(Richmond, BC) The British Columbia Aviation Council has been encouraging and supporting the safe, sustainable development of aviation and aerospace in British Columbia since 1938. BCAC’s vision is an aviation and aerospace industry that is visible, connected and thriving.
Our province is home to 172 air operators, 42 flying schools and over 100 active aerospace organizations. There are more than 300 airports, heliports and water aerodromes that connect British Columbians and enable the delivery of critical goods and services.
Prior to COVID-19 the aviation industry was thriving with over a decade of sustained growth; in 2019, the provincial aviation and aerospace industries directly employed over 44,000 professionals and contributed $12.6 billion to Canada's Gross Domestic Product.
Our once healthy industry is now in deep trouble; the entire aviation and aerospace industry is at a near standstill.
Larger Canadian airlines are experiencing a 95-100% reduction in operations and are bracing for a long period of financial struggle. Some have completely ceased operation.
The small to medium-sized air operators critical to the ecosystem are also at great risk. These are essential small businesses working in a highly regulated, capital intensive industry with substantial fixed costs. Many of them may not survive this crisis and will be forced to close permanently. Without these essential air operators, the ability to have aircraft on standby for medevac, emergency freight, forest fire callouts and air services to British Columbia's remote and Indigenous communities is threatened. These services are a lifeline. The risks to these communities are real.
In BC, a large majority of the flight training units have either modified or ceased operations. Students have been severely impacted. The supply chain of pilots will be permanently altered if quick action on the part of provincial and federal governments is not taken.
Many airports are at risk due to lack of revenues and the reality that travel will likely continue to be restricted for some time. Costs to maintain infrastructure and meet high regulatory and safety standards remain. If these airports are unable to sustain operations the air transportation system breaks down, again threatening our remote and Indigenous communities.
BCAC is collaborating with other provincial and national organizations to bring forward the concerns facing this industry and by extension our economies and well-being.
Decision makers must recognize the critical role that aviation plays in Canada. In addition, regional carriers are an indispensable lifeline to Canada’s northern, Indigenous and remote regions. The Government must act now to preserve the vital role of this sector. A comprehensive government action plan will help the air transport industry preserve jobs, maintain essential connections, transport people who require medical treatment, deliver life-preserving air cargo supplies and overall be a key enabler of the recovery and resilience of the Canadian economy.
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