Kudos for Vancouver International

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has named Vancouver International Airport (YVR) its 2007 Airport of the Year. ALPA’s Airport and Ground Environment Group selected the Canadian airport for the efforts it has made to engage the pilot community in discussions and reviews of operational procedures and facility plans through a number of interactive initiatives. “Vancouver International Airport hosts an annual Chief Pilots meeting which brings together all airport stakeholders to discuss funding requests and airfield improvements,” said ALPA AGE Chairman Capt. Bob Perkins. “Two prime safety initiatives that stemmed from these meetings include the installation of runway guard lights on the airport’s oldest runway and extensive pavement repairs on several of its taxiways.” YVR has also established a Web site to provide pilots with more information on activities and operations at the airport and an opportunity to provide 24-7 feedback on issues of importance. And YVR recently adopted an approved list that allows pilot managers to enter employee security lanes when accessing the restricted area to meet with crewmembers on in-flight safety issues.