new building means our Edmonton ground support equipment team can continue ensuring the approximately 167 vehicles and motorized ground support equipment Air Canada operate at the Edmonton International Airport are maintained to the highest safety, environmental and operational standards in a modern facility.

“Additionally, Air Canada Cargo has significant business in Alberta and Western Canada, and with air freight and logistics being a rapidly growing sector, we have a strong focus on infrastructure improvement across our network.  Our goal is to provide world-class service and a brand-new facility goes a long way in creating an enhanced experience for our customers and for our employees.”

The new facility will include five spacious maintenance bays to facilitate the upkeep of Air Canada’s approximately 167 airport vehicles in use at YEG, comprising pushback tugs to bag tractors and other vehicles. The building has separate, dedicated areas for maintaining an ever-increasing fleet of baggage carts and container dollies, as well as for welding and machining operations and enables equipment painting year-round regardless of the season.

Other features include a dedicated area for electricians to carry out specialized electrical repairs and a training room that will support continuous learning by keeping mechanics current with the latest technology. Air Canada will continue to meet environmental requirements efficiently through a dedicated area to effectively handle hazardous materials.

The new building will also provide modern, upgraded facilities for Air Canada Cargo which will enable the integration of technology infrastructure and enhanced space usage for the optimal flow of goods. In 2017, Air Canada Cargo handled 3.2 million kilograms of goods, including pharmaceuticals, mail, art, and oil and gas industry equipment through its Edmonton cargo facility.

YEG president and chief executive officer, Tom Ruth said Air Canada is a “strong partner” adding: “In addition to their San Francisco and Las Vegas route expansions from Edmonton International Airport this year, they are further committing to the Edmonton Metro Region with their investment into this new facility, helping to grow our airport and our Airport City.”

This fall from Edmonton, Air Canada will offer more than 290 flights each week (up to 44 daily flights) to 12 destinations (14 in winter) in North America, including one daily flight to Las Vegas which will launch on 28 October 28, and the daily non-stop flights to San Francisco which began earlier this year.

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