Government of Canada Approves London International Airport for International Air Cargo Transshipment Program

OTTAWA - Canada's Transport Minister John Baird today announced the approval of the London International Airport to participate in the international air cargo transshipment program. The program allows international air cargo to be moved through the airport for shipment to third countries, enabling the airport to seek new market opportunities and further develop its air cargo activity.

"Our government is pleased to have the international air cargo transshipment program in place," said Minister Baird. "The London International Airport now has an additional tool to help develop its air cargo business, which will benefit South Western Ontario and help invigorate the Canadian market in this time of economic uncertainty."

The international air cargo transshipment program allows air cargo to be moved through Canada for shipment to third countries. For example, cargo could be flown from the United States into London, Ontario, stored temporarily, and then flown to a European destination. Similarly, international air cargo could also arrive from overseas and then be shipped by rail or road from London to the United States.

"The air cargo transshipment program is part of the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to support and facilitate trade," said International Trade Minister Stockwell Day. "This program and today's announcement demonstrate to our trading partners that Canada is open for business."

"This is strong, positive news for the citizens of London. This is another example of our government delivering real results and, once again, helping our airline industry," said Ed Holder, MP for London West.

"We are very pleased with this designation from the federal government, and in particular Transport Canada, which recognizes the London International Airport as an official air cargo transshipment centre," said Steve Baker, President and CEO of London International Airport. "This announcement supports our goals of growing our air cargo presence internationally and enabling the South Western Ontario Economic Assembly to attract area economic development. We thank the government for supporting South Western Ontario with this important initiative."

The program enables the Canadian Transportation Agency to authorize any Canadian or foreign air carrier to use London International Airport to transship international air cargo, even if these rights are not provided in Canada's bilateral air transport agreements. In addition, air carriers will be able to combine such cargo transshipments with other services for which they may be licensed.

The international air cargo transshipment program was introduced in 1982 at Mirabel Airport as part of a larger effort to improve the use of Montreal area airports. It has since been expanded to other airports, including Hamilton (1987), Windsor (1993), Gander (2000), Winnipeg (2004), Edmonton (2006), Calgary (2007), Abbotsford, Vancouver, Moncton, Toronto, Halifax and Prince George (2008).

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