SNIFFING OUT EXPLOSIVES

T O R O N T O
P E A R S O N
Third Quarter 2009
TODAY
AWARD WINNING:
PARTNERS IN
PROJECT GREEN
CANINE TRAINING
SNIFFING OUT EXPLOSIVES
GTAA ANNOUNCES
MORE FEE
REDUCTIONS
A publication of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
www.GTAA.com
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 1
AEROMEXICO OFFERS DAILY SERVICE
FROM TORONTO TO MEXICO CITY.
FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-237-6639
OR VISIT AEROMEXICO.COM
EXPANDING YOUR GATEWAY TO THE WORLD.
WITH A NETWORK OF 76 AIRLINES SERVING MORE THAN 180 DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE.
2 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
Published by:
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Corporate Affairs and Communications
Toronto Pearson International Airport
P.O. Box 6031
3111 Convair Drive
Toronto, AMF
Ontario L5P 1B2
www.GTAA.com
WHAT’S IN
4
Editor-in-Chief:
Lorrie McKee
(416) 776-3008
[email protected]
Senior Editor:
Jason Ritchie
(416) 776-5584
[email protected]
Award winning
The GTAA receives accolades
for Partners in Project Green, the
2007 CSR Report, 2008 Annual
Report and the Your Voice
initiative.
THIS
ISSUE
Frequent
Flyers
Regular features in Toronto Pearson Today
Art Director:
Jason Ritchie
Layout:
Melissa Lim
Photography:*
Jason Ritchie
Melissa Lim
*Unless stated otherwise
Staff Writers:
Lee Petrie
Jason Ritchie
Melissa Lim
5
Fee Reductions
Reduced landing fees and
terminal charges for the third
consecutive year will provide
more savings to airlines.
9
Advertising Sales:
[email protected]
People at Pearson
Profiling Chris Gould, Director of
Security, Sheraton Gateway Hotel.
Regular issues of Toronto Pearson Today
are produced quarterly.
5
Toronto Pearson Today is made
available free of charge at Toronto
Pearson International Airport in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada. Mailed copies of
Toronto Pearson Today are distributed
free of charge to individuals sending a
written faxed request to (416) 776-7593
containing their name, full mailing
address, company and position (if
applicable).
Publications Mail Agreement
No.40930520
This publication can also be found online
at www.GTAA.com.
The personal information collected
is used exclusively for adding individual
names to the Toronto Pearson Today
mailing list. At no time will this
information be shared with any other
party.
To be removed from the mailing list, fax
your intention to the number referenced
above.
Copyright © 2009 Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means (photocopying, electronic,
mechanical, recording or otherwise) without the written
permission of the copyright holder. The GTAA does not
necessarily endorse the products, services or companies
that appear in advertisements contained within this
publication.
Moving ahead
Airport rail link moving one step
closer to becoming a reality.
12
Shop and Dine
Artisan breads and premium baked
goods now available at Panopolis in
Terminal 3.
13
15
Nose to the ground
Dogs from the GTAA
Canine unit and
surrounding area police
forces do some explosives
detection training.
Art and Exhibitions
Photographer Barbara Cole’s White
NOise; Examining the relationship
between people and their
environment.
15
As Seen at Toronto Pearson
Photos from our readers.
ISSN 1718-0244
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 3
PARTNERS
IN
SUCCESS
T
he GTAA was thrilled to be honoured by the Airports
Council International – North America (ACI-NA) with an
award for the Partners in Project Green and Pearson
Eco-Business Zone program. Toronto Pearson is the first airport
to win in the new Special/Innovative Projects category in the
ACI-NA 2009 Environmental Achievement Awards.
Launched in October 2008, Partners in Project Green is the
culmination of a partnership between the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the GTAA that seeks to deliver
programming to help businesses reduce resource costs, uncover
new business opportunities and address everyday operational
challenges in a green and cost-effective manner. As Canada’s
largest employment area, the Pearson Eco-Business Zone is home
to more than 12,500 businesses and 355,000 employees in major
sectors related to transportation and logistics, automotive supply
chain, food and beverage processing, as well as businesses
directly related to the airport.
“We are extremely proud to receive this award from ACINA,” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA. “So
much work has gone into the development of this program, which
is significant because it doesn’t just focus on energy and waste
management issues, as important as they are, but it also looks
at green-space improvements, employee health and productivity,
and ultimately green jobs.”
“The TRCA congratulates the GTAA on winning the ACINA’s Environmental Achievement Award for our innovative
Partners in Project Green initiative,” said Chandra Sharma,
Senior Watershed Specialist for TRCA. “This international
recognition not only strengthens the GTAA’s leadership in driving
Canada’s largest employment area towards an economic and
environmental renaissance, but is also evidence that our vision
of creating an internationally-recognized ‘Pearson Eco-Business
Zone’ is becoming a reality.”
In their release announcing the award, ACI-NA commends
the GTAA for “showing significant leadership in moving this
project forward.”
The goal of the program is to allow the GTAA and other
businesses within the Toronto Pearson Eco-Business Zone the
possibility of implementing projects and business initiatives that
turn challenging environmental goals into practical, sustainable
business opportunities. The project will transform the 12,000
hectares of industrial and commercial land surrounding Toronto
Pearson into North America’s largest eco-business zone.
AWARD
WINNING
T
he 23rd annual ARC Awards competition, organized
and hosted by Mercomm, Inc., took place on the
evening of September 17 at the InterContinental The Barclay New York in New York City. Dubbed the “Academy
Awards of Annual Reports,” the ARC awards is the foremost
international competition honouring outstanding achievement in
Annual Reports. Judged by peers in the field of Annual Report
communications, competitors’s report submissions faced stiff
competition as the event drew 1,800 entries from 25 countries.
The GTAA was advised in advance of several awards to be
received for both the 2008 Annual Report as well as the 2007
Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Entitled Minutes from the Airport, the GTAA’s 2008 Annual
Report is an exploration into how our customers view the value of
what we offer, providing a look back at the year that was 2008.
Minutes from the Airport was acknowledged with the
following awards: Gold, Written text; Gold, Interior design; Gold,
Non-traditional; Bronze, Photography; Bronze, President’s letter;
and Honours, Cover photo design. The 2008 Annual Report also
won “Best of Show Non-Traditional Annual Reports,” as well as
“Best of Canada.”
Outside, Inside, Upside – A three-dimensional look at
Corporate Social Responsibility is the GTAA’s first major effort
at producing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report
that covered off all three elements of CSR reporting; social,
environmental and financial.
The GTAA is thrilled to have won the following awards for
the inaugural CSR report: Gold overall for CSR reports; Silver,
Interior design; Silver, Written text; and Honours, Illustrations.
The CSR report was also named the “Best of Social Public
Responsibility Reports” in its first ever appearance at the ARC
Awards.
The GTAA extends a special thanks to Mercomm Inc. and
all of the judges that took part in evaluating the entries, as well
as the following GTAA partners who worked on the two award
winning publications: S.D. Corporate Communications, Soapbox
Design Communications, Doug Dolan (Annual Report writing)
James Morris (CSR writing), Chris Thomaidis (Annual Report
photography) and Ben Weeks (CSR Illustrations).
The GTAA was also awarded third place in the Creative
Innovations category in the 2009 Excellence in Marketing and
Communications Contest for Your Voice at Pearson by the
Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA). Your
Voice at Pearson is a feedback initiative aimed at improving the
Toronto Pearson experience.
Congratulations to everyone involved in these award
winning projects.
The 2008 Annual Report and the 2007 CSR Report are
available on our website at www.GTAA.com. Hard copies of
the Annual Report can be requested by sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
FIRE
PREVENTION
WEEK
O
ctober 5-9 was National Fire Prevention Week, and the
GTAA Fire Prevention Department commemorated it
with a week-long schedule of activities and information
sessions to support this year’s theme, “Stay Fire Smart, Don’t Get
Burned.”
