Release #07.042
August 8, 2007

ALPA Pilots Name Vancouver International Airport its 2007 Airport of the Year

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has named Vancouver International Airport (YVR) its 2007 Airport of the Year. ALPA’s Airport and Ground Environment (AGE) Group selected the airport for the great efforts it makes to engage the pilot community in discussions and reviews of operational procedures and facility plans through a number of interactive initiatives.

“Vancouver International Airport hosts an annual Chief Pilots meeting which brings together all airport stakeholders to discuss funding requests and airfield improvements,” said ALPA AGE Chairman Capt. Bob Perkins. “Two prime safety initiatives that stemmed from these meetings include the installation of runway guard lights on the airport’s oldest runway and extensive pavement repairs on several of its taxiways.”

YVR’s Airport Authority also established a Web site to provide pilots with more information on activities and operations at the airport and an opportunity to provide 24-7 feedback on issues of importance. “This open approach to communication, with not only pilots but the entire aviation community, provides a model for all airports to follow,” Perkins said.

The Vancouver Airport Authority also recognizes and appreciates the unique needs of pilots wherever possible. For example, in its security procedures, YVR recently adopted an approved list that allows pilot managers to enter employee security lanes when accessing the restricted area to meet with crewmembers on in-flight safety issues.

ALPA’s AGE Group selects the Airport of the Year from nominations made by ALPA’s Regional Safety Chairmen and Airport Liaison Representatives, who represent pilots’ interests at more than 200 commercial airports in the U.S. and Canada.

Nominations range from small regional airports with commercial operations to some of the busiest airports in the world, but all nominees share a common commitment to the highest safety standards.

Capt. Perkins presented the pilot-friendly Airport of the Year Award during ALPA’s Air Safety & Security Week, held in Washington, D.C. Brett Patterson, Director of Operations Safety & Planning, accepted the award on behalf of the Vancouver International Airport.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by ALPA for our commitment to safety and the promotion of open communications with our customers and partners in the pilot community,” said Patterson. “YVR’s growth as a premier global gateway has been achieved through strong partnerships with all of our stakeholders, who play a vital role in our success.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union representing more than 60,000 members at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: Pete Janhunen, Linda Shotwell, Molly Martin, (703) 481-4440