Toronto Pearson Airport launched SOAN to increase aviation capacity

TIN news:  Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport has joined forces with ten other airports from the region to launch the Southern Ontario Airport Network (SOAN).

The new initiative will help increase aviation capacity that would help meet the rising air travel demand in the region.

As stated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority president and CEO Howard Eng, SOAN will help the region handle 110 million passengers annually by 2043.

The SOAN will complete a catchment and demand study of the region to identify opportunities for future point-to-point growth in leisure, business aviation and short-haul markets at regional airports.

It will also identify the ground transportation requirements in Southern Ontario, as well as suggest investment in ground transportation improvements that will help reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the network will develop suitable strategies for responsible and sustainable airport growth, including community engagement and noise management.

Eng said: “Toronto Pearson has experienced substantial growth in demand for air travel. In 2016, we reported 8% growth in passenger numbers over the previous year, the largest growth year-over-year in the history of the airport.

“This growth is forecasted to continue over the next three decades presenting tremendous opportunity, not only for Toronto Pearson but for the region as a whole.”

In its aim to become a major transport hub, Toronto Pearson will play a particular role as a member of SOAN, attracting and accommodating a larger number of international routes and passengers.

By 2035, the airport aims to be capable of handling 80 million passengers annually, generate 700,000 jobs in the airport employment zone, connect Canada to 80% of the world's economy, and account for 8.5% of Ontario's gross domestic product (GDP).

The other airports in Southern Ontario will benefit from the increased economic opportunity and air travel demand facilitated by Toronto Pearson International Airport.