The Canadian Airports Council Welcomes Report on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America

Tuesday, June 28, 2005 -

The Canadian Airports Council Welcomes Report on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America

OTTAWA – June 28, 2005 – The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) welcomes the progress being made on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).  Initiated on March 23, in Waco, Texas, the initiative is a collaborative effort of the three governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico.  Following the initial meeting, the Leaders of the three countries pledged to report back with detailed work plans within 90 days.

Yesterday, CAC President & CEO, Jim Facette, attended the official ceremonies to mark the release of the Report to Leaders.  “Canadian airports fully support this initiative and applaud the harmonization effort taken by the three countries.  We hope this will lead to a free flow of passengers and cargo throughout North America,” said Facette.

Areas of particular interest to the airports community include opportunities for expanding air transportation relations on a bilateral and trilateral basis, enhancing aviation and air navigation safety, plans for cross-border health emergencies including a pandemic influenza, commitments to enhance critical cross-boarder infrastructure and standardization of technologies and a process to expedite the movement of goods within North America.  Also included is a commitment to devise a single, integrated global enrolment program for North American trusted travelers, such as NEXUS.

Efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of North American air transportation and to expand commercial opportunities recognize the importance of the aviation sector in general, and airports in particular, to the national economies of the three countries.  The CAC looks forward to working with the government of Canada to help make these goals a reality.

About the Canadian Airports Council

Formed in 1992, the Canadian Airports Council represents Canada’s non-federal airports for industry policy and regulatory matters, facilitating industry education and exchange, and promoting the industry in Canada and globally.  CAC members account for 100% of all international passenger and cargo air transportation in Canada and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.  With 46 members operating more than 150 airports, the CAC includes all major international airports and a number of regional airports across Canada.