Y C D NEWS
January, 2004
The following items have been supplied by David Hunter, General Manager of Nanaimo Airport, for the information of all Flying Club Members:
1. Passenger numbers for 2003 have now been tallied at 113,195, up 9.86% over 2002, (200 passenger increase over the projected target) realizing direct passenger revenues of $622,572.50 for the Airport.
2. The snow storm over the Christmas period resulted in major costs in maintaining the airport open for business. Air Canada Jazz proactively canceled a number of flights prior to the storm - allowing many AC passengers the necessary time to make alternate travel plans.
3. An American carrier has been showing interest in creating a scheduled service out of YCD. Discussions are in the early stage but through the efforts of the Airport, Tourism Nanaimo, the Economic Development Group and others, we hope to give the Regional Area another air carrier option at YCD in the near future.
4. The Airport Master Plan has passed through the final discussion process and should be ready for distribution within a month.
5. The approval to purchase a vehicle, under Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 308, has been received from Transport Canada. The successful bidder was Fort Gary Equipment of Winnipeg and the vehicle is expected to be on-site by May, this year.
6. Calls for tenders have gone out for the expansion of the Air Terminal Building and building should commence within one month. This aggressive schedule is to meet the demands of CATSA (Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority).
7. Discussions with Min. of Transportation officials continue regarding highway access.
8. Negotiations on the Airport Zoning Regs (AZRs) with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Regional District of Nanaimo and Transport Canada are progressing well and we should have AZRs in place this Fall to protect the airways around YCD.
9. A presentation on Nanaimo Airport was made to the Vancouver Island Transportation Advisory Committee. This is a committee established by the Provincial Government to advise Ministers on transportation issues. The presentation in Nanaimo included representatives from Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox and Campbell River Airports.
We, in the Airport Management Office, would like to wish all Flying Club Members a safe and prosperous New Year and encourage all to call or drop by if you need any further information on these topics