Vancouver airport CEO responds to Carney’s airport privatization plan

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will seek private investment for Canada’s four largest airports: YVR, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport and Calgary International Airport. The government would retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, while using long-term concessions to bring new capital and expertise into airport operations and growth.

YVR president and CEO Tamara Vrooman said the airport has been engaging with the federal government for months since Carney indicated he intended to explore airport investment opportunities. She said YVR will continue to engage with Ottawa and Musqueam, citing their unique relationship.

Vrooman said YVR’s operating model, adopted in 1992, has generated significant value for B.C. and Canada. She said 28,000 people work on Sea Island each day, while YVR supports an additional 130,000 jobs nationally and contributes $16 billion to Canada’s GDP. She said the airport looks forward to exploring how the proposal could improve the passenger experience, support people and the community, and deliver long-term economic value.

Carney said the investments could also support regional airports, more affordable regional and remote air connections, local transportation infrastructure and a sovereign broadband backbone linking Canadians from coast to coast to coast, with more direct and secure connections to Europe and Asia.