Vancouver airport getting $74 million to increase cargo capacity

Vancouver International Airport will receive up to $74.3 million for an expansion that will increase cargo capacity.

The funding, under the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund will equip the airport to handle more cargo, as well as improve its facilities and efficiency, and reduce pollution.

This project will allow larger aircraft to move between between cargo facilities and the runway. It will increase parking space capacity to accommodate four additional widebody freighter aircraft; upgrade an access road; and prepare the site for the construction of a new air cargo warehouse.

This project will also support business growth of Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet and Cargojet. It is estimated that the project will reduce truck travel by up to 229 million kilometres over 30 years because local exporters will not need to transport their products to an airport further away. This will improve highway safety and reduce GHG emissions.

The goods exported through Vancouver International Airport support key economic growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. In addition, sectors such as agriculture and fisheries need reliable air cargo export shipments to ensure perishable items can reach global markets in a timely manner.

In total, improvements will boost the airport’s cargo capacity by 160,000 tonnes, representing a $22 billion increase to Canada’s trade potential annually.

This project will benefit shippers by offering more flexibility for shipment size, fewer limitations on transporting machinery and electrical goods, and fewer restrictions imposed by passenger schedules and demand.

Moreover, by making room for fuel-efficient widebody freighter aircraft at the terminal, pollution generated by the movement of air cargo through Vancouver International Airport will be reduced by up to 25 percent. It will enable the airport to handle more air cargo while also helping create a greener transportation system in Canada.

“Cargo and our focus on growth and optimization is in direct service of our community and the economy that supports it. The substantial funding from the National Trade Corridors Fund for cargo development at YVR will enhance our role as gateway for global and domestic cargo operators,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.

“With improved capacity and infrastructure, we will handle more essential cargo and contribute to building stronger and more resilient supply chains between Canada and global markets, benefitting local businesses and consumers.”