Premier Issue. comoxairport.com. Inside. Comox Valley Airport News Issue One March 2011

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Comox Valley Airport News Issue One March 2011 Premier Issue Inside 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 Message from the CEO YQQ Celebrates First Year Milestone of New Fuelling Service On the Fly Cafe Celebrates Grand

1 Comox Valley Airport News Issue One March 2011 Premier Issue Inside Message from the CEO YQQ Celebrates First Year Milestone of New Fuelling Service On the Fly Cafe Celebrates Grand Opening and First Anniversary Airport Has Plan to Expand and Improve Service Comox Valley Residents Experience the Benefits of Choosing YQQ for Their Winter Getaway New 2011 Print Advertising Campaign Announced Revitalizing YQQ s Brand Key to Implementing New Strategic Plan YQQ Reports Steady Increase in Growth for 2010 Passenger numbers rebounded at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) in 2010, with almost 300,000 passengers served. Almost 7,000 more people flew through the terminal than in the previous year- the equivalent of 40 Boeing 737 airplanes. The Comox Valley Airport offers one of the most comprehensive scheduled air service networks on Vancouver Island, said CEO Shirley de Silva. Our share of Vancouver Island s seat capacity has doubled over the last decade. A total of 296,845 travelers moved through the terminal in 2010, an increase of 557 passengers per month over the previous year. De Silva confirmed the increase is on par with Transport Canada s predicted 2.3 per cent annual growth for the Canadian airport sector in Following several years of vigorous passenger growth at all Canadian airports, traffic levels declined in 2009 as part of the global economic downturn, explained de Silva. The Comox Valley Airport is experiencing a steady but manageable rebound in passenger numbers as demand for travel increases across the country. YQQ s busiest month in 2010 was August, which saw a total of 33,588 passengers an increase of 962 passengers over the same month in December s holiday rush saw a total of 24,733 passengers, or an increase of 508 passengers for the same time period in the previous year. The airport estimates a sustainable annual increase of three per cent, which could place YQQ s annual passenger numbers as high as 344,125 by comoxairport.com

A Dedicated Public Communications Program We are now in the midst of applying a dedicated public relations and communications program to the airport.

2 A Dedicated Public Communications Program We are now in the midst of applying a dedicated public relations and communications program to the airport. We have refreshed our website and continue to increase our visibility through targeted media relations and promotional activities. You may have already noticed our new print advertising campaign, which can be found on our website and the electronic screens at YQQ. Our new marketing plan is aimed at targeting outbound, inbound and charter passengers. Advertisements will be found throughout many Vancouver Island tourist publications, local newspapers, radio, electronic media and outdoor locations. Message from the CEO We are pleased to present our inaugural edition of FLY YQQ. This quarterly publication is intended to keep all of our stakeholders informed about news and events at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). It is part of our commitment to improve our communications with our community partners, passengers and airlines. New Strategic Direction With the release of our new five-year strategic plan in November, we have been making a concentrated effort to focus our activities in support of a new vision to expand YQQ s scheduled air services network. Improved communications is a key component of achieving our vision and it is one of the main goals approved by our Board of Directors. I am pleased to report that we are making great progress in this area, beginning with the hiring of a Marketing and Public Communications Manager in the fall of Branding YQQ The launch of our new marketing campaign is the first step in moving towards a new brand for YQQ that will assist us in expanding our scheduled air services network. The timing is right for us to examine our identity as a civilian air terminal and to ensure our brand reflects who we are and where we want to be in the future. We have already sought input from our valued stakeholders, airlines, passengers and all of those who work at YQQ. We will be pleased to present the result of this feedback in the form of a new brand identity to be launched later in the spring. A New Journey I hope that you enjoy this first edition of FLY YQQ. For us, it signifies the beginning of a journey as we strive to attract new complementary routes and increase our passenger loads all in order to grow our business and keep our operations thriving. Sincerely, Shirley de Silva Chief Executive Officer Comox Valley Airport 2

YQQ Celebrates First Year Milestone of New Fuelling Service The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) marked its first successful year in the aviation fuelling business in February. With over 4.

Our partnership with Shell Aviation has been excellent and has allowed us to service our air carriers with jet fuel whenever it is needed, said CEO Shirley de Silva.

