No. A011/03 For release October 17, 2003 OFFICIAL OPENING OF IMPROVEDFACILITIES AT FREDERICTON AIRPORT-->Fredericton, NB -- Andy Scott, MP (Fredericton), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Lyle Smith, Chairman of the Greater Fredericton Airport Authority, today participated in the official opening of improved facilities at Fredericton Airport. The Government of Canada contributed $2.7 million towards these projects under the terms of the Fredericton Airport Transfer Agreement."Fredericton Airport is a key component of the transportation system of the Greater Fredericton area," said Mr. Scott. "These improvements will help Fredericton Airport remain a world class facility with the capability of playing a major role in the economic development of this community."The improvements consist of the expansion of the arrivals area in the air terminal building and the expansion of the aircraft parking apron. The 750 square meters expansion of the arrivals area in the air terminal building better accommodates a second luggage belt and a customs area, and provides room for a greater number of travellers. The parking apron -- a facility on the airside of the air terminal building that is used for parking aircraft for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers and cargo, for refuelling, and carrying out maintenance -- has been expanded by 5400 square metres. "These improved facilities will help ensure that the Greater Fredericton Airport is fully equipped to handle more aircraft, including large ones from outside Canada, as well as a greater number of passengers," said Mr. Smith. "This is good news for the airlines, the passengers and the Greater Fredericton area.""The Fredericton Airport is an important link in the National Airports System," said Mr. Collenette. "With these projects, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its continued commitment towards the Fredericton Airport and the Greater Fredericton area." In May 2001, the Greater Fredericton Airport Authority and Transport Canada signed the Fredericton Airport Transfer Agreement, which transferred operational, managerial and developmental control of Fredericton Airport to the locally based Authority. As part of the agreement, the Government of Canada provided funding for improvement projects at the airport that would be identified by the Greater Fredericton Airport Authority based on their priorities for future airport needs, and for safety related projects. - 30 - Contacts: Maurice Landry Transport Canada (506) 851-7314 Heather-Anne MacLean Greater Fredericton Airport Authority (506) 460-0926 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
