Tell us more about your rebranding work.

On June 7, 2011, Toronto Pearson announced a new strategy to become North America’s leading international gateway by focusing on expanding Toronto’s reach through growing connecting traffic and the number of international destinations served from the airport.

A new Toronto Pearson logo was introduced, along with the slogan: “For You. The World.” 

We are reminding the air carriers that Pearson offers many valuable advantages. These include the most reliable airport operations, infrastructure and capacity. 

Toronto is the economic capital of Canada and the most culturally diverse city in North America. The greater Toronto area is within a one-day drive for 150 million potential customers and more than 40% of the US population. 

Airlines are also assured of a partner that cares about their success – we’ve lowered our landing fees four years in a row with a total of 24% total reduction since 2007. We also offer great marketing support programmes and incentives designed to make all new routes as profitable as possible. 

Why now? 

Toronto Pearson has been run by the GTAA for nearly 15 years. During that time we’ve rebuilt the airport, including a four million square foot terminal, a new runway, new taxiways, expanded cargo facilities and other important infrastructure, all of which was essential to position the airport for future growth. We are now able to focus our energy on expanding our air services and attracting more routes from our existing partners and new services from other airlines. 

What have been your recent route or air service success stories? 

Our Air Service team has been very busy and we have seen some great additions for guests flying out of Toronto Pearson. 

We recently welcomed Copa Airlines to the Toronto Pearson family. They launched a new scheduled four-times weekly B737 service from Panama City to Toronto on June 16. 

Due to an increase in demand, Air India is increasing capacity on its daily Toronto service to Delhi and Amritsar by switching from a B777-200LR aircraft to the larger B777-300ER.

Both WestJet and Air Canada continue to grow their businesses at Pearson. We have also seen an increase in service from Air Transat and Lufthansa, adding new routes and increasing frequencies on Toronto routes. 

What is your vision for Toronto’s route network? 

To add direct non-stop services to top unserved markets such as Asia, Latin America and Africa, and to increase connectivity at Toronto Pearson to service international markets.

Who are your main airline partners? 

Air Canada and WestJet. They are Canada’s two biggest airlines and together they serve the vast majority of the market. We are working closely with both Air Canada and WestJet to expand their services into, out of and through Pearson. 

How has the route network changed over the years? 

We now have increased connectivity from international markets, to the United States via Toronto Pearson. We have also seen expanded service to secondary European markets and incremental service/routes to Asia and Latin America. 

Which new routes would you most like to land? 

We would love to see expanded service to Asia and to achieve entry into Africa.

What is it like living in Toronto?

Incredibly dynamic, with endless options of places to play, eat and work. I cannot think of another city that has so much to offer.

What is your favourite holiday destination? 

Anywhere that I can hike or cycle up big mountains.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what could you not live without? 

Books. I’m a voracious reader.