The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated a major milestone with a steel topping ceremony for the expansion of the airport’s International Terminal Building, known as Pier D. The event marked the completion of the structural phase of the building, which remains on schedule to open in 2020. This project is part of YVR’s multi-billion dollar expansion program, which includes 75 projects over 20 years.
PCL Construction is delivering the project and has been construction partners with YVR for almost 25 years.
“This expansion is the largest terminal expansion since 1996, and we couldn’t be prouder that our team gets to build it. Working collaboratively with YVR, the consultants and trade contractors, the PCL team worked safely and diligently to complete the steel structure on time and are excited to celebrate the completion of it,” said Jeff Murphy, PCL’s B.C. region district manager.
The expanded terminal will include an additional eight wide body gates, including four bridged gates and four remote stand operation (RSO) gates. The added gates will enable the airport to support large aircraft including the A380 which has a wingspan of 260 feet. This expansion will help YVR meet growing passenger demand,
The expansion will continue with YVR’s well-known sense of place. Passengers will experience the beauty of B.C. with a glassed-in nature feature made up of three western hemlock trees. Amenities such as digital art, restaurants and bars will also reflect all that B.C. has to offer.
YVR’s multi-year expansion plans are made possible due to YVR’s unique operating structure. YVR receives no government funding and all profits generated are reinvested back into the airport for the benefit of its customers, partners and communities.
“YVR’s mandate is to serve our region, connecting people and products to destinations all around the world. We are able to deliver on this thanks to our unique operating model and by being a connecting hub, which encourages passengers from other parts of the world to travel through our airport,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.
Jason Glue, representing the board of directors, British Columbia Construction Association, congratulated the airport on the significant milestone.
“I want to thank the Airport Authority for helping make B.C.’s construction sector stronger by building world class projects that provide valuable training opportunities for our skilled tradespeople, and for letting us play a role in making the already magical arrival experience at YVR even more memorable,” said Glue.