The week kicked off with the annual proclamation
presentation with GTAA President and CEO Lloyd McCoomb,
as well as Fire Safety Awards to two members of the airport
community who exemplified staying fire smart.
Tony Crepinsek, GTAA Manager, Program Requirements,
Airport Development, received a Fire Safety Award for his
diligence to fire safety throughout the many projects he’s worked
on at the GTAA. Chief Fire Prevention Officer Frank Lafond said,
“Tony always makes a point of informing Fire Prevention staff of
any construction changes that may affect life safety or response.
He actions our concerns without delay and makes it a priority to
ensure safety when Fire Prevention sees any potential issues. He
is a true and dedicated professional who always puts fire and
life safety at the forefront of any project, making the GTAA and
Toronto Pearson a safer place to work at and travel through.”
Also receiving an award was Chris Gould, Director of
Security for the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Chris took the lead in
4 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
Award recipients, from left: Tony Crepinsek with Lloyd McCoomb; GTAA Fire Chief Mike Figliola with Chris Gould and Joumanna Ghandour,
General Manager, Sheraton Gateway Hotel.
having the Sheraton’s complete fire alarm system replaced. She
has always addressed safety concerns with Fire Prevention staff
whenever alterations or construction occurs at the hotel, as well
as enforcing evacuation procedures and fire safety training for
the hotel, sometimes even exceeding coding requirements. For a
profile on Chris, please see page 9.
Fire Prevention Week continued with information booths at
both terminals, and lunch and learn sessions for GTAA staff.
Events like Fire Prevention Week are just another way the
GTAA is dedicated to educating and promoting safety across the
company and the airport community.
MORE
FEE
REDUCTIONS
F
or the third consecutive year, the GTAA has reduced
landing fees and terminal charges at Toronto Pearson
International Airport. At a time when the aviation
industry is struggling with declines in traffic, this reduction will
result in estimated savings of $58.4 million to the airline industry
at Toronto Pearson next year, as well potentially leading to more
airlines operating at Toronto Pearson, providing more choice and
lower prices for travellers.
Effective January 1, 2010, landing fees will be reduced
by 10 per cent, while terminal charges will be reduced by the
same percentage. These fees are charged to airlines at Toronto
Pearson for the airport authority to cover the cost of operating
and maintaining the airport. Cumulatively, since 2007, the GTAA
has worked to reduce landing fees by 13.1 per cent and terminal
charges by 15 per cent. Between 2007 and 2010, the savings to
the airlines is estimated to be $108 million.
"With the 10-year Airport Development Program completed,
we have worked hard to reduce our fees to the airlines to
ensure that Toronto Pearson remains competitive," affirmed
Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA President and CEO. "We are partnering
very closely with airlines to increase traffic at Toronto Pearson
to ensure that the aviation needs of this community are met.
Obviously, the cost of operating will always be a deciding factor
for an airline."
The reduction has been made possible as a result of steps
taken in February of this year, including reductions in costs in
response to the economic downturn, as well as the success of
the Landing Fee Rebate Program (www.torontolandingfees.com).
The GTAA has also been focussed on process efficiency and use
of airport facilities.
"Air Canada is very appreciative of the GTAA's work on
reducing expenses and their willingness to pass along hard won
savings to its airline partners. This fee reduction is welcome
because it helps us control costs in this challenging economic
environment. We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively
with the GTAA to find additional efficiencies in order to make
Toronto Pearson an even more convenient and efficient hub for
our customers," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.
"We applaud the GTAA for taking a leadership role in
recognizing the challenges faced by our industry, and thank them
for supporting their airline partners," said Dale Tinevez, WestJet
Vice President of Guest Services. "By lowering rates and charges
for the third consecutive year, the GTAA is doing its part to
contribute to the long-term viability of our industry as a whole."
In a letter to the GTAA, Giovanni Bisignani, Director and
CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), also
gave praise and the promise of continued support in all of the
GTAA’s cost-saving initiatives.
“We are pleased to hear that the GTAA will continue its
focus on furthering reducing costs in close cooperation with
stakeholders, setting a precendent for industry best practices,”
Bisignani said. “IATA welcomes a continued open dialogue with
the GTAA looking at all aspects of the business, including safety,
operational efficiency, cost efficiency and the environment.”
In 2008, 32.3 million passengers travelled through Toronto
Pearson, making it Canada's busiest airport.
ONE
STEP
CLOSER
RAIL LINK MOVING ALONG
A
rail link between Toronto Pearson and Union Station
moved one step closer to reality with the recent
decision by Ontario’s Minister of the Environment,
John Gerretsen, to approve the environmental assessment for
the Union Pearson Rail Link and Georgetown South Service
Expansion project. The Minister has shown that there are benefits
and value in connecting Toronto Pearson and Union Station in a
reliable and efficient manner.
“We are very pleased with Minister Gerretsen’s decision
that will allow this project to move to the next step,” said Lloyd
McCoomb, GTAA President and CEO. “We are eager to be able
to connect Toronto Pearson to the downtown core and give our
passengers the ability to travel seamlessly between the airport
and Union Station. This is a critical piece of the transportation
equation for our region. Furthermore, getting people out of
their cars and on to transit is good for the environment and an
important step forward in the right direction.”
The GTAA actively supports improving transit to and from
the airport and will continue to work with all levels of government
and transit operators to make Toronto Pearson easily accessible
using all modes of transportation. The GTAA is working to develop
Toronto Pearson as a quintessential mobility hub that will offer
convenience to passengers and airport employees alike, and will
allow for continued growth in support of economic development
and tourism across the region.
GTAA
BY
THE
NUMBERS
A
total of 14.8 million passengers were processed
at Toronto Pearson in the first half of 2009 – an 8.1
per cent decrease compared to the same period last
year. This decline in passenger traffic is a result of the current
economic downturn, which has reduced demand for air travel
worldwide. Even so, as a result of conservative budgeting and
vigilance, the GTAA’s financial outlook is healthy.
First Quarter Financial Results
600
500
100
2009
2008
200
2009
300
2008
$ (in millions)
400
After accounting for debt service and amortization, the
GTAA recorded revenues under expenses of $8.4 million for the
period, an improvement of $11.2 million compared to revenues
under expenses of $19.6 million in the same period last year.
The financial and operating results recorded in the first half
of 2009 are reflective of two major plans: the implementation of
the GTAA's current five-year strategic plan, which is intended
to further develop revenue, efficiency and customer service
initiatives; and the implementation of a four-point plan in
February 2009 to combat the effects of the current economic
slowdown on the GTAA's business. The GTAA continues to
work aggressively to drive down expenses, and, where possible,
increase aeronautical activity non-aeronautical revenues. For the
travelling this means more airlines and more choice for travel, as
well as more retail opportunities.
In October, the GTAA announced that it has completed an
issue of $300 million, 10-year Medium Term Notes. The issue is
a re-opening of the 2009-1 series, originally issued on May 20,
2009. The Notes carry a fixed rate coupon of 5.96 per cent and
mature on November 20, 2019. The yield on the new issue is 4.67
per cent. The issue was oversubscribed with 28 institutional
investors participating. Proceeds of the offering will be used to
fund future debt repayments and to fund required reserve funds.
The successful offering was distributed by a syndicate led
by CIBC World Markets Inc and included BMO Capital Markets,
Scotia Capital Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., RBC Dominion
Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc.
"I am pleased to see the markets continue to show
confidence in the GTAA in this way," said Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA
President and CEO. The issue was immediately preceded by the
GTAA's October 1, 2009, announcement that effective January 1,
2010, landing fees and general terminal charges will be reduced
by 10 per cent. This reduction was made possible by the success
of the four-point economic response plan and by continued focus
on efficiency in airport operations and non-aeronautical revenue
generation.
