Toronto Pearson offers first glimpse into redevelopment of Terminal 3

Operations in the new Pier will handle 2.9 million passengers per year

Broadcast video to support this story is available to download here

TORONTO, June 18, 2015 /CNW/ - For the first time in six years, Toronto Pearson International Airport unveiled its redesigned 80,000 sq. ft. pier in Terminal 3. This newly renovated facility is a response to the passenger growth Toronto Pearson foresees. It will support travel for approximately 2.9 million WestJet passengers, departing to international and domestic locations and arriving from Canadian locations on five bridged gates and four walkout gates.

"The newly re-opened pier was designed with the passenger experience front and center," said Scott Collier, Vice President, Customer and Terminal Services, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "Passengers want a comfortable chair to sit in, they want to charge their devices and be able to connect to Wi-Fi, and they want views overlooking the airfield. This concourse delivers all that and more."

Canadian elements are integrated into every aspect of the redesigned pier. The experience begins in the connector which features a photography installation that speaks to life in Canada through the eyes of six Canadian photographers. Inside the pier, passengers are treated to an architectural representation of Niagara Falls using elements like blue-hued floor tiles, acrylic wall panels textured to suggest water, and chandeliers that resemble dancing bubbles.

From local retailers and craft beers, to art installations by Metis artist Christi Belcourt and Inuit artist Ningeokuluk Teevee the new pier is sure to deliver an exceptional passenger experience. 

"It is a tremendous source of pride to be a part of this project," said Pat Neville, Vice President, Airport Planning and Technical Services, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "Reaching this milestone is the result of the tireless work of our dedicated employees, our program managers and our design and construction teams."

The new Drake General Store, set to open later this month, is located on level two and offers a curated collection of items from homegrown artists and designers unique to Toronto. Venture down the hall and land in The Distillery for a pint of Mill Street beer and pub style food or to Tim Horton's for a familiar cup of coffee. Need a few snacks? International travel retailer Relay has all your last minute items conveniently located on both levels.

"This new space will be a beautiful setting for our guests to enjoy as part of their WestJet experience," said Ed Baklor, Senior Vice-President, Guest Experience, WestJet. "We hope travellers will love these gates as much as our employees enjoy working here. Congratulations to Toronto Pearson as they open this fantastic facility."

In 2014, nearly 39 million passengers travelled through Toronto Pearson. That number is forecast to grow to 60 million passengers by 2030. Toronto Pearson is ready to support that growth.

This pier is not only a major accomplishment in the $140 M Terminal 3 Enhancement Project; it represents an unquestionable step for Toronto Pearson to become the best airport in the world.

About Terminal 3 Enhancement Project
Toronto Pearson is revitalizing Terminal 3 to offer an enhanced experience for the thousands of travellers and employees who pass through the terminal every day. The Terminal 3 Enhancement Project, expected to be complete in 2017, will improve passenger flow, introduce new and refreshed facilities and retail offerings, and better meet the needs of airport users today and in the future.

About Toronto Pearson
The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, the largest airport in Canada and one of the largest in North America in terms of passenger and air cargo traffic. In 2014, Toronto Pearson handled nearly 39 million passengers. The focus of the GTAA continues to be on competitiveness, growing the airport's status as an international gateway, meeting the needs of our travellers and ensuring the long-term success of the organization, our airline customers and the regional economy.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Video with caption: "Video: Toronto Pearson offers first glimpse into redevelopment of Terminal 3. Operations in the new Pier will handle 2.9 million passengers per year. The new pier will offer retail, duty free, full service spa, observation area, Canadian art and remarkable views of the airfield.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150618_C7061_VIDEO_EN_18220.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150618_C7061_VIDEO_EN_18220.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150618&cnum=C7061

Video with caption: "Video: For the first time in six years, Toronto Pearson International Airport unveiled its redesigned 80,000 sq. ft. pier in Terminal 3. This newly renovated facility is a response to the passenger growth Toronto Pearson foresees. It will support travel for approximately 2.9 million WestJet passengers, departing to international and domestic locations and arriving from Canadian locations on five bridged gates and four walkout gates.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150618_C7061_VIDEO_EN_18219.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150618_C7061_VIDEO_EN_18219.jpg&order=2&jdd=20150618&cnum=C7061

Image with caption: "An architectural representation of Niagara Falls using elements like blue-hued floor tiles, acrylic wall panels textured to suggest water, and chandeliers that resemble dancing bubbles surrounds the main escalator in the Terminal 3 pier. (CNW Group/Greater Toronto Airports Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150618_C7061_PHOTO_EN_18211.jpg

Image with caption: "The new observation area at Gate B5 offers unique and unobstructed views of the airfield for passengers. Binoculars have been installed for passengers to get a close up view of passing aircraft. (CNW Group/Greater Toronto Airports Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150618_C7061_PHOTO_EN_18212.jpg

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