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March 2024

Toronto Pearson Highlights

Government Budget Submissions

Provincial: 

Ahead of the province’s 2024 budget presentation on March 26, the GTAA has provided a submission to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of their 2024 pre-budget consultations. The submission provides a look at the GTAA’s key recommendations to ensure the continued success of Toronto Pearson. 

Here’s an overview of the GTAA’s recommendations: 

1. Ensure collaboration with the Government of Ontario, Toronto Pearson, and other Ontario airports on Land Use and Employment Zone Preservation.  
2. Connecting the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension to Canada’s largest airport to support greater regional connectivity for employees and travellers alike. 
3. Collaboration with the Province in support Toronto Pearson’s growth by advocating for critical federal infrastructure support and that the province consider airports for funding as part of the mandate for the Ontario infrastructure bank. 
4. Continued support from the Government of Ontario towards large employers, including the GTAA, through investment in airport workforce development initiatives such as the “Ready To Work” program. 

Federal: 

With the upcoming presentation of the 2024 federal budget on April 16, the GTAA put in a federal pre-budget submission to recommend the federal government take immediate action to keep pace with travel demand, rapidly improve the passenger experience, and fuel the Canadian economy. 

Here are GTAA’s recommended immediate actions: 

1. Investing in Canada’s airport infrastructure for customer experience: That the government unlock revenue tools to support transformative infrastructure projects to ensure Canada’s aviation system is globally competitive, meeting climate change goals and on the leading edge of passenger service. 
2. Boosting competitiveness and airport affordability through ground lease amendments: That Transport Canada amend Toronto Pearson’s existing ground lease agreement to allow us to exercise the existing option to extend the lease by 20 years. 
3. Protecting Canada’s air space and supply chains: That the government strengthen land-use planning and Airport Zoning Regulations (AZRs) by amending the Aeronautics Act to address deficiencies associated with current regulations, strengthen the enforcement process and protecting the land around the airport from development that would affect operations and future growth.  
4. Getting Canada to net zero through investments in innovation: That the government provide greater financial incentives to help the aviation sector support Canada’s net-zero goals with projects to develop sustainable aviation fuels, electrification and other projects that support transition to a greener economy. 
5. Improving the traveller journey: That the government adequately fund CATSA to deliver globally competitive service standards for security screening. Specifically at Toronto Pearson, CATSA should be funded to process 95 per cent of travellers in five minutes, with no one waiting longer than 20 minutes. 
6. Adopting digital tools to enhance the travel experience: That the government accelerate digitization of the traveller journey through the use of biometrics and other technologies at check-in, self-serve baggage drops, security screening and boarding, and for inbound international travellers. 

Our capital plan is taking off with Pearson LIFT!

The GTAA is embarking on a major capital plan spanning more than 10 years to meet growing passenger demand and to create one of the world’s most advanced, competitive, sustainable, and people-friendly airports. This undertaking, named Pearson LIFT (Long-term Investments in Facilities and Terminals), will be realized in three programs, as part of our construction plan that will improve and modernize our terminals, facilities, airfield, infrastructure, and groundside access. 

On April 12, we’re hosting an industry forum to give construction, engineering and design firms a chance to learn more about our plan and explore opportunities to join our ecosystem of partners that will work together to deliver the future of Toronto Pearson. This is the first step in initiating the procurement process for Pearson LIFT. 

We look forward to sharing more details on our capital plan in future meetings.

Deborah Flint attends the Government of Canada’s Black History Month celebration in Ottawa 

On February 7, Deborah Flint was invited to attend the Government of Canada’s official Black History Month celebrations in Ottawa, along with other business leaders and federal politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez, Diversity & Inclusion Minister Kamal Khera and others. 

International Women’s Day celebration with MP Francesco Sorbara 

On March 4, Deborah participated in an international Women’s Day Event as a guest of MP Sorbara. The event was heavily attended by members of the Vaughan business community. Deborah spoke about the important role that women play in Toronto Pearson’s workforce. Our support for International Women’s Day goes beyond symbolic gestures as we are taking concrete action that contributes to the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women in the airport community and beyond.

Some actions include: 

• Working with local community organization and women’s advocacy groups to address issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and underemployment. 
• We partner with organizations like “Not in My City” to directly address human trafficking. 
• Over the past 3 years, our community investment program directly helped BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of colour) and refugee women access various employment and training supports.  

