As Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility makes its debut on March 10th, there’s renewed talk – from Ontario’s premier – about jet aircraft and expansion at the airport.

With Preclearance now in operation, U.S.-bound passengers can complete Customs, Immigration and Agriculture inspections in Canada before takeoff.

RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, says Preclearance will be a catalyst for regional growth.

“Today marks a defining milestone for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and for the passengers and markets we proudly serve,” said Steenstra. “For nearly 90 years, this airport has linked Toronto and the region to tourism, trade and business, earning recognition as one of North America’s best airports. … Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is more than a gateway for travellers; it is an engine of economic growth, driving jobs, investment and the connectivity that keeps communities and businesses thriving.”

Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation, the terminal partner at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, noted that the Preclearance facility at BBTCA has been more than 10 years in the making. “Preclearance may sound like a process upgrade, but it is far more than that – it’s an investment in the region’s future. By clearing U.S. Customs in Canada, we’re making travel to the U.S. more convenient, unlocking new routes, facilitating more connections to and from Toronto and growing the economy through visitor spend and job creation,” she said.

The new facility is a collaboration by the federal government, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. CBP, the Toronto Port Authority, Nieuport Aviation and many more partners.

Talk of expansion and jet aircraft at BBTCA is a hot potato that’s been tossed around for more than a decade. Jets are coming to Billy Bishop “one way or another,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said yesterday. Last month Premier Ford said he’s in favour of runway expansion at the airport.

“Preclearance Represents The Next Chapter,” Says Porter

Porter Airlines says the new Preclearance facility at BBTCA marks a new era of convenience for passengers.

Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines, notes that Porter – as the airport’s largest airline and a longtime advocate for Preclearance – has been the driving force behind U.S. traffic at the airport, accounting for all cross-border service since it started operating these routes nearly two decades ago. That’s more than 13 million passengers to date.

“Porter has strongly supported Preclearance at Billy Bishop for over 15 years, recognizing the tremendous value it brings to travellers. This is an important development for our passengers and the airport,” said Deluce. “Since launching U.S. flights from YTZ in 2008, Porter has been committed to providing elevated economy service between Toronto and key American cities. Preclearance represents the next chapter in that journey.”

Porter operates up to 16 daily flights to five U.S. destinations from YTZ to established markets in Boston, Chicago, New York/Newark and Washington, D.C. New service to Nashville (BNA) begins on May 11, and existing Chicago service transitions to O’Hare (ORD) from Midway (MDW), as of Sept. 1.

“Billy Bishop has consistently facilitated U.S. travel each year for more passengers than other airports that already have Preclearance. We thank the Canadian and U.S. governments for enabling this important investment, as well as Toronto Port Authority and Nieuport Aviation for ensuring that all requirements were in place for the facility to open,” added Deluce.

To ensure a seamless experience through the new facility, Porter passengers travelling to the U.S. are advised to arrive at Billy Bishop three hours before departure, subject to airport operating hours. Check-in and baggage drop-off counters now close 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure times for U.S. flights, allowing for necessary processing through screening before boarding.

Source: Travelweek