0
Total Revenue
Total Operating Expenses
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 5
TURKISH DELIGHT MORE
CARGO
OPTIONS
F
or those wanting to fly between Toronto and Turkey,
things just got easier. The inaugural Turkish Airlines
flight arrived in Toronto at 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, July
11. Turkish Airlines will fly between Toronto and Istanbul three
times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“We’re always excited to welcome new airlines to Toronto
Pearson,” said Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA President and CEO. “It’s
great to see direct service to Turkey, allowing for more efficient
service for business and vacation travellers between these two
vibrant cities.”
The direct flight between Istanbul and Toronto will take
almost 11 hours and will be served by the Airbus 330 or 340
aircraft, bringing more than 750 per flight seats into the market.
Prior to this, Turkey was in Toronto Pearson’s top 10 unserved
markets.
According to 2006 data, more than 43,000 Canadians of
Turkish origin living in Canada with 30 per cent living in Toronto.
In 2009, this number has increased 75 per cent since 2001.
A bilateral agreement was signed between Canada and The
Republic of Turkey in March 2009. This agreement allows for
scheduled flights between the two countries in an effort to better
serve the needs of business and leisure passengers travelling
between these two destinations.
Toronto will be the 117th international destination for Turkish
K
GTAA President and CEO Lloyd McCoomb with Turkish Minister of
Transportation and Communication Binali Yildirim.
Airlines and the airport’s 106th international destination.
KOREAN
AIR
INCREASES SERVICE TO ASIA
K
orean Air is offering more seats from Toronto and
Vancouver as Canada's new Open Skies agreement
with Korea takes effect.
Canada's Transport Ministry said the recent successful
conclusion of a Blue Sky air transport agreement with the
Republic of Korea will allow airlines from both countries to
operate as frequently as desired to and from any point in either
country's territory.
Korean Air recently increased its four-times-weekly B-777
service from Toronto to daily service, providing more transpacific
seats between Canada and Asia.
“With this additional service, Seoul and over 35 cities
in China and Southeast Asia will be more accessible to more
Canadian travellers,” said Korean Air's Americas Marketing
Director, John Jackson. “Canada has a very large potential for
us. We're anticipating increased growth and popularity because
of the new Open Skies accord and are preparing for it.”
“The Open Skies agreement's effect will be noteworthy
and it's part of Korean Air's long-term plan for North America.
We are encouraged by the increased interest in Korean Air's
products in Canada and are meeting this popularity with more
service,” Jackson said .
This is just another way Toronto Pearson is expanding
its global reach and offering more options to Asia for our
customers.
orean Air Cargo, one of the largest cargo airlines
in the world, has recently increased its freighter
service at Toronto Pearson.
Beginning in early September, the airline added a third
weekly B747-400F flight, bringing their frequency up to a
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday service. The B747-400
aircraft is one of the quietest and most fuel efficient in its
class.
“We are very happy to see this increase in service from
Korean Air Cargo,” said Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA President
and CEO. “This increased cargo offering is very good for
the whole community we serve. It means that companies
moving cargo to and from the Asian market now have more
options and greater flexibility. The new freighter service also
consolidates our role within the Asia-Pacific Corridor.”
Canada’s new Open Skies agreement with South Korea
and the GTAA’s reduced landing fees for all-cargo aircraft that
were announced in June of last year facilitated the expansion
of Korean Air’s cargo schedule in Toronto.
Toronto Pearson is the leading air cargo gateway in
Canada, offering world-class facilities and infrastructure for
all-cargo operators. All five runways are equipped to handle
heavyweight aircraft, and there are more than 1.2 million
square feet of cargo handling facilities and 2.5 million square
feet of dedicated apron space for cargo operations.
Toronto Pearson is the only Canadian airport served with
scheduled all-cargo services to Asia, Latin America, Europe,
and the United States. Additionally, world-leading freight
forwarders have their Canadian headquarters in Toronto and
the bulk of their consolidations in Canada take place near
the airport.
TOURIST
DESTINATION
F
or many years, the fall season in the Toronto area has
been a draw for tourists from around the world. The
past couple of years have been noticeable in this regard
as Japan Air Lines has brought many Boeing 747s loaded with
Japanese tourists. Beginning in September, this has grown to
include both major Japanese air carriers: Japan Air Lines and
ANA-All Nippon Airways. Although neither fly to Toronto Pearson
on a regular basis, their Boeing 747-400 aircraft were welcomed
sights, knowing that the Greater Toronto Area’s economy was
boosted by several hundred tourists arriving to do the tourist
circuit of the fall colours, Niagara Falls and a few other locations.
Canada really does offer a lot for visitors, and the GTAA is pleased
that these two airlines chose Toronto Pearson to operate at with
these special charters.
Photos courtesy of TMK Photography
6 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
SUNNY
WINTER
WESTJET’S LARGEST SEASONAL SCHEDULE
W
estJet recently unveiled its largest ever seasonal
non-stop flight schedule, featuring a record eight
new international destinations and three additional
U.S. destinations for the winter of 2009–2010.
By late fall 2009, WestJet will operate service to 66 cities
in more than 10 countries, as compared to 51 cities in eight
countries last year.
Beginning in late fall, WestJet and WestJet Vacations
will launch seasonal non-stop service to Varadero, Holguin
and Cayo Coco, Cuba; Ixtapa and Cozumel, Mexico; St. Martin;
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Freeport, Bahamas; Lihue
(Kauai), Hawaii; Miami, Florida; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
"This is another first for WestJet," said Chris Avery,
WestJet's Vice-President, Revenue and Planning. "We have
never announced as many destinations at one time, which
demonstrates that we continue to deliver on our strategic plan
by expanding our network and providing our world-class guest
experience each and every day. We remain confident that in spite
of the current economic conditions, WestJet's unsurpassed value
and our status as Canada's preferred airline will see old friends
and new guests alike flying with us this winter."
WestJet's new destinations from Toronto for the winter of
2009-2010 are:
• Daily service to Atlantic City, starting October 22
• Twice weekly to Cayo Coco, starting November 4
• Twice weekly to Cozumel, starting December 10
• Twice weekly to Freeport, starting November 2
• Twice weekly to Holguin, starting November 2
• Daily service to Miami, starting October 21
• Twice weekly to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, starting
November 4
• Three times weekly to St. Martin, starting November 1
• Three times weekly to Varadero, starting November 1.
In addition to these new routes, WestJet also added a fivetimes- weekly service to Cancun starting December 7, and will
also increase frequencies year-over-year on a number of popular
routes including Bridgetown, which increased to five times
weekly starting November 2.
"This schedule represents significant expansion on both the
transborder (U.S.) and international fronts," said Avery. "Both
are strategic decisions as we continue to aggressively pursue
and earn profitable market share in these critical areas. WestJet
is well on its way to becoming the market leader in many of
the most popular sun destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the
Caribbean."
At this point, the 2009-2010 winter schedule sees
WestJet increase its transborder and international capacity by
approximately 45 per cent year over year. In line with prudent
capacity management, domestic capacity will decrease by
approximately five per cent for the same time period. On an overall
basis, WestJet's year-over-year capacity increase for November
1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, currently sits at approximately five
per cent.
"This is an excellent time to travel," said Gregg Saretsky,
Vice-President, WestJet Vacations. "We are working very closely
with our resort and hotel partners to bring our guests tremendous
value, and there is some very competitive pricing in the market
right now. On top of that, guests who book early will receive
early booking bonuses, which will mean hundreds of dollars in
savings on their next WestJet flight."
NEW SEASONAL ROUTES TO AIR CANADA
ATHENS AND BARCELONA ADDS SEATS
TO SUN SPOTS
T
A
ir Canada recently announced that it will introduce
Toronto-Athens and Toronto-Barcelona non-stop
seasonal services between June 3 and October 18,
2010, in time for planning vacations next summer.
