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Following six years of construction and a record-breaking 2015 that saw 15.48 million passengers passing through Calgary International Airport, the new state-of-the-art International Terminal is welcoming its first flight today. In response to growing demand, Alberta's busiest aviation hub has significantly expanded its infrastructure through a $2 billion Airport Development Program, which includes a 14,000-foot-long parallel runway, the longest runway in Canada.
The new terminal adds 24 aircraft gates for international and United States destinations, approximately two million square feet of space to the footprint of the airport, and 50 new shops, dining, and service options. It features a number of firsts and innovative technologies to enhance the user experience.
The first full CATSA Plus passenger screening point in Canada is designed with efficiency in mind. The airport security technology implements automated measures and sensors to reduce waiting times and stress-inducing bottlenecks. YYC is also now the first airport in North America to employ a call-to-gate system, which allows waiting passengers to enjoy the amenities located in the departures area before they board the plane. A number of screens will provide passengers with updated information about their gate assignment and the boarding process.
The check-in hall contains 20 self-bag drop units to streamline passenger flow, though airline agents at the counter will continue to perform that duty as well. From there, passengers' bags will travel on a new Crisbag Baggage Handling System that replaces the traditional single belt with individual "totes", so each bag is easily accounted for and kept separate from the others. This 10-kilometre network of tracks and conveyers can process about 4,000 bags every hour, taking each item less than ten minutes to travel through the entire system.
Movement through the terminal will be a breeze thanks to a fleet of 20 YYC LINK passenger shuttles that will travel along a dedicated route with four stops. Driven by Customer Care Ambassadors, each vehicle is capable of accommodating ten passengers and their carry-on luggage, making the journey between Station A and Station D/E in only five minutes.
The official launch of the new terminal comes after the September 1 opening of the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel, which boasts 318 rooms, a premier destination restaurant, and an abundance of meeting space. Nearly 2,000 lucky Calgarians had the opportunity to participate in a live simulation of the new terminal experience on September 21 and October 5, but with the facility now fully open and operational, Canada's most technologically advanced airport is ready to show off its multibillion-dollar investment to the world.
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