Toronto Pearson's evolution recognized with "Most Improved" global industry award

BERLIN and TORONTO, June 7 /PRNewswire/ - Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's busiest airport, was honoured today by airlines around the globe with the 2010 IATA Eagle Award for Most Improved Airport. Awarded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global industry award recognizes the significant strides made by Toronto Pearson in its commitment to working with the air carrier industry.

The IATA Eagle Awards are presented in recognition of an airport's outstanding performance in airline satisfaction, cost efficiency and continuous improvement. Marilynne Day-Linton, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which operates Toronto Pearson, accepted the prestigious award from IATA, the leading airline industry body, at IATA's 66th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit taking place in Berlin, Germany.

"Recognition by IATA with the Eagle Award for Most Improved Airport represents a signification milestone for Toronto Pearson," said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA. "There is no greater praise an organization can receive than that from its customers. This award validates the efforts of our employees and our strategic direction. We have worked hard to make Toronto Pearson more competitive. We know there are challenges ahead but we are committed to continue working with the airlines to make Toronto Pearson a leading global airport and the airport of choice in North America for air carriers and for passengers."

The GTAA has taken significant initiatives to reduce costs and increase its commercial revenues. In January of 2010 it implemented a 10 per cent reduction in landing and terminal charges, which was the third consecutive year of reduced fees.

"GTAA is a great turnaround story. A change in management drove change throughout the organization and delivered much-needed performance improvements," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA. "We look forward to further efficiency and performance improvements from these role models for all infrastructure providers. Toronto Pearson must continue to lead the way in setting the standards for performance, cost efficiency and continuous improvements for others to strive for," said Mr. Bisignani.

"Toronto Pearson is Air Canada's major hub. With recent improvements that now have our operations under one roof, its advantageous geographic position in North America and the GTAA's strong support and partnership, we firmly believe Toronto can be transformed into a leading global hub that will serve as both a major gateway to North America for international travellers and a connection point for flights to virtually anywhere in the world," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

"This award recognizes the work we have done with our air carrier partners to make Toronto Pearson a more efficient and effective place for them to do business. This is only the beginning - we will continue to work closely with the air carriers to make Toronto Pearson as competitive as possible." said Mr. McCoomb.

Located 25 kilometres from downtown Toronto, Ontario, Toronto Pearson enjoys unique access to a critical mass of carriers and travellers, including a large, culturally-diverse and high-yield traveller and business community.

About GTAA

The GTAA is the private, non-share operator of Toronto Pearson. All revenue generated by the GTAA is reinvested back into the airport. 65 airlines provide same plane service to 29 Canadian destinations, 48 US destinations and 106 International destinations. In 2009, 30.4 million passengers travelled through Toronto Pearson.

About the IATA Eagle Awards

The IATA Eagle Awards are presented annually to recognize Airports and Air Navigation Service Providers handling a minimum of five million passengers annually who provide quality service and value for money to their airline customers. Award winners are selected by a neutral and independent Panel of experienced individuals from the aviation industry.

The Eagle Awards Panel has highlighted its goal of encouraging good performance across the industry. Consequently, in 2008 the criteria for Eagle Awards broadened to include, in addition to current performance, recognition of "most-improved" airports and Air Navigation Service Providers. These awards recognize airports and providers who offer not only excellent service but strive towards better cost efficiency and continuous improvement. The Eagle Award winners are announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting each year.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority