A Vancouver International Airport (YVR) employee was recognized for her dedication and work in the aviation industry on Wednesday morning during Airport Workers Day.
Airport Workers Day, observed on June 25, is a day organized by the Canadian Airports Council to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all employees who keep airports running.
Vivian Chan, manager of airport capacity at YVR, received the Industry Champion award, which is one of eight national awards recognizing aviation employees across Canada.
This award is presented to an airport employee who inspires the younger generation to consider careers in aviation or airport management by showcasing the opportunities available in the industry, according to the Canada Airports Council's website.
Chan, a Richmond resident, has been employed at YVR for 19 years, working in customer service in dispatch, as a terminal duty officer, coordinating and planning for the airport, and eventually planning the capacity of operations of the airport.
She told the Richmond News her job is like "aviation tetris," where it starts even before flights get to YVR.
"My role and my team's role is to coordinate flight schedules on a seasonal basis," explained Chan.
"We want to make sure that every plane and every airline that wants to come here has a place to land, park and check people and their baggage in."
Oftentimes, she added, people mistake her and her team's role as working in the control tower. Rather, there are lots of discussions between airlines on the optimal time for airlines to be at the airport.
The Matthew McNair alumna said studying airport operations at BCIT just "made so much sense and felt so right" for her that she continued to work in the industry.
"It's the dynamic. It just never is the same, and every day is a bit of a challenge," said Chan.
YVR Airport CEO Tamara Vrooman said it is a "distinct privilege" to be able to recognize one of their employees for her contribution across the entire Canadian airport system.
"(Vivian) conducts herself, not only with professional acumen and with knowledge, but with collaboration, with care and support in each and everything that you do," said Vrooman.
"Having her recognized as an industry champion by her peers across the entire network of Canadian airports is a true testament to the work that Vivian does for us."
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