"Air Canada's new non-stop summer services to Athens
and Barcelona from Toronto will offer customers even more
convenient options for planning vacations and visiting friends
and relatives on both sides of the Atlantic," said Ben Smith,
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Both
Barcelona and Athens are important ports of call for cruise lines,
and also provide convenient connections for flights to other
popular destinations throughout Greece and Spain. With these
additions to our 2010 summer schedule, we are continuing to
strategically deploy capacity to meet seasonal demand."
The flights will be operated using 244-seat Boeing 767300ER aircraft providing best-value all-economy service for
leisure travellers, with the option of enhanced seating comfort
and leg room in the forward cabin.
Air Canada's non-stop flights to Athens will be timed to offer
travellers convenient connections to the carrier's extensive North
American network via its Montréal and Toronto hubs to and from:
Ottawa, Québec City, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver,
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and New York. In
Athens, connecting flights will be available with its Star Alliance
partner Aegean Airlines to and from Thessaloniki and several
Greek Islands including Mykonos, Heraklion and Rhodes.
Air Canada Vacations holiday packages will be available
directly from Air Canada Vacations at aircanadavacations.com or
by contacting travel agents in Canada.
Flights to Athens will be operated three times a week
from Toronto, departing Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at
5:50 p.m. (all local times), arriving in Athens the next day at
10:40 a.m. Returning flights will leave Athens on Tuesdays,
Fridays and Sundays at 12:15 p.m., and will arrive back in Toronto
at 4:10 p.m.
Flights to Barcelona will operate three times a week from
Toronto with departing flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and
Sundays at 6:15 p.m., arriving in Barcelona the next day at
8:05 a.m. Returning flights will leave on Mondays, Thursdays and
Saturdays at 11:45 a.m., arriving back in Toronto at 2:40 p.m.
his winter, Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
will boost capacity with more seats each week
to an expanded choice of 49 popular holiday sun
destinations. New destinations to choose from this coming
winter include Fort de France, Martinique, and La Romana,
Dominican Republic. Air Canada is also adding 20 more nonstop flights each week to holiday sun destinations including nine
additional flights to the Caribbean and Mexico. All-inclusive
holiday packages are also available for purchasedirectly
from Air Canada Vacations at aircanadavacations.com or by
contacting travel agents in Canada.
"Our upcoming winter sun schedule offers Canadians
a wide choice of popular holiday destinations to escape the
winter cold," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and
Chief Commercial Officer. "Air Canada continues to offer
the largest choice of non-stop flights of any carrier between
Canada and 49 holiday sun destinations, with up to 157 flights
from Canada to Florida, 56 flights to Mexico, 125 flights to
the Caribbean, and 169 flights to California and Hawaii each
week. With our 2009-2010 schedule, we are continuing to
strategically deploy capacity to meet seasonal demand."
Highlights of new and expanded Air Canada services
from Toronto to holiday sun destinations this coming
winter include: La Romana, Dominican Republic, as a new
destination with flights departing every Saturday beginning
December 19; and flights to Varadero, Cuba, will increase to
five times weekly, departing Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays. Both routes will be flown with a 120seat Airbus A319 aircraft.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 7
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The GTAA is committed to the belief that the needs of the traveller always come first. With that, we would like to hear about your experience while using Toronto Pearson
International Airport. Please send all compliments, complaints, comments, suggestions and questions to [email protected], or call us at (416) 776-9892.
EXCELLENT EXAMPLE TAKING
G
PRIDE
TAA Customer Service Staff often receive praise
for going above and beyond the call of duty when it
comes to helping out our passengers. However, every
day, employees from all over the airport go the extra mile to help
where they can. The following letter was sent in commending
a helpful bus driver who went out of his way to reunite the
passenger with a forgotten gift. He left a lasting impression and
his story will be told as an example of good customer service.
On August 8, I returned through the U.S. from a European
vacation at Terminal 1, only to realize I left a shopping bag with
a gift in it on the plane. I realized this as I boarded one of the
busses to head back to the main terminal, so I got off the bus
and dashed back into the terminal to see if I could retrieve the
bag with the gift.
Once back inside the terminal, the doors going back to the
plane were closed. I gave up my pursuit of the gift bag and went
back outside to see if the bus was still there. It was gone, but
another empty bus was there. When the driver asked if my bus
had left without me, I explained my dilemma and he asked me
to stay in his bus while he went back in to the terminal to see if
he could find my gift bag. He came back empty handed, but said
he would drive around to where the plane was parked and see
if there might be Air Canada personnel who could look for my
bag. He again asked me to stay on the bus and this time came
back with my bag and the gift. He then got me back to the main
terminal.
What struck me about the situation was the bus driver’s
sincere effort in seeing if he could help me. He really went the
extra mile. In this day and age, I see so many circumstances
where people in the bus driver’s shoes might have said, “Call
lost and found,” or after not finding anything on the first attempt,
come back and simply say, “Sorry, no luck.”
Not only did the bus driver find my gift, but he made my
day. He reminded me, through his actions, that there are still
people who are willing to help out strangers and go the extra
mile to do so. I thought those kinds of values had been lost in
our society. My company is a corporate training company, and
one of the things we teach is customer service. The story of the
night the GTAA bus driver helped me is one I will tell in training
sessions.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
N
ot only are GTAA Customer Service Staff friendly, they
are also efficient. The following letter was sent in from
a frustrated passenger who left an important binder in
the secured area. Not sure how to retrieve it, her worries were
put to rest when a proficient and professional Terminal Specialist
retrieved the binder and reunited it with its owner.
I would like to commend a lady on the other end of the
information phone who helped me so much recently. I came off a
flight and left a very important binder in the ladies room. I didn't
realize I had left it there until after I went through the security
door down to the baggage area. It was also around midnight so
Lost and Found was closed. I tried asking around as to how I
could get back in and find my property, but to no avail. I was
told to go to the Air Canada agent, then told that I had to go to
security, then told to go to Lost and Found, and it was becoming
very stressful. Then, I called the information phone and this nice
lady listened to my situation, and then she just handled it. She
didn't give me any wrong directions, or tell me to come back
later, or tell me that I couldn't get my things back. She just took
the information and returned my binder to me. She was very
professional – and she got the job done. When I got my binder
back I asked who the lady was, and the fellow who had it said
the lady's name was Vilma. She should be commended.
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
C
ustomer Service shouldn’t end once you leave the
airport. From the curb, to your car, and even all the way
to your door, we are committed to providing you with the
utmost service. We recently received two letters commending us
on the pleasant nature of a GTAA-licensed taxi driver and parking
enforcement officers.
We were very impressed with our taxi driver on July 26. He
was very courteous and friendly. He was very helpful to us with
all the baggage we had, and his conversation was very pleasant.
We could tell that he enjoyed his work, which is not always
common. I will definitely call for his services again. He was the
most professional driver I have experienced in a long time and
have used your company before. Please pass on my comments
and thanks.
Your parking enforcement officers were exceptionally
helpful to us between 8 and 11:30 p.m. on August 4 at the
Terminal 1 Arrivals Level. My wife and I are both handicapped:
me on Oxygen, and my wife with multiple fractures in her left
leg. The parking enforcement officers were very helpful in many
ways. For that, we are very thankful.
A
t Toronto Pearson, we take pride in our Customer
Service staff. They not only act as ambassadors for
the airport, but are often the first, and sometimes
only, face of Canada that travellers passing through see. And
while Canadians are generally known to be kind and caring
people, it means a lot when our passengers experience
the caring and kindness of our staff firsthand. Recently,
the customer service extended to a Canadian passenger
travelling from France reminded her of how proud she is to
be a Canadian.
