GTAA, AIR CANADA SIGN PEARSON AGREEMENT
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Air Canada have signed an enhanced commercial relationship agreement to further develop Toronto Pearson as a global hub. In addition, the agreement is designed “to deliver continued improvements to customer service, offering Canadians greater flight frequencies to existing markets and opening up access to more global destinations.”
“As Canada’s largest airport, it is important to work with our air carriers to further develop Toronto Pearson as North America’s premier gateway. This agreement with Air Canada will allow us to continue to support our local and national economy, improve service levels for all of our passengers, and help Canada to compete globally,” said Howard Eng, president and CEO of the GTAA.
Ben Smith, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer of Air Canada, commented, “This agreement provides momentum to our strategy to develop Toronto Pearson into an even stronger North American gateway and a truly global airline hub. It will transform our relationship with the GTAA, enabling us to better work together to enhance the Toronto Pearson experience and position Air Canada to capture a larger share of growing international traffic flows on a more cost effective basis.
He added, “Toronto has the potential to become a preferred global routing because it offers some of the best elapsed travel times between the US and major centres in Europe and Asia. At Toronto Pearson, Air Canada customers benefit from dedicated transborder and international Maple Leaf Lounges featuring concierge service and a newly streamlined transit process to expedite connections; all reasons why Air Canada and Toronto Pearson are the best options for travel to and from North America.”
The agreement, which takes effect on Jan. 1, is for an initial five-year term and includes annual fixed aeronautical fees for Air Canada, representing its share of aeronautical costs in relation to landing fees, general terminal charges and apron fees. The fixed annual fees may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including instances when fees for all other carriers operating at Toronto Pearson are adjusted. The initial term will be extended for a further five years, if agreed passenger volumes are met. The agreement commits both Air Canada and the GTAA to continued passenger service improvements, including baggage delivery and aircraft de-icing wait times. (http://www.aircanada.com)
