Pearson wins IATA award

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and NAV Canada were big winners in June.

Both were recognized with Eagle Awards at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 66th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Berlin, Germany.

The Eagle Awards honour airports and air navigation service providers for outstanding performance.

The chairman of that panel, Dr Assad Kotaite, presented the awards and spoke about how the global financial crisis had a huge impact on airlines and detailed how they were able to surmount the odds.

The co-operation of all in the value chain was critical as airlines struggled to cope with the unprecedented 14.3-percent drop in revenues… and mounting losses,” says Kotaite. “The Eagle Award winners addressed this challenge in a spirit of partnership and delivered outstanding results.”

IATA awarded Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest airport, with the Most Improved Airport award, recognizing the significant strides the airport has made in its commitment to work with the air carrier industry.

The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA)—which runs Toronto Pearson—has implemented several initiatives to reduce costs and increase its commercial revenues. In January, it implemented a 10-percent decrease in landing and terminal charges, the third consecutive annual fee reduction.

“GTAA is a great turnaround story,” said Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO of IATA.

“A change in management drove change throughout the organization and delivered much-needed performance improvements. By refocusing the airport on meeting the needs of its customers, GTAA went from the IATA Wall of Shame to the Hall of Eagles.”

NAV Canada received the Eagle Award for best air navigation service provider. The criteria for this award included effective customer consultation, transparency in sharing information, reasonable service charges, productivity improvements and a positive record in safety, environment, operational and social issues.

IATA said NAV Canada offers efficient implementation and reliable delivery of air traffic control procedures and technologies, and actively engages its customers at all levels in meaningful consultations.