I injured my hip the day before my flight. I was in
considerable pain, but knew the injury permitted me fly. In
France (where I live and teach), I asked for assistance on the
train going to the airport and then again at the airport and
was told I would have to pay (30 Euros for someone to help
me on the train, 30 Euros for someone to help me transfer
trains, 30 Euros for someone to help me off the train at the
CDG airport, and 45 Euros for someone in the airport to help
me once I went through security). I am not paid that much as
a Ph.D. and thus could not afford it.
When I landed at Toronto Pearson, I struggled. Although
a number of people said they would ask for a wheelchair for
me, I refused as I did not know what the charge would be,
and I did not have that much Canadian cash with me. The
distance between the gate where we landed and Customs
was phenomenally long, and I struggled not only in trying to
walk but in trying to maintain my dignity and not cry in pain.
A woman came toward me and said she would help
me. I tried to refuse while trying to not tell her I could not
afford her. She insisted and put me into a motorized golf cart.
I was incredibly thankful as I still had a long way to go. She
took me to the top of moving stairs and there transferred
me to a wheelchair where another woman took me down
an elevator, through Customs, through a number of other
areas, and along an incredible distance to catch my flight
to Calgary. I arrived just as people were starting to board. I
never would have made it by myself despite the ticket giving
me 1 ½ hours between flights.
I cannot tell you how incredibly impressed I am with your
personnel. I was panicking, close to tears. I felt in a situation
that I was not prepared for (I did not have the money to pay),
and I was in incredible pain. Your personnel were incredibly
kind, refused payment, and simply nodded when I tried to
thank them. I cannot tell you how the kindness of their help
made a tortuous journey tolerable. I was in such pain I did
not think to get their names, and that is my fault. But the
woman who rescued me from my walk and ensured I was
able to get to the other plane deserves a medal.
I will never forget the kindness offered. You have
staff who should make you proud. As a Canadian living in
France, I have become so accustomed to the French ways
I had forgotten how different Canadians are. Thank you for
reminding me why I am proud to be Canadian. Thank you for
hiring people who care.
Do you know an employee that deserves to get noticed for going that extra mile when it comes to customer service? Or of an incident that exemplifies outstanding customer service? If you do, we’d
like to share your story with other Toronto Pearson Today readers. Please send a summary of the event(s) to [email protected].
8 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
PEOPLE at PEARSON
Going behind the scenes with the people that make the airport work.
CHRIS GOULD
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY, SHERATON HOTEL
W
hen you check into the Sheraton
Gateway Hotel located beside
Terminal 3, you can rest assured
that you’ll get a comfortable and secure stay.
And your safety and security is of the utmost
importance to Chris Gould, Complex Director of
Security for the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and
the Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto.
After getting a diploma in Law and Security
Administration from Georgian College, Chris
joined the Starwood Hotel group in 1986 and
applied her background throughout her many
security-related positions. She started out as
a Security Base Agent, then became a Life
Safety Coordinator, where she gained a lot of
experience. in 2001, she became the Director of
Security at Sheraton Gateway.
“Being at the airport is like being in another
little city or town,” she says. “All the resources
you need – health, fire, safety – they’re all here
in close proximity and are all really diligent at
ensuring the overall safety of the community. It’s
a really supportive environment, so for the hotel
to be on the airport property gives us a different
perspective than you’d get downtown.”
It’s that kind of involvement that Chris
says separates the Sheraton Gateway from
other hotels. “It’s really amazing how involved
everyone is here. For example, our GTAA Fire
Prevention Officer Gary Evans is really good
at coming out to meet with us if we have any
questions, to provide us with feedback. And
there are so many resources here that I can call
if I need guidance or just to bounce ideas off.
You don’t always get that kind of service and
due diligence at other locations.”
While ensuring hotel security in general
doesn’t differ from hotel to hotel, the Sheraton
Gateway, which is on airport property and on
federal land, adheres to a different set of codes
and regulations.
“Coming to the airport property was a
huge learning curve because there are many
aspects of security and regulations to take into
consideration,” Chris says. “At a hotel, security
is always a priority, but it is especially important
here.”
Also being part of the airport community
has opened her up to opportunities that don’t
always happen anywhere else. Chris and
her team work closely with the GTAA Fire
Prevention Department. “When I first got here,
we took a tour of the firehall. We’re really lucky
that we are in close proximity to the GTAA Fire
Department, as well as Mississauga Fire.”
Recently, Chris received a Fire Safety
Award from the GTAA for her work on having
the Sheraton’s complete fire alarm system
upgraded. “The hotel is the first responder for
our guests in the event of an emergency, so we
have to ensure that we’re up to date with our
system and with our training.”
The new system replaced all the speakers
and has voice messaging, which provides
guests with timely and consistent messaging.
Tabletop exercises every two months also keep
staff trained and knowledgeable.
“One thing we’ve noticed since 9/11,” Chris
says, “is that when alarms sound, people start
evacuating immediately. Prior to 9/11, alarms
were almost treated as just warnings. We have
to ensure that we keep up with changing trends
and attitudes.”
In her 23 years in the hotel security
industry, Chris has had to deal with minor
to major incidents, which is one of the main
reasons why she enjoys her job as much as she
does. “This job keeps me stimulated. I come
into work everyday not knowing what to expect,
and the unknown is what keeps me coming
back,” she says. “It could be a situation where
a guest has lost their passport and we have
help them contact the embassy. Or it could be a
situation that I call ‘controlled chaos’. I thrive on
the excitement of not knowing what to expect
and love the adrenaline rush.”
One of her most memorable days on the
job was the day of the 2003 Blackout. There
was a labour disruption that same day, and 150200 protestors were outside picketing, with
generators going, playing “Who Let the Dogs
Out.” When the blackout hit and all the power
went out, Chris remembers being in darkness,
but still hearing “Who Let the Dogs Out”
blasting because it was running on a generator.
The hotel was at 100 per cent capacity and the
terminal was evacuating. The hotel’s emergency
generators were running, but she remembers
thinking, “How much power do we have and
for how long?” Eventually the protestors, who
had a couple busses, helped get the stranded
passengers to downtown hotels. Chris also
remembers being on the eighth floor of the
hotel and watching the lights come back on
across the city. “It’s days like that, the epitome
of controlled chaos, where everyone comes
together to help out, that make me excited to
come back to work.”
Whatever the situation, Chris and her team
are dedicated to providing a safe and secure
environment for all guests and employees. The
next time you’re at Toronto Pearson and need a
place to stay for the night, or even just to grab
some food or drinks at a bar or restaurant, pop
over to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel located
at Terminal 3. The hotel also offers a variety
of stopover, getaway and meeting packages.
There’s a dedicated LINK Train station, which
makes it easily accessible from Terminal 1
and the Reduced Rate Parking Lot at Viscount
Station. For more information, please visit
www.sheraton.com/torontoairport.
Left and right: Chris Gould at the Sheraton Gateway hotel. Centre: Chris with members of her team - John De Sousa, Sakthivel Thangaraja and Peter Mensah.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 9
PAST
MEETS
PRESENT
AIR SHOW FEATURES HISTORIC PLANES
Left: Pilot and retired astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield shows off the fold F-86 Sabre in honour of the Centennial of Flight. Right: The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels return to Canada after more than 20 years.
O
nce again, Toronto Pearson had the privilege of being
a part of the 60th Canadian International Air Show
(CIAS), by acting as a base for a number of the military
aircraft used in the show over the Labour Day weekend.
The weather this year was perfect for the show, which
featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, as well as a number of
special guests to mark the 60th anniversary of the CIAS, as well
as the Centennial of Flight in Canada.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels came to town for the first time
in more than 20 years with six F/A-18 Hornets and a C-130T
Hercules support plane nicknamed “Fat Albert.” The Hornets
performed a spectacular show that included tight formations,
loops, barrel rolls at high speeds: some just under the speed of
sound. The Fat Albert, which carries support personnel and spare
parts for the show, also performed aerial demonstrations.
