Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has partnered with the British Columbia government in an effort aimed at fighting pollution in the aviation sector, growing investment and supporting clean, sustainable jobs and business opportunities for people in British Columbia.
Through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), YVR and the Province will collaborate with Indigenous partners, communities and aviation and aerospace stakeholders over three years to deliver new products, projects and activities that reflect shared priorities.
Priorities include accelerating sustainable aviation to fight pollution and reduce emissions; promoting workforce development growth to meet demand for skilled workers in aerospace and aviation; and enhance goods and people movement, positioning YVR as a key hub within a multi-modal hub for people and goods movement between communities throughout British Columbia; among others.
“This partnership recognizes the important role that YVR and B.C.’s aviation sector plays in the diversification of the provincial economy including zero-carbon innovation, technology, international trade and investment, and skills training,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver International Airport. “Together with the Government of British Columbia, we are advancing important work and creating value for all British Columbians by strengthening connections between businesses, communities and sustainable economic growth.”
To kick off the partnership,, the Province is investing in three key projects that will support the broader aviation industry: They consist of C$250,000 for a sustainable aviation fuel opportunities study to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels and clean technologies; C$375,000 to support the creation of a net-zero airports action plan to outline actions for carbon-reduction measures across the B.C. airport network in line with CleanBC objectives, and C$250,000 for a study to explore opportunities to enhance the movement of people and goods between YVR, Vancouver Island and beyond, to facilitate multi-modal access to new markets and increase the resiliency of supply chains.
The MOU will also help enhance access to reliable, sustainable air services, YVR said. This is vital to Indigenous communities as it ensures access to critical health and emergency services, supports job creation, creates business and tourism opportunities, and maintains their connection to other parts of the province.
