Transport Canada announced an investment of up to $74.3 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for an expansion at the Vancouver International Airport. This will equip the airport to handle more cargo, as well as improve its facilities and efficiency, and reduce pollution.
This project will enable the movement of larger aircraft between cargo facilities and the runway. It will:
- increase parking space capacity to accommodate four additional widebody freighter aircraft;
- upgrade an access road; and
- prepare the site for the construction of a new air cargo warehouse.
“We’re improving our supply chains through this project by increasing capacity to handle higher air cargo volumes and improve efficiency at the Vancouver International Airport, while reducing pollution,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport.
This project will also support business growth of Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet and Cargojet. It is estimated that the project will reduce truck travel by up to 229 million kilometres over 30 years because local exporters will not need to transport their products to an airport further away. This will improve highway safety and reduce GHG emissions.
“Cargo and our focus on growth and optimization is in direct service of our community and the economy that supports it. The substantial funding from the National Trade Corridors Fund for cargo development at YVR will enhance our role as gateway for global and domestic cargo operators. With improved capacity and infrastructure, we will handle more essential cargo and contribute to building stronger and more resilient supply chains between Canada and global markets, benefitting local businesses and consumers,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.
The goods exported through Vancouver International Airport support key economic growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. In addition, traditional sectors such as agriculture and fisheries need reliable air cargo export shipments to ensure perishable items can reach global markets in a timely manner.
In total, improvements will boost the airport’s cargo capacity by 160,000 tonnes, representing a $22 billion increase to Canada’s trade potential annually.
Moreover, by making room for fuel-efficient widebody freighter aircraft at the terminal, pollution generated by the movement of air cargo through Vancouver International Airport will be reduced by up to 25 percent. It will enable the airport to handle more air cargo while also helping create a greener transportation system in Canada.
“Our government is expanding the cargo capacity at the Vancouver International Airport to improve the flow of goods and create a dynamic trade environment that allows Canadian businesses to be more competitive globally. We are also creating more exciting employment opportunities in Richmond Centre and across Canada,” said Wilson Miao, MP for Richmond Centre.
Featured image: (Vancouver Airport Authority)
