Photo via Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) served its 20 millionth passenger this week, a new record for Canada's second-largest airport and a critical landmark in its trajectory towards 25 million passengers by 2020.

"Our goal remains clear: to connect British Columbians proudly to the world while establishing YVR as a world-class sustainable gateway between Asia and the Americas," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We are committed to creating new jobs, increasing access to global destinations and opening new markets for B.C. goods through innovative strategies that continue to drive growth."

Among the new strategies planned for the airport is ConnectYVR, a new rates and charges program for airlines that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2016. In response to YVR's commitment to develop new sources of non-aviation related revenue, ConnectYVR offers airlines financial incentives for growth and efficiency, as well as a standard rate structure for landing and terminal fees.

"By incenting airlines to grow and improving our terminal facilities and processes to move passengers and planes quickly, we can continue to attract new airlines to YVR and position ourselves as a major international hub in the increasingly competitive aviation industry," said Richmond.

Looking forward, with a goal of serving 25 million passengers by 2020, YVR is investigating new routes, increased frequencies, larger planes and new airlines.

In 2015, YVR welcomed two new airlines: Air France launched thrice-weekly seasonal service to Paris in March and in December Aeromexico began daily service to Mexico City. Every new daily international flight to YVR creates between 150 and 200 new jobs at the airport and in B.C.'s hotels, tourism attractions and businesses. Current YVR operations support more than 23,600 airport jobs and generate $5.3 billion in total gross domestic product and $11.7 billion in total economic output into the Canadian economy.

Reaching 25 million passengers by 2020 would add 5,000-7,000 jobs at YVR, generate an additional $2.7 billion in gross domestic product and create more than $800 million in new tax revenues to local, provincial and federal governments.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is managed by the Vancouver Airport Authority, a community-based, not-for-profit organization. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 111 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

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