Vancouver International Airport expansion updates

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated a major milestone with a steel topping ceremony for the expansion of the airport’s International Terminal Building, known as Pier D. The event marked the completion of the structural phase of the building, which remains on schedule to open in 2020. This project is part of YVR’s multi-billion dollar expansion program, which includes 75 projects over 20 years.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated a major milestone today with a steel topping ceremony for the expansion of the airport’s International Terminal Building, known as Pier D. (from left to right) Jason Glue, representing the Board of Directors for the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA); Tertius Serfontein, Senior Director, Airports – Western Canada, Air Canada; Honourable George Chow, B.C. Minister of State for Trade; Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority; and Alec Dan, Musqueam Indian Band. (CNW Group/Vancouver Airport Authority)

Vancouver Airport Authority President and CEO Craig Richmond was joined by the Honourable George Chow, B.C. Minister of State for Trade; Tertius Serfontein, Senior Director, Airports – Western Canada, Air Canada; and Jason Glue, representing the Board of Directors, British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) to celebrate the steel topping.

Once complete, the expanded terminal will include an additional eight wide body gates, including four bridged gates and four remote stand operation (RSO) gates. The added gates will enable the airport to support large aircraft including the A380 which has a wingspan of 260 feet. This expansion will help YVR meet growing passenger demand, having welcomed a record 25.9 million passengers in 2018, better connecting British Columbians and local businesses to the world, while improving the airport experience.

The expansion will continue with YVR’s well-known sense of place. Passengers will experience the beauty of B.C. with a glassed-in nature feature made up of three western hemlock (tsuga heterophylla) trees. Amenities such as digital art, restaurants and bars will also reflect all that B.C. has to offer.

YVR’s operations—together with tourism and cargo—contribute more than $16 billion in total economic output, $8.4 billion in GDP and $1.4 billion in government revenue across B.C. Each new flight through YVR creates hundreds of jobs and contributes millions of dollars in economic benefit to the province.

YVR’s multi-year expansion plans are made possible due to YVR’s unique operating structure. YVR receives no government funding and all profits generated are reinvested back into the airport for the benefit of its customers, partners and communities.