YYC Forecasts Fewer Passengers in 2021 Amid Long Recovery

The Calgary Airport Authority released its 2020 annual report at its Annual General Meeting on April 14. The report’s “World of Stories” theme, emphasizes the challenging impacts of the pandemic on YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) with depressed passenger levels and revenues. With an anticipated five-year recovery, the Authority expects there may be consequences for Canadians in accessing affordable air travel in the future.

Highlights:

· 2020 was a challenging year with YYC seeing only 5.7 million guests, down from 18 million in 2019.

· Cargo landings increased by 11 percent in 2020, moving critical goods including PPE, medical supplies and vaccines.

· 2021 will be an equally difficult year with the current forecast of only 5.1 million guests.

YYC's internationally accredited #FlyHealthyYYC program and its commitment to moving people and critical cargo for our region positions it for recovery.

“The pandemic decimated demand for travel and erased 25 years of passenger growth at YYC,” said Bob Sartor, president and CEO, Calgary Airport Authority. “We are asking for the government to collaborate with us on a national approach to testing and to support innovation as a way to help the aviation industry recover.”

The authority proudly advocated for and participated in the Government of Alberta’s International Border Pilot Testing Program. This joint program between provincial and federal governments provided a science-based and data-driven approach to safe air travel. The authority strongly believes this type of testing program, along with mass vaccination, are key to rebuilding trust with travelers.

“We know Canadians will be ready to travel by air soon, and when that day comes, YYC will be ready. We all look forward to that day,” said Sartor.

Employee rapid testing program

The week of April 14, YYC began offering a free and voluntary COVID-19 testing screening program for employees of the Authority. The onsite, 20-minute rapid antigen testing program reflects our ongoing commitment to safety providing an extra layer of protection for its employees by reducing the risk of asymptomatic transmission. The testing will be performed by contracted screening technicians with confidential results available in about 20 minutes.

Announcing the Authority’s new Chair of the Board of Directors

The Authority’s Board of Directors announced that Matthew Heffernan will serve as the next chair beginning in August 2021. Heffernan is a current director, appointed to the Board in 2015. He was most recently the CEO of Banded Iron Group, a Calgary based oil and gas field services company. Heffernan has served on many boards and has extensive experience in executive management roles in technology, sales and business development. Current Chair, Michael Casey, Q.C., term ends this summer after first being appointed as a Director in 2014 and as Chair since 2017.

Quick facts:

· 2020 revenues declined 60 percent, culminating in a $23 million cash deficit.

· $68 million in debt taken on in 2020. Total debt obligation is now $2.98 billion.

· Decline in passenger airlines flying at YYC from 21 to 8.

· Decline in non-stop destinations served from 88 to 42.

· 50 percent of terminal space is closed.

· 80 percent of our eating and shopping outlets are temporarily closed.

· 80 percent decline in demand for parking, rental cars, taxis and ridesharing.

· 50 aircraft parked on aprons and taxiways in long-term storage.

· 43 percent of guests in 2020 were connecting through YYC to their destination.