Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) took the opportunity provided by its annual general meeting to unveil a portion of its capital investment program. ADM’s investments will reach half a billion dollars in 2016 and 2017, or about $250 million for each of the two years.
“The growth of passenger traffic is accelerating, so we have to increase our capacity. Our investments of half a billion dollars aim to increase the capacity of our infrastructure as well as improve customer experience,” says Philippe Rainville, President and CEO, ADM.
Improvements in the Canadian customs area
ADM and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have been working together with an internationally respected firm of experts in airport planning/design. Computer simulations enabled better comprehension of the causes of congestion and helped determine some solutions to be implemented by ADM and the CBSA.
For its part, ADM has committed to implementing the following measures, which represent an investment of $14.2 M:
- Definition of new routes and reorganization of the customs area
- Creation of a connecting flight centre for transit
- Posting of wait times
- Addition of a team dedicated to facilitating passenger flow
- Installation of next-generation customs control stations (end of 2017).
The role of the new connecting flight centre will be to separate connecting flight passengers as early as possible from others who are ending their journey in Montreal and have to go through customs.
“The idea of such a centre for all types of connecting flights is so powerful that it became obvious. Especially since the rate of connecting flights will reach nearly 20% this year at Montréal-Trudeau.’’ adds Mr. Rainville.
ADM will build a temporary connecting flights centre, which will be operational as of this summer. Moreover, ADM will build a permanent, larger centre that will cost $20 million and should be in service at the end of 2018. The estimated wait times to reach the primary inspection line will also be posted, as of this summer.
Finally, upon request of the Canadian government, a new model of automated control station that can process all Canadian, American and international passengers in accordance with national security requirements will be installed in major Canadian airports. The roll-out at Montréal-Trudeau is scheduled to begin in late 2017 at a cost of $9 million.
Increasing capacity for the check-in process
Initiated in 2011, the renovation of the international and domestic departures area continues in the central terminal building, with work currently underway in the East sector, which is mainly occupied by Air Canada. This work aims to increase check-in capacity and to improve commercial service, while refreshing and harmonizing the architectural look. This work includes the installation of 60 check-in stations for public use and 15 automated baggage checking stations, and will be completed in 2018.
Optimizing the baggage room
This project will increase the overall capacity for processing luggage to match the growth in passenger traffic (3,800 pieces of baggage per hour). Work has already begun and should be completed in 2018.
Construction of checkpoints for non-passengers and vehicles
Responding to new requirements by Transport Canada in accordance with ICAO’s international standards, four new checkpoints for non-passengers and vehicles were installed at the site’s various entry points and delivered on April 1.
Work on the departures drop-off zone
Work on the departures drop-off zone continues. Its aim is to waterproof and refurbish the sidewalk and the traffic lane at the departures level. The work will be executed in stages in order to maintain fluidity, especially during the summer season.
Sustainable development
Each year, ADM invests significant sums in sustainable development projects. Recently, 14 electric charging stations were installed for electric cars in the parking lot.
A living wall was also inaugurated this winter at Montréal-Trudeau. This installation works as a bio-filter, eco-friendly humidifier and oxygen generator, contributing to the building’s environmental performance. Moreover, this living wall creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere for passengers.
Elsewhere, the expansion of the international jetty, inaugurated in May 2016, contains a large number of sustainable development elements that make it a candidate for LEED certification.
