The Calgary Airport's Impressive Workforce Size And Its Impact

The Calgary International Airport is a bustling hub of activity, serving millions of passengers annually. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple runways, terminals, and amenities, it stands as the primary airport in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The efficient functioning of this airport relies on a dedicated team of employees, each contributing to a seamless travel experience. From ground staff to air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers to security personnel, and many more, the airport's operations are a well-coordinated effort of numerous professionals. While an exact number of employees is not readily available, the range of roles and responsibilities at the Calgary International Airport indicates a substantial workforce.

Calgary Airport Authority's employee benefits

The Calgary Airport Authority is a non-profit corporation that operates and develops Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airports. It has been recognised as one of Alberta's Top Employers in 2024. The organisation offers a range of benefits to its employees, including:

• Maternity leave top-up payments for new mothers, providing up to 93% of their salary for up to 16 weeks, with the option to extend into unpaid leave and a phased return to work.
• Paid leave for family-related responsibilities, allowing employees to take up to 37.5 hours per year for the care of a sick family member or family appointments.
• Defined-contribution (DC) pension plans.
• Comprehensive health plans, with the employer paying up to 100% of the premiums. This includes a health spending account of up to $450 per year and a mental health practitioner benefit of up to $600 annually.
• Support for ongoing professional development, including full tuition subsidies for courses related or unrelated to their current position, as well as in-house, online, and leadership development training programs.
• Paid internship opportunities.
• Flexible work options, including hybrid work arrangements, flexible work hours, compressed work weeks, and telecommuting.
• Three weeks of paid vacation for new employees after their first year.
• Regular employee performance reviews every three months.

The Calgary Airport Authority also offers competitive wages and benefits, with some employees highlighting the pay and benefits as one of the best aspects of working for the organisation. The Authority provides annual inflation increases for union roles and small annual bonuses for excluded roles. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to work a compressed schedule, enjoying a long weekend every other week by working a little extra on regular workdays and making up any missed hours.

Job vacancies at Calgary Airport

Calgary Airport, also known as Calgary International Airport (YYC), is a bustling hub of activity, connecting the city of Calgary with destinations across the globe. With its modern facilities and diverse range of services, the airport offers numerous career opportunities.

Current Vacancies:

Calgary Airport and its associated businesses are currently advertising a range of roles, including:

• Shift Supervisor: This role involves providing outstanding customer service to travellers, ensuring they feel welcome and appreciated. The position offers a competitive salary of $18.25 per hour, along with benefits such as free meals, health and dental care, and tuition reimbursement.
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: Eagle Copters Maintenance Ltd. is seeking an engineer with a valid AME license to join their team. This role involves reporting on aircraft serviceability issues and ensuring aircraft are maintained to the highest standards. The salary for this position ranges from $30 to $40 per hour, and Eagle offers an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision care.
• Cabin Crew Member: WestJet Encore is hiring full-time Cabin Crew Members, who are responsible for the safety, security, and service of passengers.
• Control Room Operator: BEUMER Group is seeking a Control Room Operator to work in the Calgary Airport control room, analysing problems and determining corrective actions.
• Customer Care Ambassador: Concorde Airport Services is looking for customer service-driven individuals to join their CCAS Team and provide exceptional customer assistance.
• Ground Handler: Cargojet Airways Ltd. is hiring a Ground Handler to process cargo and load aircraft safely and efficiently.

Benefits of Working at YYC:

Working at Calgary Airport offers a range of advantages, including the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, serving millions of travellers each year. The airport is committed to progressive development and expansion, providing employees with modern facilities and the potential for career growth.

Additionally, many employers at YYC offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health and dental care, paid time off, and competitive salaries or hourly wages. With a range of full-time and part-time positions available, employees can also enjoy flexible work arrangements to suit their needs.

Calgary Airport and its partner organisations provide a diverse range of career opportunities, offering candidates the chance to be a part of the exciting aviation industry and contribute to the smooth operation of this crucial travel hub.

The airport's busiest year on record

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a bustling hub, serving as a gateway to the city of Calgary and connecting millions of passengers to global destinations each year. In 2023, the airport experienced its busiest year on record, solidifying its position as one of the busiest airports in Canada.

With a record-breaking 18.5 million passengers passing through its gates, Calgary International Airport surpassed its previous milestone of 18 million passengers set back in 2019. This remarkable achievement reflects the airport's full recovery from the pandemic and highlights its ability to cater to an ever-growing number of travellers.

The year 2023 was characterised by significant growth and expansion at YYC. The airport witnessed substantial increases in passenger numbers, flight partnerships, and non-stop routes, contributing to its success. It also saw its busiest summer travel season, with nearly 2 million passengers in July and August, further emphasising its popularity and appeal.

