In 2005, nearly 410,000 aircraft movements transported people and goods to and from Toronto. And while mainstream commercial aviation represents most of that figure, another sector of operations is making a comeback thanks to the redevelopment of existing infrastructure and a commitment from key leaders in the industry.

Expectations for general aviation (business aviation) are high with the early September unveiling of Landmark Aviation’s (formerly Garrett/Piedmont/Hawthorne/Associated) newly refurbished 100,000 square foot hangar and 22,000 square feet of office space at its Toronto fixed base operation (FBO) off of Derry Road.

GTAA Director of Properties and Concessions, Howard Bohan, says this and other recent developments that have taken place at Toronto Pearson’s North Business Aviation Area are great news to the general aviation community and bode well for current operators and clients—both for the short and long term.

“Today, Toronto Pearson accommodates more than 50,000 movements from the business aviation segment. In fact, over a 12-month period between June 2005 and June of this year, we recorded a 3.7 per cent increase in the number of movements,” says Bohan. “We are confident that just as overall passenger traffic continues to grow, so too will traffic in this important sector. Forecasted figures have Toronto Pearson on pace to reach 60,000 business aviation movements by 2010 and 70,000 by 2020.” The refurbished Hangar 9 was originally built in 1960 at a cost of $1 million dollars. Recent refurbishment undertaken by Landmark Aviation carried with it a price tag of approximately $12 million.

Hangar 9 preserves the footprint of a 100,000 square foot hangar with the addition of a new 22,000 square foot office complex, making the Landmark FBO the largest FBO in Canada in terms of area. This new facility provides an extraordinary level of safety and security for its tenants. This includes a sophisticated camera surveillance system as well as a state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression deluge system. The facility meets all the requirements of the National Building Code, the National Fire Code and the National Fire Protection Association. The hangar also boasts an Uninterruptible Power System to ensure a continual supply of electricity even in the event of a failure of the provincial grid.

Shawn Vick, President of Landmark Aviation, doesn’t hide his enthusiasm when it comes to speaking about his company’s new property. “Landmark Aviation's Toronto FBO offers aircraft operators premier services," said Vick. “Toronto is a flagship FBO in the Landmark network.” FBO amenities include fueling, ground handling, concierge, pilot lounge and a state-of-the-art weather room and can provide service to corporate, cargo and military aircraft.

Last year, Landmark entered into a long-term lease agreement with the GTAA to redevelop Hangar 9 in the North Business Aviation Area of Toronto Pearson.

“Toronto Pearson and Landmark create a direct and highly efficient gateway between Canada and the rest of the global economy—not just the United States, but Europe and Asia as well—providing access to the thriving economies and the enormous business opportunities that can be found in the Asia Pacific region. In sum, Toronto is one of North America's best positioned cities to compete internationally in the 21st century—and Landmark is just as well positioned to serve this strong, dynamic market.”

“As an emerging global metropolis, Toronto merits a great airport,” said Bohan, “now it has one, and we are pleased to have Landmark Aviation as part of the airport community.”

Next on the horizon for the North Business Aviation Area is the completion of renovations to the former World Aviation Centre, a project also being spearheaded by Landmark Aviation.