The show also featured the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Viper and
F-22 Raptor, two of the world’s faster fighter jets.
Also on hand for the show was Colonel Chris Hadfield, a
Canadian fighter pilot, retired NASA astronaut and the first
Canadian to walk in space. When he was nine years old, Hadfield
watched the Golden Hawks, the Canadian military aerobatic flying
team, perform and was immediately impacted. He later enrolled
as an Air Cadet, became a fighter pilot and eventually fulfilled
his ultimate dream of being an astronaut. He compares being
in space to flying a fighter plane. “I’ve done two spacewalks,
and the canopy from the deck of the plane is very similar to that
REVVING
UP
RALLYING FOR SICKKIDS
O
n September 26, more than 20 exotic cars rallied
around the Toronto area in search of eight pit stops,
one of which was Toronto Pearson.
At the Air Canada Kids’ Horizons pit stop, an Air Canada
employee marshalled each car into the hangar where an Airbus
A319, adorned in the Air Canada Kids’ Horizons logo, and
enthusiastic employees awaited them. Each team boarded the
airplane in search of their next clue. Once they found it, a pilot
quizzed them on Air Canada. They were then off to the baggage
obstacle, where they had 15 seconds to pack as many items as
possible in a suitcase. A baggage cart obstacle course followed.
Through the airline’s sponsorship of the event, an employee
drove a Hummer during the rally. Driven by Captain Chuck
McKinnon, his navigators included Tara Spencer-Nairn, from
Corner Gas, Julian Pope, the ambassador for Rally for Kids with
Cancer, his dad, and a producer from E-Talk.
With this pit stop complete, each rally team received its
next clue, with the top 10 fundraising teams receiving a surprise
pit stop: 20 minutes in an Air Canada simulator.
Each rally team included a driver and navigator. Each driver
raised at least $25,000 and had access to a high-end car, such
as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley or Mirage GT. The more money
the driver raised, the higher he or she was on the list to pick a
celebrity navigator, such as Adam Rodriguez from CSI Miami.
The rally raised more than $1.4 million and a million
10 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
Photo courtesy of Air Canada
Aeroplan miles for Toronto’s SickKids Foundation. Air Canada
Kids’ Horizons offers a Hospital Transportation Program that
provides Aeroplan Miles to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada
enabling children, accompanied by their parents, to receive
medical treatment not available in their communities. To learn
more about Kids’ Horizons or to donate Aeroplan Miles, go to
www.aircanada.com/kids.
of a space ship. Once you’re up there, it just opens up. You feel
like you’ve left earth and you’re weightless. It’s a great vantage
point.”
In honour of the Centennial of Flight, Colonel Hadfield flew
a gold F-86 Sabre, refurbished from 1954, which was a great
honour. “My first memory of planes was seeing the Golden Hawks
fly, so to be able to fly this plane is a great privilege for me.”
No doubt that for the thousands of spectators who saw the
show this year, it was a great privilege for them too.
For more information and to check out photos from the
show, please visit the CIAS website at www.cias.org.
OPENED
DOORS
T
his September, the GTAA partnered with the City
of Mississauga’s Culture Division to participate in
Doors Open Mississauga. The Fire and Emergency
Services Training Institute (FESTI) at Toronto Pearson was
chosen as a feature site for the program.
On that crisp sunny day, the FESTI team provided hourly
demonstrations and activities. Visitors were treated to a
simulated residential fire and the deployment of Emergency
Services to extinguish it. They also were able to walk through
the smoke tower to experience the sensation of a smokefilled environment. They watched as the rope rescue team
descended from a six-storey roof to rescue a trapped victim
and bring him to safety. They were also offered a unique
opportunity to watch a response to a simulated aircraft
emergency – an exercise that involved large flames and
airport fire apparatus.
Also on hand for demonstrations were the GTAA Canine
Unit and Falcon/Environmental Services.
Doors Open is a free, family-friendly event featuring
heritage sites, places of worship and urban greenscapes.
Each site offers their activities and informative tours to give
members of the public a different perspective on the spaces
and places that make up the community. The GTAA was please
to be a part of this year’s event. For more information on Doors
Open Mississauga, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.
FEEL THE VIBE
AIR CANADA
GTAA COIN
ISLANDS COME TO PEARSON EXCHANGE
The St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra plays for arriving passengers at Terminal 1.
O
n July 23, passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson from
around the world were transported to the Caribbean,
as they were greeted by sounds of steel pan drums.
The St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra performed
pop, jazz and reggae songs, infused with a distinctive island
flavour. As part of the GTAA’s partnership with Scotiabank
Caribana, the performance was designed to let visitors know that
the festival starts at the airport.
Toby Lennox, GTAA V.P. of Corporate Affairs and
Communications said, “Nothing says summer in Toronto like
Scotiabank Caribana. We’re proud to support this signature event
and to bring a piece of it to the airport and our arriving passengers.
These kids are amazing performers and I think travellers were
pleasantly surprised to see a live show in Terminal 1.”
O
n July 22, Air Canada and GTAA employees were
invited to take part in Olympic Coin Exchange event
in the spirit of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games
in Vancouver.
Employees from both companies are invited to exchange
a quarter for one from the Vancouver 2010 Circulation Coin
Series – the Bobsleigh.
For the complete list of 2010 Winter Games coins in
circulation and to get your own 2010 Coin Collector Card,
please visit the Royal Canadian Mint at www.mint.ca.
HOOP
DANCE
AN ABORIGINAL TRADITION
F
or four days in August, passengers departing or
arriving at Terminal 1 were treated to a live Aboriginal
hoop dance performed by Lisa Odjig, two-time World
Champion hoop dancer.
The hoop dance, which originated in New Mexico and gained
widespread popularity across North America at powwows and
festivals, is a traditional Aboriginal dance symbolic of the circle
of life. A hoop dancer must exercise precision, showmanship,
timing, rhythm, creativity and speed as he or she weaves her
body in and out of the hoops in time with the fast beat of the
drum, all the while creating depictions of animals, birds and the
earth.
The performances were presented in partnership with
Planet IndigenUs, a multi-disciplinary arts festival, which took
place at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre and Brantford’s Woodland
Cultural Centre, showcasing Canadian Aboriginal artists in an
international context. Through music, dance, visual arts, craft
design, theatre, literary art and film presented through interactive
performances and workshops, the festival aimed to help advance
local artists’ careers, develop local, national and international
links, and give the beauty of indigenous art new audiences.
Two- time World Champion hoop dancer, Lisa Odjig, performs a
traditional hoop dance at Terminal 1
GO PAPERLESS
T
oronto Pearson Today is going
paperless. The fourth quarter
2009 issue will be the last
issue mailed out to subscribers. If
you are on our mailing list and would
still like to receive an online version
via e-mail, please drop us a line at
[email protected]. An online
PDF version is also available at
www.GTAA.com.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 11
SHOPandDINE
An exploration in taste and shopping at Toronto Pearson.
PANOPOLIS
P
anopolis and its “breads from
around the globe” has now opened
pre-security at Toronto Pearson
International Airport, and marks yet another
success by SSP, the leading operator of food
and beverage brands worldwide.
This European artisan bakery concept is
sure to overwhelm travellers both from a design
and foodie perspective. Warm tones and natural
materials are combined with muted lighting
and a clean, well organized aesthetic interior,
creating the perfect setting for travellers to
partake in Panopolis’ culinary adventure. Black
and white lithographs artistically communicate
the essence of Panopolis – from the dough to
the fresh fillings, it is about authenticity and the
importance of each and every detail. Baskets
of crisp, warm artisan breads rest peacefully
on shelves throughout the restaurant and yield
an enticing aroma, while modern glass cases
overflow with artisan bread creations, tempting
pastries and gourmet salads.
