Inevitably, airport infrastructure is big, and it takes long lead times to plan and construct. With the opening of the International Pier in Terminal 1 in January 2007, much of the work set out in the Airport’s 1999 Master Plan – which covered the timeframe 2000 to 2020 – now is complete. It was important, therefore, for the GTAA to update and produce a new Master Plan that looks ahead to 2030.

Entitled Taking Flight – The Airport Master Plan 2008-2030, this new Master Plan provides a comprehensive summary of the development that will be required within the 2008–2030 planning horizon to maximize the growth potential of the Airport in order to meet the air transportation needs of the Greater Toronto Area and south-central Ontario.

The Master Plan is guided by the GTAA’s strategic objectives of becoming a leading airport company championing sustainable global access for the Greater Toronto Area while developing Toronto Pearson into a gateway airport which efficiently meets the needs of the travelling public and the region it serves.

The document addresses all aspects of Toronto Pearson’s development including airfield, passenger terminal, groundside access, air cargo, business aviation, support and ancillary facilities, and the facility improvements required to maximize the overall operating efficiency of the Airport.

While this Airport Master Plan serves as a guide to airport management, it also serves as a blueprint for the future development of the airport’s physical infrastructure, and provides a snapshot of its existing facilities, conditions and capabilities. The plan examines future demand and establishes the Land Use Plan for the airport that identifies the space requirements for aviation activities during the Master Plan timeframe, thereby creating long-term clarity for all those affected.

The Airport Master Plan is a reflection of the GTAA’s ongoing dialogue with the airlines, airport businesses, and agencies of federal, provincial and municipal governments, the business community, airport users, community groups, special interest groups and the general public, and was prepared following an extensive consultation program in 2007.

The GTAA remains focused on providing quality aviation facilities at Toronto Pearson, recognizing that the region’s current and future demand for air travel is expected to grow. The GTAA is committed to meeting this demand in a financially, operationally and environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. 

A unique feature of the 2008–2030 Master Plan is that, for the first time, the optimal capacity of the Airport’s facilities is anticipated to be reached within the timeframe of this Master Plan. The Plan therefore addresses options regarding this issue as Toronto Pearson approaches its ultimate capacity of 54 million passengers per year.

Click here to view Taking Flight – The Airport Master Plan 2008-2030.