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Air Carriers Cleared for Savings at YVR

Vancouver International Airport Authority is reducing landing fees charged to airlines operating international passenger and cargo flights into Vancouver International Airport (YVR).


September 19, 2007  By Carey Fredericks

Vancouver International Airport Authority is reducing landing fees charged to airlines operating international passenger and cargo flights into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The new rates, effective January 1, 2007, bring international fees in line with domestic fees, which will remain the same, making YVR's international landing fees the lowest of all major Canadian airports.

"We are pleased to pass along substantial cost savings to our airline customers, and we anticipate that this will encourage additional international carriers to fly into YVR in the near future," said Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport Authority.

The cost savings to carriers are substantial, particularly with larger and heavier aircraft. For example, cargo operators using Boeing 747 freighters on international routes will pay 32% less in landing fees in 2007 than they paid in 2006. Similarly, airlines operating passenger flights from the U.S. using Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft will see year-over-year cost savings of 10%, 9% and 6%, respectively.

The decision by the Airport Authority addresses stipulations in Open Skies agreements, such as the one between Canada and the United States, that require airports to equalize domestic and international landing fees.

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"With YVR's strong financial position, the decision to reduce international fees, rather than increase domestic fees, is a strategic move to help increase Vancouver's competitive advantage and stimulate related growth and economic benefits for the region," Berg said.

YVR aims to grow its international traffic as part of its strategic goal to become the premier passenger and trade gateway to the Asia-Pacific. The Airport Authority's announcement coincides with a commitment by the Canadian government to further liberalize air policy with its recently announced Blue Sky initiative.

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