November 28, 2006 (Ottawa) – Yesterday’s announcement by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities concerning a new international air policy called Blue Sky, was welcomed by the Ottawa International Airport Authority. The announcement, which is expected to stimulate new markets and new services across the country, is a clear indication that the Minister has been listening intently to Canada’s airports.

“I commend the Minister for taking an important step towards opening Canada’s aviation market. This should lead to a greater choice, greater competition, lower costs for shippers and lower fares for travellers, all of which will have a positive effect on this community” said Paul Benoit, Authority President and CEO. He went on to say that “We are looking forward to working with the Minister and his staff to aggressively pursue new Open Skies agreements”.

OMCIAA operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under a
60-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The OMCIAA’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region. Its state-of-the-art passenger terminal building opened for business on October 12, 2003, and is being expanded to accommodate growth in passenger volumes.

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