Canada is one of the world’s leading countries in business aviation, with a diverse and dynamic industry that contributes significantly to the national economy and society. According to the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), a non-profit association formed in 1961 as Canada’s voice for business aviation, the industry has approximately 400 member companies and organizations, including operators, management companies, and suppliers. The Canadian aerospace industry, which includes business aviation, is the fifth largest in the world, with $24 billion in revenues in 2019, supporting approximately 213,000 jobs across the country. It is ranked in the top 3 globally in the production of civil simulators, turboprop and helicopter engines, business jets, and regional aircraft.
Below is a compilation of the ten busiest international airports in Canada, arranged according to their passenger traffic volume in 2019:
- Lester B. Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ)
- Vancouver International Airport Vancouver (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR)
- Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL, ICAO: CYUL)
- Calgary International Airport (IATA: YYC, ICAO: CYYC)
- Edmonton International Airport (IATA: YEG, ICAO: CYEG)
Lester B. Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ)
YYZ has two active public terminals, named Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 has three levels: ground level for ground transportation, level 1 for arrivals, level 2 for departures, and level 3 for check-in. Terminal 1 also has two piers: pier D for international flights and pier E for domestic flights. Terminal 3 has two levels: arrivals and departures. Terminal 3 also has two concourses: concourse A for international flights and concourse B for domestic and US flights. Passengers can use the automated people mover system, called the Link Train, to travel between the terminals and the parking garages.
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR)
YVR has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the South Terminal. The Main Terminal has three levels: level 1 for arrivals, level 2 for US departures, and level 3 for international and domestic departures. The Main Terminal also has five concourses: concourse A for international flights, concourse B for domestic flights, concourse C for domestic and international flights, concourse D for US flights, and concourse E for US and international flights. The South Terminal is mainly used for regional and private flights. Passengers can use the free shuttle bus service or the Canada Line rapid transit system to travel between the terminals.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL, ICAO: CYUL)
YUL has one terminal with four areas: public area, domestic area, international area, and transborder area. The public area is the central hub for all passenger services, such as check-in, security screening, baggage claim, and customs. The domestic area serves flights within Canada, the international area serves flights outside North America, and the transborder area serves flights to the United States. Each area has its own departure and arrival gates, as well as amenities such as shops, restaurants, and lounges. Passengers can use the free shuttle bus service or walk through the covered walkways to travel between the areas.
Understanding Slot Requirements for International Operations in Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) facilitates general aviation and business aviation flights without the need for runway slots. However, it offers the YYZ Express online reservation system to streamline the departure process. Passengers can reserve a time slot for security screening by entering their flight details and party size, selecting an available slot, and receiving a QR code via email. This code must be presented at the security checkpoint within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. YYZ Express is applicable for domestic, international, and US flights at both terminals and is free of charge, allowing bookings up to 24 hours before departure.
In contrast, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) mandates runway slots for general and business aviation, managed by the Airport Reservation Office (ARO) through the Online Coordination System (OCS). Operators must possess an OCS account to reserve slots or coordinate with their FBO for assistance. Local operators can secure slots up to 14 days in advance, while itinerant operators can do so up to 72 hours before operation. If requested slots are unavailable, the system suggests the nearest available timings before and after. Operators receive a confirmation number (slot ID) to include in their flight plan, with obligations to update the ARO via OCS in case of changes or cancellations to planned flight times.
Overflight and Landing Permits in Canada’s International Operations
When organizing overflight permits for Canada, it’s essential to understand that these permits primarily apply to experimental aircraft. While private non-revenue or charter flights usually bypass the need for overflight permits, experimental aircraft must follow specific procedures set by Transport Canada (TC). Typically, overflight permits require a lead time of five working days and remain valid for 10 days post-issuance. Essential documentation for overflight permits includes certificates such as the certificate of aircraft registration and special airworthiness certificate. Furthermore, operators must ensure the presence of worldwide insurance documentation onboard the aircraft and maintain communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding any schedule changes to ensure compliance during overflight.
Regarding landing permits, private non-revenue flights into Canada typically do not necessitate landing permits, except for specific cases such as charter operations exceeding 35,000 lbs. MTOW. Charter operators are obliged to obtain a Canadian operator license and a Canadian foreign air operator certificate, a process that typically takes around two weeks. Compliance also involves submitting monthly reports of charter activity to Canada and adhering to cabotage-related restrictions for charter operations within Canada. Failure to comply with reporting obligations may lead to penalties or the suspension of operating privileges.
Needed Documents for Canada’s Overflight Permits
When obtaining overflight permits for Canada, it’s essential to ensure you have the necessary documentation and information in place. This includes a complete flight schedule, entry/exit, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) flight plan. Passenger details must be accurately provided, along with consignee and consignor information for cargo flights. Additionally, operators need to furnish a list of essential aircraft documents, which typically include the Air Operating Certificate (private aircraft AOC not required), Certificate of Airworthiness, Insurance Certificate, Noise Certificate, and Registration Certificate. These documents collectively ensure compliance and facilitate smooth overflight operations within Canadian airspace.
Ground Handling Operations at International Airports in Canada
Ground handling operations at Canada’s international airports encompass a comprehensive range of services vital for the smooth functioning of air travel. These services include aircraft marshaling, baggage handling, passenger assistance, fueling, catering, and maintenance support. Ground support equipment (GSE) is deployed to facilitate these operations efficiently.
Lester B. Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ)
YYZ is the main airport of Toronto and the busiest airport in Canada. The ground services facilities are spread over an area of 268,000 square meters and have 175 GSE (Ground Support Equipment) units. Fuel supply is provided through a fuel distribution system consisting of 12 fuel tanks and 14 fuel stations. Jet A-1 and Avgas 100LL are available fuel types at YYZ.
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR)
YVR is the main airport of Vancouver and the second busiest airport in Canada. The ground services facilities cover an area of 130,000 square meters and include 150 GSE units. Fuel supply is facilitated by a fuel distribution system composed of 8 fuel tanks and 10 fuel stations. Jet A-1 and Avgas 100LL are available fuel types at YVR.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL, ICAO: CYUL)
YUL is the main airport of Montreal and the third busiest airport in Canada. The ground services facilities span an area of 100,000 square meters and comprise 120 GSE units. Fuel supply is managed through a fuel distribution system consisting of 6 fuel tanks and 8 fuel stations. Jet A-1 and Avgas 100LL are available fuel types at YUL.
Calgary International Airport (IATA: YYC, ICAO: CYYC)
YYC is the main airport of Calgary and the fourth busiest airport in Canada. The ground services facilities occupy an area of 80,000 square meters and have 100 GSE units. Fuel supply is facilitated by a fuel distribution system composed of 4 fuel tanks and 6 fuel stations. Jet A-1 and Avgas 100LL are available fuel types at YYC.
Edmonton International Airport (IATA: YEG, ICAO: CYEG)
YEG is the main airport of Edmonton and the fifth busiest airport in Canada. The ground services facilities cover an area of 60,000 square meters and include 80 GSE units. Fuel supply is managed through a fuel distribution system consisting of 2 fuel tanks and 4 fuel stations. Jet A-1 and Avgas 100LL are available fuel types at YEG.
Explore the nuances of business aviation flight operations in Canada through Just Aviation’s in-depth expertise. Our comprehensive analysis delves into regulatory mandates and airport infrastructure, offering insights into every facet of navigating this dynamic market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or venturing into new opportunities, rely on Just Aviation to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to traverse Canada’s aviation landscape effectively.