Modern air cargo requires modern facilities and the space needed to house the ground support equipment (GSE) that makes it all possible. The construction of such a facility is no small task for either airline nor airport, but it’s a necessity that both Air Canada and the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) have been undertaking since the fall of last year.
Breaking ground in October of 2018, Air Canada is bringing a new facility to Edmonton International Airport for the housing and maintenance of its cargo and ground support equipment. With up to 42 daily flights from EIA, Air Canada’s new facility aims to streamline and consolidate the airline's operations under one roof.
“Air Canada has served Edmonton for more than 80 years and Edmonton is an important part of Air Canada’s global network,” says Angela Mah, spokesperson for the airline. “Two of Air Canada’s important operations teams at Edmonton, cargo as well as ground-equipment support, were in separate facilities which were due to be upgraded. A business decision was made to have a new facility constructed for both ground support equipment service and cargo teams at Edmonton International Airport. This enables us to enhance our operational capabilities for both operations in a new, modern facility.”
Of the 50,000 square foot facility, 30,000 square feet will be utilized by Air Canada’s GSE team with the remaining space occupied by Air Canada Cargo. Mah says the facility will offer the latest in technology for the upkeep of Air Canda’s GSE fleet and modern facilities for their cargo side, enabling the integration of technology, infrastructure and enhanced space that allows for the optimal flow of goods.
“A lot of planning and thought has gone into this project to ensure that it meets our objectives. For instance, we wanted to ensure that there was sufficient space to efficiently maintain our fleet of 167 airport vehicles that support our operations at Edmonton International Airport and ensure a learning area was included. These vehicles include pushback tugs, bag tractors, baggage carts, container dollies, vans and more,” Mah says. “Our electricians will have a dedicated area to conduct specialized electrical repairs, painting will be able to be done year-round, and importantly, training facilities including classrooms are present to enable our technicians to remain current with the latest technology and processes.”
“The facility has been designed with appropriate groundside and airside access to ensure the seamless collection, receipt, sortation, and handling of cargo,” adds Mammen Tharakan, EIA’s director, e-commerce, cargo and aviation real estate. “The construction of this new facility is also consistent with the airport’s long-term strategy of transitioning our key cargo operators to the highly connected and purpose-built Cargo Village.”
“The new facility enables modern, upgraded technology infrastructure and enhanced space usage. This will help efficiently streamline the movement of goods that are shipped via Air Canada Cargo, which handled 3.2 million kilograms of goods last year, comprising pharmaceuticals, mail, art, plus oil and gas industry equipment and much more through the Edmonton cargo facility,” continues Mah. “And as our Cargo business continues to grow, a new facility will help enhance the experience for our customers and our staff alike. This is good for us and our many customers here, but also for the Edmonton Airport Authority who has made the development of the cargo-handling capacity at the airport a priority which continues to contribute to the overall economy of this region.”
With construction currently underway, Air Canada aims for the facility to be open and operational in September 2019. Air Canada is investing $19 million (Cdn) into the facility over the term of a 15 year lease at EIA. The Terracap Group is constructing the facility and comes only six years after the completion of their first airside cargo facility in 2013, notes Tharakan.
“Air Canada Cargo are a significant partner and we recognize the importance of this strategic location to their business efficiency. The location offers easy access to major roadways, close proximity to Customs (CBSA), access to the apron and other cargo warehouses for cargo transfers,” says Tharakan. “The investment by our key airline partners like Air Canada in the development of EIA’s Cargo Village is a demonstration of confidence in the market and our strengthening partnership.”
With Air Canada’s investment, Tharakan said that the footprint of total warehousing, distribution and logistics space operational at EIA will grow to just under 900,000 square feet — which is a significant contributor to the economic development of the region.
The facility will employ cargo specialists and ground equipment services mechanics.
“Technicians and professionals will work in the facility to support Air Canada’s Airport and Cargo operations at Edmonton International Airport,” says Mah. “Together with our employees, we’re looking forward to the new facility, and we also thank the entire Edmonton Airports team for their ongoing support of our operations and services at Alberta’s capital city.”