3 YQQ Celebrates First Year Milestone of New Fuelling Service The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) marked its first successful year in the aviation fuelling business in February. With over 4.1 million litres of jet fuel pumped into more than 1,000 waiting aircraft in 2010, YQQ is pleased with the results of the service. Our partnership with Shell Aviation has been excellent and has allowed us to service our air carriers with jet fuel whenever it is needed, said CEO Shirley de Silva. This type of service is essential in attracting additional airlines and routes to the Comox Valley Airport. Having aviation fuel available on site is a key service offering for all YQQ air carriers including, WestJet, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal and most recently the Air Transat chartered Canjet B-737 s. Original plans estimated a volume of 1.6 to 2.0 million litres of fuel, but this mark was surpassed during the 2010 summer months. The final result was a doubling in fuel demand with over 4.1 million litres of fuel provided. In order to meet this increased need, YQQ hired two additional part time maintenance/fuel employees. (From left to right) Comox Valley Airport Commission staff: Ash Mohtadi, Shirley de Silva, Lisa Wilhelm, Joel Louke, George McGill, Ian Heselgrave, Alex Robertson, Scott Harlock, Garry Hynds. This service is the result of more than three years of planning and over $1 million of investment in the new fuel facility, equipment and service vehicles, said Airside Manager Ash Mohtadi. Our fuel team has done a remarkable job of quickly coming up to speed and maintaining Shell Aviation s quality standards, while satisfying the needs of our airlines. We look forward to a continued successful working relationship with Shell in the years to come. On the Fly Cafe Celebrates Grand Opening and First Anniversary The Comox Valley Airport is pleased to announce the first anniversary and grand opening of the popular On the Fly Cafe, which has become a favourite among our passengers and employees. To celebrate the milestone, owners Andrea and Jackie welcomed guests with food from their brand new menu, wine, entertainment, laughter and a wonderfully upbeat atmosphere. As the owners paused for a photo opportunity and officially cut the ribbon to commemorate the special day, guests were showered with balloons that contained prizes. While patrons stood in line to collect their loot, Kenny Shaw serenaded all with an eclectic mix of music and comedy. Owners Andrea Wagemaker and Jackie Blocka cut the ribbon and pose for a photo with Ian Hesselgrave and Alex Robertson from CVAC. 3

Airport Has Plan to Expand and Improve Service The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) has completed its new strategic plan and will be focused on a vision of expanding air service delivery for the next four

4 Airport Has Plan to Expand and Improve Service The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) has completed its new strategic plan and will be focused on a vision of expanding air service delivery for the next four to five years. The Board determined it was important to provide an updated strategic plan in 2010 that reflected the current economic realities and also provided an outlook for the next four years, said Comox Valley Airport Commission Chair, Ken Dawson. This included revisiting the Airport s vision and main objectives to help determine our course for the future. Five strategic goals have been developed to achieve the new vision including: expansion of air services to new destinations and enhancing services to current destinations, providing facilities and services that address current and future needs of customers, developing an effective marketing strategy and brand, remaining financially viable and competitive, and promoting professional development for staff and board members. Developing and expanding the airport s scheduled air services network will be the vision that determines all of our future goals and objectives, explained Dawson. Our goal is to bring more airlines, routes and passengers into our terminal building. We will be seeking out services that are complementary to our current network. Dawson also confirmed the terminal building is equipped to handle projected passenger numbers for the next five years and that the Airport Administration will be focused on maximizing the terminal building s potential for the duration of the strategy. We have a high degree of confidence that this terminal building can meet the needs of our travellers through the duration of this plan, he said. We estimate an annual increase of about three per cent per year in passenger growth, echoed CEO Shirley de Silva. This could place our passenger numbers as high has 344,125 by 2015 a number that our current building is quite capable of accommodating. Dawson also highlighted the new shared approach taken in developing the plan. The Board looked to nominating entities and the Comox Valley Airport Commission Administration team for input into the document for the first time. Dawson says the result represents a collaborative achievement that everyone can be proud of. We are very pleased we were able to start this process early and that it was a collaborative and inclusive document, he said. This year was the first time staff including the entire administrative team and supervisors was included in the development of the plan. We feel the input of our employees is very important, de Silva affirmed. It s not a plan done in isolation; we re trying to open it up for input from as many people as possible. In doing it that way, it sometimes takes longer, but I think we end up with a better product and plan, concluded Dawson. 4

Comox Valley Residents Experience the Benefits of Choosing YQQ for Their Winter Getaway The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) enjoyed a busy winter travel season with more than 9,000 passengers boarding

WestJet continues its seasonal service from YQQ throughout the winter every Saturday until April 30th.

