| YQQ Presents 2011 Goals, Objectives and Achievements | |
| July 25, 2011 | News Release |
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YQQ Presents 2011 Goals, Objectives and Achievements The Commission's five year strategic plan includes five goals focused on achieving an overall vision of developing and expanding YQQ's scheduled air services network: expanded air services, facilities meeting customer needs, effective communications, financially viable and competitive operations and professional development for staff and board members. In pursuit of its strategic vision, CVAC has been working for the past eight months to identify and build business cases for possible new routes at YQQ. "We are focusing on destinations that are currently being accessed through other airports by passengers residing within our catchment areas," said de Silva. "We have been approaching airlines, including our current tenants, with business cases for possible new routes. Our goal is to obtain complimentary air service that will help to grow our passenger numbers and keep our business and operations thriving." In support of this goal, the Comox Valley Airport has presented a total of 11 business cases so far, including meetings at airline headquarters and organized sessions like the Aviation Council International and Routes International Conferences. A new branding initiative unveiled at the meeting, provides a strong platform to effectively market YQQ to passengers and potential airlines. The Commission also reported that passenger numbers at the airport increased by 2.3 per cent over 2009 and projected a minimum three per cent increase for the next five years. With increased air service, that number could potentially be even higher reported de Silva. She also confirmed the current passenger terminal can accommodate both current and projected increases to passenger loads and the focus over the next five years will be to utilize the airport's current infrastructure to its full capacity. "As we approach new airlines we must be able to assure them that we are operating our passenger terminal in a fiscally responsible manner in order to keep our fees low," explained de Silva. "We have undertaken a number of improvements to the current terminal building to ensure the best possible passenger experience and we will continue to identify ways that we can improve without taking on large capital projects." De Silva described one such improvement as the recent redesign of the entranceway to the Security Screening area to accommodate more passengers at once and reduce the overall wait times in line. 2011 also saw the introduction of fuel services at YQQ and CVAC was also pleased to accept the Shell Goal Zero silver award for operations excellence as a result of the successful and safe delivery of this new service. She also noted several improvements to YQQ's financial practices and increased opportunities for professional development for CVAC staff and board members, including 21 external professional development opportunities and 32 in-house sessions ranging in topics from security, human factors, fuelling, ramp awareness, health and safety and the airport's Safe Harbour program. Further details on the commissions goals, objectives and achievements can be found in the 2011 Accountability Report posted on the Comox Valley Airport Website at: comoxairport.com/about us/publications.
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The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) was established in 1996 as a non-share capital and not-for-profit organization to operate the civil aviation facilities, including the terminal and apron, at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). The airfield and its associated systems are operated by the Canadian Air Force at 19 Wing Comox on a continuous 24-hour basis. Media Contact: Christianne Wile | |