“At Panopolis, we really want to provide
an inviting atmosphere for the customer,” says
Richard Wilson, SSP Senior Unit Manager,
Terminal 3. “It’s a bit more difficult being presecurity because passengers don’t usually
stay out by the check-in counters for long. But
while they are here, we are here to provide a
comfortable environment, great food and great
service.”
Ample comfortable seating is lined by
a distinctive cut-steel rail-front, providing a
sanctuary to relax and indulge with a cappuccino
and an ‘inspiring sandwich’.
Signature
sandwiches include baguettes filled with
premium chicken drizzled with savory barbeque
sauce and crispy oven fired flat breads filled
with shaved ham, aged cheddar cheese and
house made frittata.
“We’re always trying out new
combinations,” Wilson says. “Recently we did
a tuna salad sandwich that’s not your usual tuna
salad. We added crisp celery and red onion –
we really strive to provide something familiar
but with a twist.”
As well as their artisan sandwiches,
Panopolis offers baked goods that are baked
fresh three times daily, so no matter what
time you’re in the mood for something sweet
and hearty, you can rest assured that you’ll be
getting a fresh product every time. While the
food and atmosphere is top notch, the prices
are affordable with sandwiches ranging from
$5.99 to $8.99.
Panopolis also has an extensive selection
of coffee drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos
to espressos, as well as a variety of premium
wines, beer and specialized cocktails. “We have
a few Canadian wines so that travellers from
all over have to chance to sample a Canadian
wine,” Wilson says.
Panopolis has created an inspiring
ambience in the middle of busy Terminal 3.
So, the next time you’re travelling through or
dropping off a loved one and in the mood for
something healthy and hearty, be sure to stop
in at Panopolis. It is opened from 4:30 a.m.
until 11 p.m. and is located pre-security on the
Departures Level.
Airport employees are invited to enjoy
Panopolis with a 10 per cent discount. Just
present your RAIC card when ordering.
Panopolis offerings, from left: A selection of fresh baked cookies and pastries; Artisan breads on display; A signature dish – Hot Beef and Cheddar Sandwich with red onion and tomato.
12 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
ARTand EXHIBITIONS
Because there’s plenty to take in before and after your flight.
BEAUTIFUL
NOISE
W
ater spoke to photographer
Barbara Cole. She always loved
to swim, and when she bought
a house with a pool, she began to think about
taking photographs underwater. The connection
was immediate: “From my first roll of film shot
underwater, I knew I had found my vision.”
Cole presents her interpretation of water’s
effect on the human spirit, and uses water
as a metaphor for emotion. Water provides a
new means of communicating emotion. The
image White NOise shows a woman’s cathartic
scream, with sound being replaced by a flurry
of bubbles.
Cole recognizes that water gives life
and sustains life, yet it can also disorient and
threaten. The water both obscures and reveals
– the images are distorted and abstracted, but
movement is clearly revealed by ripples and the
trajectories of the bubbles. The dual nature of
water is reinforced by two types of subjects in
the photographs. There are “the swimmers” in
Rondo and Pantomime, or subjects in bathing
suits who seem to belong in the water. And
there are “the others” in Duet and Sonia’s Suite:
fully clothed subjects who seem accidentally
inserted into the water. The effect is that of an
elegant, ghostly shipwreck, whose passengers
dance, rather than struggle, in the water.
Ultimately, these painterly images inspire
reflection on our relationship with water, not
only as a source of enjoyment and recreation,
but also as a precious natural resource.
Cole hopes that “the emotional interaction
of people underwater can serve as a spotlight
on the pressing concerns regarding clean water
initiatives.”
White NOise includes eight 40” x 30”
reflective lenticulars and two spectacular 60” x
40” backlit lenticular light boxes. The dynamic
images intrigued Lee Petrie, GTAA Curator.
Barbara Cole began her career as a model, and
was then offered a job as a fashion editor at
the Toronto Sun in the early 1970s. After coordinating fashion shoots, she decided to try
photography, honing her skills in the darkroom
at the Sun. In 1982, she established her own
studio in order to produce both freelance
commercial work and to build a portfolio of fine
art photographs for exhibitions. Since 2001, she
has focussed on underwater photography.
For the White NOise series, Cole
includes backlit and lenticular photographs.
The lenticulars are made by combining two
or more images with specialized software.
The interlaced images are mounted behind
a lenticular lens screen (a sheet of plastic
ribbed with narrow cylindrical lenses). This
process results in an image that appears to
move as the viewer changes position. “Even
as we were installing the show,” said Petrie,
“passengers’ eyes were caught by the surprise
of an apparently still photograph moving. This
kind of experience draws people in and makes
them pause to consider the image, and our
relationship with water.”
White NOise will be on exhibit until
January 10, 2010, in the Airspace Gallery in
Barbara Cole’s Duet on display in the Airspace Gallery in Terminal 1 until January 10, 2010.
Terminal 1, located directly above the Domestic
Arrivals hall. Travel documents are not required
to view the exhibit. If you find yourself at
Terminal 1, it’s definitely worth a look.
65-POINT PLAN FOR
SUSTAINABLE
LIVING
S
mall aerial photographs of subdivisions
are scattered across the wall of the
bridge that links the check-in counters
to the Domestic Departures screening area in
Terminal 1. At first glance, the photographs
look like straightforward portraits of suburban
communities, but upon closer examination, it
becomes clear that there are no roads in or out
of the subdivisions. Artist Jeremy Drummond
has manipulated images of communities in
major cities in each province and territory in
Canada and in each state in the United States
to become “self-contained garrisons against
their surroundings.”
In the accompanying Grave Architecture
series, Drummond captures images of proposed
and abandoned suburban housing projects
– victims of the faltering economy and the
burst real-estate bubble. Drummond’s images
emphasize the unsustainable nature of these
structures, which are increasingly coming
to terms with their tenuous and unrealistic
relationship to their surrounding economic and
ecological supports. Unmoored from the source
of their support, these images suggest a planning
model in dramatic need of realignment.
Jeremy Drummond is a Canadian artist and
curator, currently living in Richmond, Virginia.
In 1999, he received a BFA in Studio Arts from
the University of Western Ontario, and in 2003,
a MFA in Art Media Studies from Syracuse
University. His work has been exhibited widely
in festivals, galleries and museums throughout
North America, South America, Europe and
Asia. He is represented by ADA Gallery and
teaches in the Department of Art & Art History
at the University of Richmond (Richmond, VA).
Since 2005, Drummond has been
focussed on the production of an extensive
body of work entitled Everybody Knows This
Is Nowhere. This ongoing project incorporates
various media to reveal issues surrounding
landscape development, cultural diversity, and
mediated experience within contemporary
suburban environments. The project explores
the relationship between people and their
environment, both on an intimate level and a
grand scale.
This exhibition is curated by Tomas
Jonsson and is presented in partnership with
No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 13
FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE
AIRPORT COMMUNITY
O
ne of Toronto Pearson’s “best kept secrets” is the
Airline Financial Credit Union (AFCU), located on the
Ground Level of Terminal 1. Founded in 1950, the AFCU
has a strong history and provides financial services to members
of the airport community.
The AFCU recently appointed a new General Manager, Gary
Renouf, who is enthusiastic about the future changes to come for
the company, starting with the company’s new website.
“The web initiative was a direct response to meeting our
members’ needs, with particular attention to those who travel
extensively around the glove and who prefer the convenience of
24-hour access,” he says. “The new site is completely secure,
application-driven, easy to navigate and extremely convenient. It
gives our travelling members the opportunity to deal with us on
their terms – any time, and from anywhere they choose.”