Passengers were greeted with a Fiesta celebration to commemorate the winter season s inaugural flight.

5 Comox Valley Residents Experience the Benefits of Choosing YQQ for Their Winter Getaway The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) enjoyed a busy winter travel season with more than 9,000 passengers boarding flights to Mexico to escape the winter drizzle. The first Valley residents to say adios to winter departed for Puerto Vallarta early in November aboard WestJet. WestJet continues its seasonal service from YQQ throughout the winter every Saturday until April 30th. Air Transat Holidays also began offering flights to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta just in time for Christmas. Departures are scheduled every Monday and Tuesday until April 5th. Passengers were greeted with a Fiesta celebration to commemorate the winter season s inaugural flight. Authentic Mexican music filled the terminal building, which was adorned with colourful fiesta steamers and sombreros. Passengers were also treated to traditional Mexican fare served up by Diego s Restaurant in Courtenay, while JetFM was onsite to broadcast the entire event live. Diego s serves up delicious fare for passengers. Excited passengers make their way through security at YQQ. Comox Valley Airport CEO, Shirley de Silva, says YQQ is pleased to be able to offer passengers multiple flights each week to sun destinations throughout the winter season. Our easy in, easy out flights ensured that guests seeking rest and relaxation do not have to add additional stress to their travel itinerary. 5 De Silva said that passengers who choose to leave the Island through the Comox Valley Airport avoid incorporating a lengthy drive or ferry crossing into their travel plans. Beyond Mexico, YQQ s direct flights to gateway cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary offer an abundance of final destination options for even the most discerning traveler. Thanks to code share arrangements, Comox Valley residents can leave from YQQ and end up virtually anywhere around the globe by booking with just one airline, she confirmed. The Comox Valley Airport has been operating successful charter flights for the past six years with the first charter to Puerto Vallarta commencing in December Cancun was added as a destination two years later.

6 Revitalizing YQQ s Brand Key to Implementing New Strategic Plan As the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) works to develop and expand its air services network, work is underway to embark on a rebranding program that will support the airport s vision and meet the commitments set out in the new strategic plan. After an extensive RFP process, YQQ hired Cossette and its research partner, Strategic Initiatives, to assist in the development of the new brand. This includes gathering input from airlines, passengers, stakeholders, the community, staff, volunteers and tenants. New 2011 Print Advertising Campaign Announced The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is pleased to announce the new print advertising campaign for 2011, which is now available on the airport s website. The goal of this new campaign is to portray our airport as a vibrant and dynamic facility that is the best and most efficient point of access to and from Vancouver Island, said CEO Shirley de Silva. The new campaign is a series of three advertisements. The inbound ad portrays the benefits of using YQQ as a main point of access to Vancouver Island, while the outbound ad conveys the many options available to travelers who choose to exit the Island via the Comox Valley Airport. The destination ad is aimed at seasonal travelers who are seeking sun destinations. The rebranding of the airport is on track for spring/ summer 2011, confirmed de Silva. The new print advertising campaign is an important first step towards the planned rebrand. Our ads are driving us towards the dynamic portrayal that we will be seeking in our new visual identity and the overall brand for the airport. Cossette has extensive experience helping organizations develop innovative and dynamic brands and its clients include the BC Ministry of Tourism, the Government of Alberta, the BC Lottery Corporation and McDonald s Restaurants of Canada. Our goal is to develop a brand that will help us to grow our business and keep our operations thriving, said Christianne Wile, Manager of Marketing and Public Communications. It is our hope that the new brand will also inspire a sense of pride for the people who work at the airport, as well as the citizens of the Comox Valley. Wile noted that branding is commonly associated with a company s logo or visual identity. While YQQ s new brand will include a visual identity and tagline, this will be just one piece of an overall program that includes business development, strategic marketing, media relations and public relations, she confirmed. To Subscribe: info@comoxairport.com Submissions and feedback: Editor: cwile@comoxairport.com Phone: Mailing: 118, 1250 Knight Rd, Comox, BC V9M-4H2 comoxairport.com 6

YQQ seeking art celebrating island living

YQQ seeking art celebrating island living Comox Valley Airport News Issue Nine June 2013 Inside 2 Message from the CEO 3 Air Show returning to Comox 4 YQQ responds to requests for more food and beverage services in boarding lounge 5 Comox Valley