After revealing it broke a new record for passenger traffic in 2016, the Vancouver Airport Authority this week unveiled its latest blueprint for its future — Flight Plan 2037.
At a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event in Vancouver, YVR’s president and CEO, Craig Richmond, announced the integrated plan to guide the airport’s anticipated growth over the next 20 years.
Flight Plan 2037 provided YVR’s overarching vision for the next two decades, including its capital, terminal and financial plans, as well as the YVR 2037 Master Plan.
Incorporated within the $5.6 billion strategy are expanded terminals, a new taxiway over Grant McConachie Way, a geo-exchange heating/cooling system and upgraded roads and bridges to Sea Island, which will help YVR support the estimated 35 million passengers expected to travel through the airport annually by 2037.
The potential for a new runway — one possibly going west into environmentally sensitive land — was again included, but, as reported in the Richmond News last fall, might not happen, if at all, for another 20 years.
According to the airport, 22.3 million passengers used YVR last year, $5.3 billion was generated in total gross domestic product via the airport and $11.7 billion was driven into the Canadian economy.
“I am so proud to lead the team that developed and will execute Flight Plan 2037,” said Richmond at the board of trade event.
“This plan is built to provide for the long-term capacity needs at YVR, while meeting and enhancing our sustainability goals and ensuring we build in an incremental fashion.
“Our future is being shaped by the ongoing dialogue with thousands of British Columbians and our airline partners, who participated in our Phase 1 and 2 Master Plan consultations. Today, I am...inviting you to participate in Phase 3 of the YVR 2037 Master Plan and continue to help build our airport of the future.”
Alternative revenue-generating ideas, such as more land development, is also a possibility in the future, along with increasing the airport improvement fee, which is currently $20, or $5 for passengers flying within B.C.
Details of the plan can be seen online at YVR2037.ca. Public input is still being sought for the airport’s Master Plan and a new phase of consultations is open until Feb. 20. An open house event will be held at the airport on Feb. 8, from 5-7 p.m.