Some services that the AFCU offers are online investing
through Q-trade Investor, an award winning program that allows
members to take advantage of low trading fees and access to
just about every stock, bond or mutual fund online. Members
also get fantastic rates on home and auto insurance.
“Bottom line,” Gary said, “is that we’re focussed on
continually improving our service and offering great rates for our
members.”
Benefits of joining AFCU include financial security,
competitive rates and personal service. “We’ve been serving the
airline business for nearly 60 years, so we know and understand
the airline industry and that really helps us serve our members
better,” Gary says. “Beyond that, it’s important to know that
AFCU is member owned. If you have an account here, you’re
a part owner. This means that you will not only be seen as an
owner, you’ll be treated like one too.”
Membership to the AFCU is open to anyone associated with
Toronto Pearson, as well as government agencies. Immediate
family members can also join. Once you’re a member, you’re
always a member and can continue to enjoy the privileges of
membership even if you change jobs or retire.
For more information on the AFCU, please visit
www.airlinecreditunion.ca or send an e-mail to
[email protected].
Airline Financial Credit Union’s branch in Terminal 1.
FALLEN HEROES
E
very day, thousands of firefighters report to work and
put their own lives on the line to help out others in need.
Right here at Toronto Pearson, we have 80 dedicated
men and women protecting life and property. One of them,
Captain Daniel Beaudoin (pictured, far left), recently represented
the GTAA at a ceremony in Ottawa paying tribute to the over 940
Canadian firefighters who have lost their lives serving Canada
since organized fire services began in the 1820s.
On behalf of the GTAA, Captain Beaudoin also presented a
cheque for $500 to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
This registered, non-profit charitable organization aims to
recognize all Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of
duty and provide relevant care for their survivors.
Each Friday, GTAA employees participate in “Casual for
a Cause” day, where they donate $2 to dress down, with the
proceeds going directly to a different charity each month. A
portion of the $500 was raised through the September 11 “Casual
for a Cause” day.
SUPER
CONNIE
T
he Toronto Pearson “Super Connie” was recently taken
to her final resting place in the Museum of Flight in
Seattle, Washington.
Connie, aka the Lockheed Constellation, was a four-engine,
propeller-driven airliner built between 1943 and 1958. It served
Toronto as part of the Trans-Canada Airlines (later named Air
Canada) fleet for almost a decade. It helped pioneer non-stop
service to Western Canada and Europe, and brought tens of
thousands of new Canadians to the GTA between 1956 and the
early 1960s. It also served as a restaurant for a period of time. It
sat at Toronto Pearson for more than 10 years before being taken
to Rome, New York.
Photo courtesy of Ken Swartz
14 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009
PREMIUM
MEMBERSHIP
P
laza Premium, who now offers travellers at Toronto
Pearson access to five lounges, recently launched
a membership program available to all travellers
globally.
Being a Plaza Premium lounge member gives you access
to the V.I.P. lounges regardless of travel class or airline at any
of the 34 lounges at airports worldwide.
Plaza Premium lounges offer services for the business
and leisure traveller alike, such as business centres with
outlets for laptops, Internet and Wi-Fi access, international
TV stations, napping and shower facilities, and unlimited food
and beverage service.
Visit any of the Plaza Premium lounges at Toronto
Pearson for information on their membership program. There
are two located in Terminal 1 in the Domestic and Transborder
departure areas, and two in Terminal 3 in the Domestic and
International departures areas. The Toronto Pearson Lounge,
operated by Plaza Premium, is located in Terminal 1, across
from Gate 177.
SNIFFING OUT
EXPLOSIVES
W
ith his nose to the ground, Rony frantically sniffs
around several silver paint cans. He comes across
one that catches his attention and promptly sits
down. “Good boy,” says his handler Domenic Capotorto, GTAA
Canine Unit Officer, as he tosses Rony his toy – a reward for a
job well done.
On October 8, the GTAA’s Canine Unit, as well as officers
from the Toronto Police Service, York Region Police Service and
Guelph Police Service, were in explosives detection training for
two new odours.
Gerard O’Sullivan from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Fire arms and Explosives (ATF) brought his dog as well as the
new scents and a new training method for the dogs to learn.
“The training exercise is to get the dogs used to the new
odour that’s the flavour of the day for terrorists,” Capotorto said.
“The exercise imprints the ‘hot’ odour in the dogs’ brain so that
they’ll be able to identify it in the future.”
This was the first time the ATF has come to GTAA, although
GTAA officers have an ongoing relationship with the agency and
have travelled to the U.S. to train.
The dogs are put through several different exercises where
they must identify the ‘hot’ odour located within the cans from a
variety of other scents, which included baby powder, cotton balls
and dryer sheets. Frequent training of new scents and methods
keep the dogs’ minds fresh and active. And it doesn’t take very
long for the scent to be imprinted in their brains. After a few
rounds through the training course, most dogs were correctly
identifying the new odour.
With the addition of the two new scents, GTAA Explosives
Detection dogs can now identify 20 different odours of active
ingredients found in explosives and firearms today.
CALL FOR
ACTION
T
GTAA Canine Unit Officer Domenic Capotorto and Rony run through the explosives training exercise to identify two new odours.
he GTAA, along with more than 60 leading Canadian
companies, has issued a global business call for
action on climate change to the UN SecretaryGeneral. Canadian corporate leaders are calling for world
governments to complete an ambitious, robust and equitable
deal on climate change at the UN climate negotiations in
Copenhagen this December.
This call to action urges world governments to adopt
a global emissions cap and long-term reduction for all
greenhouse gas emissions and sources, and requires
developed countries to lead on these reduction commitments.
The GTAA is proud to be among this list of reputable
companies encouraging this strong action against climate
change.
Canadian signatories represented on the communiqué
include Research in Motion, Royal Bank of Canada,
Bombardier Inc., BMO Financial Group, and the GTAA, to
name a few.
To view the full text of the Copenhagen Communiqué,
visit //www.cpsl.cam.ac.uk.
To view the full signatories list, visit www.cbsr.ca/
cbsrftp/MEH/CurrentCopenhagenCommuniqueSignatories.
pdf.
AS
SEEN
AT
TORONTO PEARSON
To have your photos appear in this publication, they must meet the following criteria:
S
ummer has come and gone, but luckily for us, two contributors were able
to capture the beauty of the summer
sunrise and sunset from the airport. The top
photo of an amazing sunrise across the airport
was sent in by GTAA Resource Coordinator
Brian Dunn from the control tower early one
morning. The bottom photo was sent in by J.M.
(Jim) Corrigan. He managed to capture the
Emirates A-380 at sunset from his window seat
on the apron as he waited to takeoff for London
Heathrow on his Air Canada flight.
Every issue of Toronto Pearson Today features a selection of photographs taken by our
readers. If you think you’ve taken a good picture at Toronto Pearson, we’d like to see it.
• They must have been taken by the person submitting the photo(s). Photographs copywritten to
someone other than the person submitting the
photo(s) will not be printed.
• The photo(s) must have some relation to Toronto Pearson, such as a terminal or an aircraft
on or near airport property.
• Digital photographs should be technically
sound. A resolution of 300 dpi at 4” x 6” is preferred. Photos will be reviewed for technical
specifications on a case-by-case basis.
Digital images can be e-mailed to
[email protected]. Address prints to:
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Toronto Pearson International Airport,
P.O. Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive,
Toronto AMF, Ontario, L5P 1B2.
Mark the envelope to the attention of
Corporate Affairs and Communications —
Jason Ritchie. Prints will be returned only upon
request.
Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009 15
10%
Cert no. SW-COC-1383
Publications Mail Agreement No.40930520
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Toronto Pearson International Airport
P.O. Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive
Toronto AMF, Ontario
L5P 1B2
16 Toronto Pearson Today Third Quarter 2009