Source: Canadian Airports Council
The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), representing Canada’s largest air carriers (Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet), and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), the voice of Canada’s airports, today published their joint submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s pre-budget consultation.
Canada’s airlines and airports have always worked together to deliver safe, accessible, and efficient air travel to, from, and within Canada. However, there are many ways in which Canada’s air travel system can grow, be modernized, efficient, and competitive.
NACC and the CAC are calling for the federal government to adopt the following recommendations for inclusion in Budget 2025 to enhance air travel in Canada:
- Accelerate the adoption of a digitization strategy for air travel in Canada that is in line with digitized travel experience embraced in other countries.
- Reduce regulatory burden to ensure regulations are modern, aligned with international standards and recommended practices, and leading to lower costs.
- Include airport infrastructure in federal funding programs, including the National Trade Diversification Fund and Projects of National Significance.
- Cap crown rent charged to airports at 2024 levels.
- Reform Airport Zoning Regulations (AZR) and airspace protections, including noise, to address emerging challenges introduced by recent high-density residential developments in proximity to airports.
Canada’s airlines and airports are aligned with the federal government’s stated goal of enabling growth, diversifying trade, and enhancing connectivity for Canadians who rely on air travel and the shipping of goods. The federal government must embrace policies, regulations, and budgets that make this possible.
“Air travel is growing and passenger demands are evolving and travellers want a seamless, predictable and digitized journey – we must meet these demands with investment in infrastructure growth and smart policies and regulations.” noted Monette Pasher, President of the Canadian Airports Council.
“Canada’s air transportation system connects Canadians with each other and with the world” said Jeff Morrison, President and CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada. “In Budget 2025, the federal government has a unique opportunity to strengthen the air travel system by introducing efficiencies, enhancing trading relationships, and providing opportunities for growth.”
The 2025 Pre-Budget Submission is available at: 2025 Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee