Learn the language of speed!
In support of a busy winter charter season and our record number of sun destinations this winter, EIA has launched phase 2 of the Language of Speed campaign. The campaign consists of radio ads, print ads, bus boards and an electronic campaign and campaign website providing special offers to subscribers.
Check out the radio ads that will be in circulation or download travel perks.
Radio ads
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) welcomes another full-service restaurant to the growing array of food and beverage options available to airport customers. EIA passengers can now enjoy the atmosphere and menu of a contemporary mountain resort as Mountain Lodge Bar & Grill opens for business in the domestic passenger departures lounge.
Mountain Lodge Bar & Grill is located across from gate 49 in the domestic departures lounge, just past pre-board screening. Travellers can choose from a full-service menu including a range of breakfast specialties, hearty sandwiches, gourmet burgers, steak, chicken and seafood entrées, and a selection of tasty soups, salads and appetizers. The 130-seat restaurant is fully licensed, offering beer, wine and spirit selections.
The new restaurant, operated by HMSHost, complements the recently renovated Jasper Bar & Grill, which opened earlier this fall on Departures Level. Both restaurants feature natural wood finishings, mountain landscapes and warm earth tones meant to remind visitors of the forests, lakes and rivers of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
New food and beverage offerings are part of an overall plan to improve the customer experience and provide more choice when travelling through EIA.
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is a proud supporter of our Canadian Forces troops. Most recently, EIA was honoured to host Canadian Forces troops returning home from tours of duty in Afghanistan. Seventeen flights returned to Canada as part of Canadian Forces Rotation 5, which began in January 2008, and all but one flight returned home via EIA. About 2,500 soldiers were involved in Rotation 5, most of them from Edmonton.
For more information and to view a video showing what it's like to be at EIA when the troops come home, please follow this link >>
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is embarking on a new era of customer safety with the launch of public access defibrillation (PAD).
Twenty public access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed in public and staff areas throughout the airport. These life savers are easy to use and can make the difference between life and death for someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.
With dishes ranging from Chinese to Thai, East Indian to Malaysian, Wok Box started its first location on Jasper Avenue in 2004. Since then it has expanded rapidly to 27 locations and 11 more outlets are set to open in 2008. Wok Box is planning aggressive growth in Eastern Canada and the United States.
EIA’s Wok Box is set to open in mid-December next to Tim Hortons in the North Passenger Lounge across from Gate 18.
This new Wok Box outlet is part of an overall plan to improve the customer experience and provide more food and beverage and retail choices when travelling through EIA.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
Upcoming performances
Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 25, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Oct. 9. 6:00 - 9 a.m.
Oct. 30, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 7, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 20, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Dec. 4, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Dec. 11, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Dec. 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 19, 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Jan. 2, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
More Information
Be Arthurs website >>
EIA's Live All Year program >>
A federal investment of almost $760,000 will enable the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) to develop two key components of the Port Alberta initiative. The Airport will establish a logistics support centre that will serve as a one-stop cargo processing facility for services such as security and regulatory clearance.
Funding will also allow for the development of a SmartPort Platform that uses state-of-the-art information technology for tracking and monitoring cargo. The investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada, made through its Western Diversification Program, will receive a matching investment from the Edmonton International Airport for a total project cost of more than $1.5 million.
"This new funding provides for two key components for developing Port Alberta at Edmonton International Airport," said Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO. "EIA, as part of the broader regional initiative, will become a major cargo processing centre with onsite warehouse and logistics facilities, capable of hosting multiple modes of transportation and acting as a catalyst for advancing global trade and distribution across the region and the globe."
For the full story, visit: http://www.wd.gc.ca/77_10623_ENG_ASP.asp
Cariwest sponsors the Edmonton Caribbean Arts Festival, and the theme for the 2008 and 2009 festivals is Cariwest Presents Alberta Best. “Sweet Wheat” was created as a tribute to Alberta’s farming community.
The mas costume was created and assembled under the expert tutoring of veteran mas producer Geraldo Vieira of Trinidad and Tobago, his assistant Greta Pitres, and Edmonton mas designer Osmond Edwards, Sr. It features 400 giant green and gold wheat pods embellished with 21 delicately structured giant bees. The bees are symbolic of the insects attracted to wheat.
Mas is short for the word “masquerade,” but over the years it has come to mean everything associated with Caribbean-style carnivals such as the Edmonton Caribbean Arts Festival. Simply put, mas is the medium through which the Caribbean arts of costume making, Calypso music, and steelpan music come together.
“Sweet Wheat” was the outcome of Cariwest’s first international mas workshop this past spring at the University of Alberta. The project was completed with generous support from the TransAlta Festival City Grant Program.
EIA, in partnership with Edmonton Tourism and TransAlta, launched its Live All Year program last summer. The program is designed to create a vibrant atmosphere at the airport by bringing live performances, interactive activities, and artistic displays to the terminal to promote Edmonton’s many festivals and special events.
“We know that our passengers are looking for more variety in dining options before their flights, and Chili’s will offer many new and fresh options for our customers,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO.
This licensed outlet—the fifth Chili’s in the Edmonton region—will be located between gates 52 and 54 in the domestic departures lounge, offering diners an ample view of the runways while they enjoy the Chili’s experience. Travellers can choose from a full-service menu as well as grab-and-go selection. Chili’s is a hugely popular restaurant chain, offering guests a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner and world-famous margaritas.
“We’ve had a great history here in Alberta, and we’re really excited about this new opportunity to serve Edmontonians and their visitors at EIA,” says Gerry Inglis, Franchise Owner/Developer of Chili’s Restaurants. “Our whole team is excited to introduce our delicious menu, fun theme and great customer service to travellers at Edmonton International.”
This new Chili’s outlet is part of an overall plan to improve the customer experience and provide more choice when travelling through EIA.
Chili's is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favourites at more than 1,400 locations in 25 countries.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
Overall award for excellence, four first-place finishes and one third-place finish
A powerful new brand and a punchy marketing campaign propelled Edmonton International Airport (EIA) to top spot at Airports Council International-North America’s (ACI-NA) “Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest.”
EIA proudly secured the highest honour of the contest, the Peggy G. Hereford Award. This award is given to honour overall creativity and excellence in marketing and public relations among airports across North America. EIA competed with 62 airports from across the U.S. and Canada. The contest drew 300 individual entries.
“To be recognized as the best amongst such a group demonstrates that our brand, and our EIA team behind it, is truly outstanding,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO. “Previous Peggy G. Hereford Award winners include Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle, and Edmonton International Airport is truly honoured to join that prestigious list.”
In addition to the Hereford Award, EIA placed first in four contest categories and third in a fifth category.
Winners’ Circle
• First Place: 2007 Annual Report, A New Day
• First Place: YEG YES Marketing Campaign
• First Place: YEG YES – Print Advertising (colour)
• First Place: flyeia.com website < www.flyeia.com>
• Third Place: Brand Launch Press Kit
In 2007, EIA placed first in the Partnering with Carriers category for the effective promotion of Air Canada’s non-stop flight between Edmonton and London, England. The airport also placed second in the Public Relations Campaign category for Careers Take Flight, a campaign which promotes job opportunities at the airport.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
For the official ACI news release, visit http://www.aci-na.org/news/2008_aug8
Number of U.S. seats to increase 38.3 per cent in 2008; WestJet adds U.S. and Sun destinations
A U.S. economic slide isn’t stopping double-digit passenger growth and seat capacity increases between Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and its 10 non-stop U.S. destinations. Edmonton’s robust economy is bucking the North American-wide trend for deep airline capacity reductions, especially in the U.S.
The outlook for continued growth was bolstered earlier this week with significant flight additions and capacity increases announced by WestJet. EIA currently serves 41 daily flights to and from the 10 U.S. destinations and that number will climb to 48 per daily in November 2008. The new flights are scheduled to begin in November, lifting EIA’s U.S. capacity increase to 38.3 per cent compared to November 2007, an extraordinary figure when set against the backdrop of high fuel prices and capacity decreases in U.S. routes and some Canada-U.S. routes in other Canadian cities.
“Overall, our passenger numbers to the end of June have increased by seven per cent over the same time period in 2007, which was a record-breaking year for us,” says Peter McCart, EIA Vice-President, Marketing. “This strong growth is underpinned by remarkable 14 per cent passenger growth in the U.S. market, indicating Edmonton’s and Northwestern Canada’s economies remain strong in an overall softening North American economy.”
The winter holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year at EIA. To help ensure your travel plans run as smoothly as Santa’s, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time and arrive at the airport a little bit earlier.
Before leaving home, please remember the following:
• Ensure that you have packed all documentation required to travel. Requirements
vary depending on whether you are travelling within Canada or to another country.
Regardless, bring government-issued photo ID for all flights.
• Please note that all passengers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, are required to
present a valid passport or NEXUS card when travelling by air between Canada and
the United States.
• Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they aren’t
accompanied by their parents/guardians. Confirm details with your airline.
• Check with your airline to confirm your flight, verify that your luggage is within the
size and weight restrictions, and clarify any questions you have regarding
restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage.
• If you are travelling with pets, remember to ask about their pet policy.
• Most major airlines offer customers the option to save time by checking-in for their
flights online up to 24 hours before departure.
• You can access web check-in services and check your real-time flight information
status at www.flyeia.com.
Arrive early, depart on time!
EIA recommends that due to increased passenger volumes throughout the holiday season, customers arrive at the airport at least 15 minutes earlier than the usual airline-recommended time. Recommended times vary from one hour in advance of departure time for domestic flights, to three hours ahead of departure for some international flights. Check with your airline to see what they suggest.
Dropping off/picking up passengers
Curbside meters are available; however, availability will be limited during the holiday season and the maximum time allowed is 20 minutes per vehicle. The hourly level of Parkade provides added flexibility and convenience for well-wishers.
Security screening
Customers are advised to keep in mind security measures when preparing to travel. For the most up-to-date regulations governing carry-on and checked luggage, check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at www.catsa.ca. To assist with efficiently moving through security screening, please consider the following guidelines:
• Pack your own bags. Travel light; this will help you move through security
screening quickly.
• If you are unsure about an item you wish to take through security, please check
with security.
• Do not bring wrapped packages. Wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination.
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted through security screening at Canadian
airports provided that the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of
100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in
one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre
(1 quart). One bag per passenger is permitted.
• Knives or knife-like sharp objects will not be permitted through pre-board screening.
Ensure no sharp objects, such as scissors, are in your carry-on bag. Take time when
packing, and avoid bringing anything that could be interpreted as a weapon or a
dangerous item.
• Travellers bringing electronic equipment as carry-on must be prepared to
declare them, and if required, demonstrate that they are in working order.
• Sports equipment such as skates, skis, snowboards, ski poles, hockey sticks and
golf clubs are not permitted as carry-on items and must be transported as
checked baggage.
• Avoid bringing non-permitted or dangerous goods by checking CATSA’s permitted
and non-permitted items list at: www.catsa.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml
EIA is committed to complying with all government directives to provide a safe
and secure trip for all travellers.
We wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
Edmonton International Airport’s (EIA) $1.1-billion, five-year terminal expansion project is proceeding, on time and on budget.
EIA has seen more than 50 per cent growth in passenger traffic since 2004 and has exceeded the current terminal capacity of 5.5 million passengers; EIA will serve close to 6.5 million passengers this year. EIA has been able to stretch the capacity of the terminal with speed-enhancing technologies and processes. However, the airport simply does not have the boarding gates to support more air service at the times the market demands.
Although growth projections have been revised to reflect the recent economic slow-down, EIA is still forecasting nine million passengers per year by 2013 – the design capacity of the terminal with the new expansion.
“As every responsible business would do, we have reviewed our expansion plans and timing against the current economic volatility,” said Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO. “We continue to confidently move ahead knowing that expansion is absolutely necessary to support the significant growth we’ve experienced and ensure we do not restrict our region’s growth and continue to act as an economic generator for our region.”
The expansion will add a net 13 new gates, allow for new food and beverage and retail outlets, as well as other services. A new office-control tower need for NavCan’s new technologies is also planned. Construction began in 2008 on a new parking area and the first phase of apron expansion (90,000 square metres) to accommodate the massive extension to the South Terminal. A 1,000-stall expansion to the parkade opened in August 2008.
Detailed expansion plans and design concepts will be shared as they become available. Watch the flyeia.com website in the coming months for more information.
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) has opened a 1,000-stall parkade expansion. These additional spaces will provide more parking options for customers as passenger growth continues and the airport expansion proceeds.
Features of the newly expanded parkade include:
• An additional 1,000 parking stalls in the parkade, across all four levels
• A relocated toll plaza to help drivers queue safely and quickly to exit the parkade
• Pay & Go parking kiosks to help customers get on their way faster
The $47-million parkade expansion is the first high-profile project completed as part of EIA’s five-year, $1.1-billion airport terminal expansion. It was completed on time and on budget. The general contractor was Stuart Olson. The parkade expansion was fast-tracked to add more parking capacity to match growing parking demand.
“We are committed to moving customers quickly and efficiently through the airport,” said Reg Milley, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport. “Even prior to this expansion, EIA offered travellers the most airport parking spaces per capita in Canada; these additional spaces will help us to offer even better customer service.”
To save time, customers can pre-pay for Parkade and Value Park at Pay & Go parking kiosks in the airport terminal and exit the lot via one of five new express exits.
More than six million passengers moved through EIA in 2007. Another four million customers were on site to see them off or welcome them. Passenger traffic at EIA continues to grow at a steady pace and has increased by seven per cent year-to-date. Passenger traffic is expected to reach 6.5 million passengers by year-end.
With more strong growth expected, EIA is continuing to invest in additional parking areas and services over the next several years.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
Travellers using Edmonton International Airport (EIA) should be aware of potential traffic delays due to road construction. A number of projects are underway both within the city of Edmonton and along the QE II highway which could impact your travel plans. As always, please also consider seasonal traffic volumes and leave lots of time to travel to EIA and check-in for your flight. Also, as fall approaches, weather conditions can change rapidly and hamper traffic flow.
Please note that all forms of ground transportation including the Sky Shuttle may be affected by road works and traffic snarls. EIA strongly recommends you use local media and official websites to familiarize yourself with traffic issues and plan your routes accordingly.
Arrive Early, Depart On Time
EIA is committed to helping you on your way. We recommend that all travellers plan to arrive at EIA at least 15 minutes before the check-in time recommended by your airline. This will give some “cushion” time in case of unexpected traffic delays, and will allow you to find a parking space and make your way into the terminal without an uncomfortable rush. If returning a rental car, please allow up to 20 minutes for vehicle check-in at peak times.
Road Construction
A number of road works projects are underway across the Alberta Capital Region, all of which could affect EIA travelers. Drivers need to pay special attention to the major interchange construction project at 23rd Avenue and the QE II highway. During peak times, this area can create a bottleneck with significant delays. We recommend checking www.23avenue.com for the latest updates on this project.
EIA encourages all drivers to obey posted speed limits, use caution in construction zones and follow the directions of flag persons and traffic control devices. Anthony Henday Drive is an excellent alternative to connecting to QE II and travelling south to EIA.
Traffic Congestion
As the Edmonton region has grown, traffic congestion in the area has become a more prominent issue. Depending on time of day, seasonal changes and known construction, traffic tie-ups in the city and on the highways can add to your travel time. Additionally, we recommend listening for radio traffic reports due to accidents and unforeseen road works which could cause you a delay.
Weather Conditions
With fall and winter fast approaching, Alberta drivers need to pay careful attention to weather reports and plan for longer than usual drive times to EIA in inclement conditions. We recommend paying close attention to Edmonton-area traffic reports in the local media, and visiting AMA Road Reports if you’re travelling in from outside the metropolitan area.
Parking at EIA
EIA has added thousands of new parking spaces in the past few years. The new 1,000-stall parkade expansion is now open and constructions has begun on a new surface lot.
EIA has three convenient parking options when you travel with EIA: Parkade Park, Value Park, and Valet Park. Everyone can “exit with ease” using EIA’s Pay & Go parking payment stations.
Check-in Cutoff Times
Please note the recommended time for check-in provided by your airline, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before then. Also, each airline will have a check-in cutoff time after which they will not be able to register you for your flight – it is absolutely critical that you arrive at EIA well before that time! Check the terms and conditions of your ticket for cutoff times.
Links
Web Check-in at EIA
23rd Avenue Interchange Project
City of Edmonton Transportation
Alberta Transportation’s SafeRoads Construction Zone Traffic Safety Page
This ESSO location is the first of its kind at an international airport in North America, and rounds out the selection of services available at the Rocky Mountain site. In addition to various car wash facilities and options, Rocky Mountain operates a lube centre, offering oil and filter changes, as well as auto detailing.
The grand opening event will feature give-a-ways, including a free touchless car wash with the purchase of fuel for the first 100 customers and free smokies and beverages for everyone who attends. There will be face painting, balloons, and a clown to entertain the kids, as well as a performance by an Edmonton-area old-time rock ‘n’ roll band.
Attendees are eligible to enter a draw to win a trip for two to Las Vegas (includes airfare and accommodation for two nights; some restrictions apply). The winner will be announced at 4:00 p.m.
Whether you are on your way to the terminal or from the terminal, stop by Rocky Mountain Car Wash and ESSO Gas Bar to fill your tank and shine your wheels.
Date and Time:
Saturday, July 19, 2008
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:
Rocky Mountain Car Wash and ESSO “On the Run” Gas Station
AirLINKS Business Park, Edmonton International Airport
The Alberta government is making its photo ID cards available to children as young as 12 as a result of new Transport Canada rules that now require children to show identification to board aircraft.
The new Identity Screening Regulations, which take full effect Sept. 18, 2007, require all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 12 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding:
One piece of valid government-issued photo ID that shows name, date of birth,
and gender.
or
Two pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo), one of which shows
name, date of birth, and gender.
The name on the identification must match the name on the boarding pass.
The cards can be bought from Alberta registry offices for fees ranging from $12 for a one-year card to $39 for a five-year card.
Children applying for the cards must have their parent's written consent and present a birth certificate.
Alberta law prevents people from holding two government-issued photo ID cards at the same time, so children will have to turn in their cards if they later apply for learners' permits or drivers' licences.
In 2007, EIA served more than six million passengers flying to 53 non-stop destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. To accommodate an estimated nine million passengers by 2012, EIA plans to spend another $1.1 billion on an airport expansion project that will add gates, build a new passenger concourse and expand parking.
More information
Whether you need to bring your laptop or your flip flops, pack your suitcase, and fly direct from Edmonton to Mexico City.
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is thrilled to announce the arrival of Mexicana Airlines, offering six-times-weekly, non-stop service between Edmonton and Mexico City. The new route is the second year-round international flight offered at EIA.