Daniel-Robert Gooch Named President of the Canadian Airports Council

Monday, March 21, 2011 -

OTTAWA (March 21, 2011) – The Canadian Airports Council today announced that Daniel-Robert Gooch has been named president of the Canadian Airports Council.

“The CAC was looking for an individual that would move us forward in a progressive and collaborative fashion as we pursue the change in our organizational framework and as we work with others in the aviation community on the goal of returning Canada to a competitive position in the global aviation environment. We believe that Daniel will be the right individual for these tasks,” said CAC Chairman and Saskatoon Airport Authority President and CEO Bill Restall.

At 36, Mr. Gooch becomes the youngest president in the association’s 19-year history and the first promoted to the leadership position from within.  In his new position, Mr. Gooch will oversee operation of the CAC’s Ottawa office of four and preside over the refinement of the organization’s role within Airports Council International – the voice of the world’s airports.

“It is an honour to be selected by the nation’s airports to support the sector in its dealings with the federal government and the international airport community,” said Mr. Gooch.  “Our industry is strong, but faces challenges.  The CAC stands as our sector’s champion for federal regulatory and legislative issues with the goal to positively impact the nation’s airports for long-term growth.”

Mr. Gooch has served with the Canadian Airports Council for five years, most recently as director of communications and policy.  He brings to the position 16 years experience in communications and public affairs.  Prior to joining the CAC, he was publisher and editor of Commercial Aviation Today, an electronic newsletter for aviation sector executives around the world. He previously served in successively senior positions with communications firms in Canada and the U.S.

Mr. Gooch is a graduate of Concordia University in Montreal with a bachelor of arts in political science and history.

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada’s airports.  Its 47 members represent more than 200 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory. Together, CAC members handle virtually all of the nation’s air cargo and international passenger traffic and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.  They create in excess of $45 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve.  And more than 200,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually. 

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