Toronto Pearson regains rankings in Forbes’ list of “Canada’s best Employers” in 2024 

Toronto Pearson has regained its ranking in Forbes’ list of “Canada’s Best Employers” for 2024. The annual list ranks the best 300 Canadian employers identified by their independent survey. This year, Toronto Pearson ranked number 210 overall and was ninth among all Transportation and Logistics companies included in the list. To remain a destination for top talent, Toronto Pearson will continue to sharpen its focus on employee health and wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We remain committed to being a progressive workplace that prioritizes professional growth for all our employees. We are also proud to be the only airport included on the 2024 list. Learn more. 

Toronto Pearson reclaims ranking as ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers in North America’ 

We are pleased to share that Toronto Pearson has been named “Best Airport over 40 Million Passengers in North America” by Airports Council International (ACI) World for 2023, the global trade representative of the world’s airports. This prestigious award is recognized and coveted by airports around the world. 

The win comes as part of ACI World’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, which recognizes airports across the globe for delivering the best experience for their passengers. The ASQ program measures more than 30 performance indicators of airport experience, directly gathered through surveys from passengers. Learn more.  

We are grateful to everyone who travelled through Toronto Pearson and shared their feedback. Thank you for your trust in us over the past year. 

Pearson Works wins an award at Ontario Tourism Summit 

We are thrilled to announce that Pearson Works! was named a winner of the 2023 Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) Workforce Innovation and Collaboration Award. Pearson Works is our airport-wide initiative which has brought together employers and key stakeholders to promote Toronto Pearson as an excellent place to work and meet workforce needs. 

As part of the 2023 Ontario Tourism Summit in November, this award recognizes the innovative solutions developed by Ontario tourism businesses. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts in supporting workforce challenges.  

We want to express our gratitude to partners and employees who have supported this incredible initiative. Our work doesn’t stop here! We will continue to build on this momentum to make Toronto Pearson an even better place to work, with the long-term goal to map career pathways across the entire airport. 

Improving our operations

GTAA and air carriers enter into airline partnership agreements 

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has entered into Airline Partnership Agreements with several airlines for a new rebate program aimed at driving better performance and passenger experience at Canada’s busiest airport.  

Airlines representing approximately 90% of seats at Toronto Pearson are eligible to earn rebates by achieving certain passenger volume thresholds and meeting targets related to operational performance, including on-time departures and timely baggage delivery. 

These agreements are expected to help the GTAA achieve financial sustainability in two ways: Incentivizing passenger growth, and reducing the expected rebates the GTAA pays to carriers compared to previous long-term agreements which ended on December 31, 2023. 

Pearson’s aeronautical fees combined with the rebate program are competitive to other large airports across North America, which reinforces Toronto Pearson’s standing as a leading global hub. Each agreement lasts for three years, starting January 1, 2024, with a GTAA option to extend for up to two additional years. 

Satellite Primary Inspection Line opened at Terminal 3 

As part of a collaborative effort between GTAA, CBSA, and CATSA to ensure a smooth, stress-free and efficient experience for connecting passengers through Pearson airport, we recently introduced the Satellite Primary Inspection Line (SPIL) in Terminal 3. Travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson airport and proceeding to catch domestic flights will now enjoy an easy pathway between international and domestic connections through a new dedicated customs area exclusive for connecting passengers allowing them to stay on the secure side of the airport. 

This facility is equipped with Primary Inspection Kiosk machines, Canadian Air Transport Security Agency lanes, and Canada Border Services Agency booths, a family washroom, a waiting area, and Operational Support Representatives to guide passengers. The new connection facility will significantly reduce connection time and enhance the overall experience. 

Toronto Pearson’s newest routes 

We are excited to announce new routes and offers from our airline partners for travellers. You can now fly to these destinations from Toronto Pearson:

• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: Explore more of the country with Air Canada offering 3 weekly flights to Yellowknife. 
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Airlines is a new carrier for Toronto Pearson and is the only service between Saudi Arabia and Canada with three weekly trips now available. 
• Montego Bay, Jamaica: One of the largest international destinations for us in the winter! You can escape the Canadian winter with Canada Jetlines three times weekly. 
• Bonaire: WestJet is now offering the only service to Bonaire from Canada twice weekly. 
• Miami, Florida: Enjoy the Florida sun with Porter Airlines offering seven weekly flights to Miami, Florida 
• Fort-de-France, Martinique: Another single carrier heading to a new destination. Enjoy Air Canada’s flight to Fort-de-France offered once a week! 
• Kingston, Jamaica: Another sunny destination on the map. Flair Airlines can take you on a trip to Kingston, Jamacia three times weekly! 
• Lima, Peru: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture of Lima, Peru with Air Transat three times weekly. 
• Los Angeles, California: Porter Airlines started the new year off right with seven weekly flights to Los Angeles, California. 
• San Francisco, California: Porter Airlines can’t get enough of the California sun this year, added another seven weekly flights to San Francisco since January 25. 

