Vancouver Airport Authority comments on B.C. Government’s elimination of the aviation fuel tax for international flights

On behalf of Vancouver Airport Authority, I offer my congratulations to the Government of British Columbia for delivering on its promise to eliminate the aviation fuel tax for international commercial flights operating out of B.C.’s airports, including Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The provincial government’s commitment will encourage new air services and increased frequencies, which in turn offer more travel options for British Columbians. Expanded air service to and from YVR contributes substantially to British Columbia’s economy, with every new daily international flight creating between 150 and 200 jobs at the airport, adding to the 23,600 people who currently work at YVR.

Aviation fuel tax relief is an important strategy that supports Canada’s Pacific Gateway. It makes it easier for airports in B.C. to compete for international traffic with airports in other jurisdictions such as Alberta and Washington State that do not have this type of tax. The Airport Authority and its airline partners are also hard at work on other initiatives, including a five-year incentive program to increase routes and capacity at YVR. The additional flights we expect to attract to YVR by 2020 will enable B.C. companies to access more markets and customers, as well as a wider base of suppliers, business partners and employees.

For more information:
Media Relations
Vancouver Airport Authority
604.880.9815; media_relations@yvr.ca
www.yvr.ca / Twitter: @yvrairport