Navigating the Skies: 6 Takeaways from Our Aviation Executive Summit

Ottawa, ON | September 25, 2023.

On September 25, executives and government officials alike descended upon Canada’s National Arts Centre for our Executive Summit Series event: The Future of Canada’s Aviation Sector. The summit provided a unique platform to discuss, analyze and envision the future of this crucial sector. During this summit, we discussed: Airport Authority Investment Strategies, Supporting Regional Airports, Sustainability, Competitiveness, a Collective Vision for the Sector and Energy.

What was said and what does the future of Canada’s aviation sector look like for Canada?

Here are our key takeaways from the insightful discussions:

Sector as an Economic Driver

Canada’s aviation sector is rebounding financially. Both Canadian airlines and airports have a strong plan to capitalize on their strengths, create new opportunities for Canada, and continue to drive inbound tourism and investment attraction. Successfully achieving economic ambitions requires partnership and cooperation between the private and public sectors.

Investment for Growth

A lack of flexibility and investment by governments in maintaining and modernizing the infrastructure can lead to safety issues that can affect flight schedules and passenger experience. Governments must work with the sector to provide greater freedom to attract investments, both domestic and international, which are crucial to boosting the growth and competitiveness of the aviation sector. We can’t grow routes if hub airports can’t support increased demand.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Canada has the potential to take the lead in the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The aviation industry necessitates more robust government policies to ensure its ongoing leadership in providing sustainable fuel solutions for both domestic and international aviation sectors.

Competitiveness

The sector can’t be competitive without sound policy and smart regulations. Too often, inefficient regulation and broader economic issues facing the sector often get sidelined for political issues. To be competitive, the government must look at how we can make our air sector an economic engine that connects our country

Shared Accountability

There is a growing consensus and concern among industry stakeholders surrounding the proposed Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) reforms. The sector agrees that reforms are needed, but as written, they would jeopardize safety while increasing costs for Canadian travellers.

A Collective Vision for the Sector

Collaboration is key in the aviation sector, which involves stakeholders such as airports, airlines, regulators and industry associations. Given the complexity of the ecosystem, it is crucial for these players to work together to address challenges and drive innovation.

We would like to acknowledge that this summit took place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. We also value the contributions that Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community, province and country.

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2023 Executive Summit Series

Our Executive Summit Series gives us the opportunity to take a deep dive into issues our political leaders need to consider to ensure public policies drive business success.

Each event will ignite insightful conversations with some of Canada’s most influential business leaders and government officials, as we strive to meet our biggest challenges: the future of people, technology, trade and climate. To register for an upcoming Executive Summit Series event please click here.

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Presenting Sponsors

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