Celebrating 15 years of Sustainability Leadership 

We recently celebrated 15 years of Partners in Project Green – a joint initiative of Toronto Pearson and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). During a lunch and learn session, we explored the legacy of the partnership between Toronto Pearson and Partners in Project Green and looked ahead to what the future holds for both organizations as they work together to tackle the climate emergency, implement innovative infrastructure solutions, and engage with local communities. The session included a facilitated discussion led by the Region of Peel’s Director of the Office of Climate Change and Energy Management, Christine Tu and Woodbine Entertainment’s Kimberley Medeiros, Director of Community, Government Relations and Corporate Citizenship. 

Learn more about this legacy partnership and the work to tackle the climate emergency, implement innovative infrastructure solutions, and engage with local communities to create a healthier environment for all people and other animals that live nearby. 

Exploring our terminals

Never Miss a Gate Change 

Are you hearing impaired and concerned about missing gate announcements? To receive real-time notifications directly to your mobile device, please visit Mobile Gate Device - Home at torontopearson.com. 

At Pearson Airport, we’re committed to providing a smooth and enjoyable airport experience for all. We provide a wide variety of accessible services, programs and facilities designed to enable more choice, comfort and independence, whether you’re here as a traveller, an employee or a part of our airport worker community.  

Accessibility First: Recognizing World Braille Day at Toronto Pearson 

On January 4, we recognized World Braille Day and the importance of braille in empowering people who are blind or partially sighted across the globe through inclusion, access to education and equitable job opportunities. We want to provide inclusive access to the joys of air travel through a safe and welcoming airport experience for everyone, which is why we are on a journey to make Toronto Pearson the most accessible airport in the world. 

Invented by Louis Braille, this remarkable communication system uses six dots to represent each letter, number, and even math, science and music symbols. Braille has transformed the lives of people around the globe through access to education, the joy of reading, social inclusion and more equitable job opportunities.

To learn more about accessibility at Toronto Pearson, visit: torontopearson.com/accessibility.   

Our communities 

GTAA announces recipients for the Propeller Project’s Uplift Fund  

Toronto Pearson is thrilled to announce that nine local organizations will share a total of $770,000 in funding aimed at breaking down barriers to employment and cultivating opportunities for communities that neighbour the airport. While the recipients range in size and scope, they all deliver compelling projects that advance workforce development in our surrounding communities. More specifically, these organizations are presenting creative and impactful ways for a diverse range of job seekers to find greater, meaningful employment and for employers to attract and retain local talent. Learn more. 

GTAA hosted another successful airport-wide job fair 

On February 22, Toronto Pearson hosted another successful airport-wide job fair. We hosted nearly 2000 job seekers and had over 25 airport employers looking to fill 700 positions across the airport. Job seekers were able to meet with employers to learn about available positions and drop off their resumes with employers they were interested in working with.  

Pearson Airport is located in the second-largest employment zone in Canada - second only to downtown Toronto - and offers a variety of interesting and meaningful career opportunities. 

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Noise Forum meetings 

The Noise Management Forums are a series of briefings, presentations and working groups that are helping Pearson work smarter with its communities and collaborate better with industry partners. You can view the schedule of upcoming meetings here.

Join us on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for our Pearson Public Meeting online as part of our Noise Management Forums. We have a drop-in portion where you can ask questions based on where you live relative to the airport and a public meeting portion with presentations and a question period.

A friendly reminder that our neighbours are welcome to attend Pearson Public meetings to learn more about airport operations, hear about noise management efforts, and provide feedback to industry partners. Visit our noise forum webpage to review materials or watch the recording from previous Pearson Public meetings. Another way to learn more about airport operations is by visiting InsightFull, for customized information based on your address as well as reports on operations, complaints, and noise. 

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