The Vancouver International Airport just got bigger on Thursday, launching a new $113 million wing in the domestic terminal called the C-Pier.
It comes with moving sidewalks, native art-work and 800 chairs.
Its five new gates will be used mainly by Air Canada. The company says it will now be able to bring more Boeing 777s to Vancouver, and the location of the terminal will shorten baggage wait times.
The facility also has eight new shops and six eateries.
But at a time of softening tourism traffic in B.C. some might wonder if the new terminal is really needed.
The airport's senior vice-president, marketing Tony Gugliotta is convinced that it is.
"Airports have to plan from a long term basis. Our initial planning for this expansion started in 1993,'' he said.
Officials gave the green light to the expansion in 2003, when financial times were rosier. Getting through tough times is just part of the game.
"In the long run this facility is going to be around for another 40 to 50 years,'' said Gugliotta. "And so I think it's going to be well utilized."
Air Canada Chief Executive Officer Calin Rovinescu agreed that the expansion is needed.
"We will have significantly increased traffic because of the Olympics,'' he said.
To compete with other airports in these challenging economic timed, Vancouver is trying to keep costs down for carriers. The new stores and food outlets are designed to help.
"We use those revenues to offset some of the costs and so that's less money we have to get from the airlines in terms of fees and charges,'' said Gugliotta
Passengers say they are proud of the new expansion. It's a good thing because they paid for it.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's St. John Alexander