YYC's strategic location, approximately 17 kilometres northeast of downtown Calgary, makes it easily accessible to both local residents and visitors exploring the dynamic city. The airport's state-of-the-art infrastructure, including multiple runways and terminals, ensures a seamless travel experience for its diverse range of passengers.

The airport's extensive array of services and amenities also plays a crucial role in its success. From dining and shopping options to comfortable lounges and car rental services, YYC caters to the varied needs and preferences of its travellers. Additionally, its robust roster of domestic and international airlines provides passengers with access to a vast array of destinations worldwide.

Calgary International Airport's busiest year on record showcases its resilience, adaptability, and pivotal role in facilitating air travel. The airport's continuous development and modernisation efforts ensure that it remains a premier airport in Canada, providing an exceptional travel experience for all its passengers.

The airport's history

Calgary International Airport (IATA: YYC, ICAO: CYYC), branded as YYC Calgary International Airport, is an international airport serving the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The airport is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 miles) northeast of downtown Calgary and covers an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 sq mi; 5,144 acres; 2,082 ha). With 18.5 million passengers in 2023, it is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada by passenger traffic.

The history of aviation in Calgary dates back over a century. The first airport to serve the city opened in 1914 in the neighbourhood of Bowness. This early airport occupied just one square kilometre (0.39 sq mi) and consisted of a hut and a grass runway. However, as the city's aviation needs grew, a new airport was established in 1928, southwest of Calgary, named the Old Banff Coach Road Airport. Unfortunately, issues with turbulence at this site prompted the construction of another airfield just a year later in the neighbourhood of Renfrew, known as the Calgary Municipal Airport or Stanley Jones Airport.

The Renfrew airport served as Calgary's primary aviation hub until the city's growth surrounded the site, leading to the relocation of the airport once again. In 1938, the city purchased land north of Calgary, which became the site of the current airport. Named McCall Field, it played a role during World War II as a fuel and maintenance stop for aircraft involved in the war effort. After the war, the airport expanded, adding hangars, runways, and other infrastructure.

In the 1950s, it became evident that the military hangars at McCall Field were insufficient to meet the growing transportation demands of the city. A new passenger terminal was constructed in 1956, featuring an open public concourse and ticketing offices for three airlines. This terminal was considered one of the most modern in Canada at the time.

The 1960s saw a push to designate the airport as an "international airport," which was achieved in 1969 after several years of lobbying. During this decade, the jet age also arrived, bringing larger and faster aircraft that required upgrades to the runways and terminal.

The city sold the airport to the federal government in 1966, and in the 1970s, a new passenger terminal was constructed to accommodate increasing air traffic. This terminal, opened in 1977, remains the core of the domestic terminal today.

The 1990s brought further reorganisation with the introduction of the National Airports Policy, which led to the formation of the Calgary Airport Authority in 1992 for the management, operation, and development of the airport.

YYC Calgary International Airport, as it is branded today, continues to expand and modernise to meet the ever-growing demands of air travel. With its multiple runways, terminals, and amenities, it handles a significant volume of domestic and international flights, connecting Calgary to destinations worldwide.

The airport's hotels

The Calgary International Airport is home to several hotels that cater to the needs of travellers and offer various amenities and services. One notable example is the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel, which provides the utmost convenience for guests with its location just steps away from baggage claim. The hotel boasts an award-winning status and offers a range of amenities, including valet parking, a Park and Fly package, innovative event venues, a 24-hour fitness centre, a heated indoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also indulge in locally inspired cuisine, craft beers, and cocktails at the on-site restaurant, YAKIMA Social Kitchen + Bar.

Another prominent airport hotel is Hotel 11, MOD A Sonesta Collection, located just minutes from the airport and offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. This contemporary hotel provides a free airport shuttle service and an array of amenities such as a 24/7 indoor pool with a hot tub, steam showers, and well-designed, spacious rooms. The on-site restaurant, Freeport Food & Drink, serves up delicious breakfast and dinner options, while the hotel's proximity to outdoor recreation spots, cultural attractions, and global business headquarters makes it a convenient choice for travellers.

Days Inn Calgary Airport is yet another option for travellers looking for accommodation near the airport. While specific details about its proximity to the airport and shuttle services are not mentioned, the hotel emphasizes its commitment to its employees and creating a positive and supportive work environment. They strive to make guests feel at home and encourage open communication between management and staff, fostering a sense of teamwork.

These airport hotels provide a seamless experience for travellers, offering convenience, comfort, and a range of amenities to suit different needs and preferences, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests passing through Calgary.

Frequently asked questions