Developing new technologies and fostering collaboration: YVR’s strategic approach to meeting growing demand

c: YVR

The future of aviation relies on both technological innovation and collaboration. As passenger volumes and air traffic continue to increase at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Airport Authority is committed to evolving and enhancing its airport infrastructure to ensure seamless, reliable and efficient operations for airlines and passengers alike.

A significant part of this digital evolution is YVR’s digital twin and its newly improved baggage system, powered by Ignition SCADA. These innovations will drive efficiency and improve on-time performance, strengthening YVR’s role as a preferred global hub.

The digital twin: a game-changer for operational excellence at YVR

YVR’s digital ywin – a digital replica of the airport and its surrounding facilities and infrastructure – has revolutionised the way YVR monitors and manages its operations and enhances the passenger experience.

The digital twin generates passenger volume forecasts and can identify potential bottlenecks – such as check-in areas, security screening checkpoints and baggage carousels – enabling the airport to dynamically adjust resource allocation.

The power of real-time data is particularly evident during irregular operations or challenging weather events, supporting real-time data and information sharing across the airport ecosystem to make data-driven decisions that achieve results. Watch YVR’s digital twin in action during snow operations.

By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, YVR continues to optimise its operations across airside, terminal and ground transportation systems – enhancing efficiency, improving passenger experience and ensuring seamless travel through the airport.

Streamlining operations: elevating baggage performance

Airport baggage systems are complex, and YVR is no exception. YVR’s 23-kilometre-long baggage system, which processes an average of 30,000 bags daily, plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth passenger experience. With over 200 cameras and advanced sensors, our system is designed to deliver bags efficiently, with most reaching their destination within 30 minutes.

A cornerstone of YVR’s baggage system is the Ignition SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), which integrates sensors, controllers and IT networks to monitor and control airport systems, including baggage, parking and building management. SCADA’s ability to detect potential issues before they become major problems is key to increasing security, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience.

Collaborating for connectivity: strengthening airline and tourism partnerships

For YVR, a one-team approach has helped drive air service growth and marketing results. YVR works closely with key tourism and industry partners, including Destination Canada, Destination Vancouver, Destination BC and Tourism Richmond, to support airline expansion and raise awareness of travel opportunities to and from Vancouver.

A recent example of this collaboration is YVR’s partnership with Rugby Canada at the Rugby 7s event in Perth, Australia, this January. During this global sporting event, YVR and Air Canada leveraged the opportunity to promote non-stop flights between Australia and Vancouver, reinforcing the city’s position as a key destination for Australian travellers. These bespoke partnerships and coordinated efforts with tourism organisations play a critical role in attracting new routes, enhancing connectivity and ensuring awareness and yields for new routes remain high.

c: YVR

Scaling new heights: responding to increasing passenger demand

Passenger demand at YVR continues to rise, with 26.2 million travellers passing through the airport in 2024, connecting to 120 destinations via 51 airlines.

At YVR, a growing number of flights are departing with more than 90% load capacity, reflecting the increasing demand for air travel from the Canadian West Coast. This growth is driven by new and expanded service, including Air Canada’s increased frequency to Shanghai, and upcoming new service to Manila, the return of Hong Kong Airlines’ direct flights to Hong Kong, and YVR’s unique position as Canada’s only airport with direct access to Singapore.

YVR’s role as a global hub is further reinforced by strong performance across key international markets. Yields on Asia-Pacific routes grew nearly 50% since 2019, the highest growth among peer airports across the U.S and Canada. Flights from YVR to Europe had the highest load factor of all sectors at the airport, averaging 90% in 2024. Furthermore, demand to Europe from YVR is exceeding capacity, with 58% of travellers from Vancouver requiring connections through other airports to reach their final destination. Meanwhile, YVR yields to Latin America have increased by more than 30% since 2019, marking the highest growth among top North American demand markets to the region. Additionally, passenger demand for travel to Latin America grew by 14% year-over-year, the largest increase among West Coast and Canadian peer airports.

As a 24-hour airport, YVR is open for business around the clock, ensuring flexibility for airline operations and seamless connectivity for travellers. While slot availability varies, YVR continues to have capacity during most times of the day, offering opportunities for airlines looking to expand their presence in Vancouver’s growing market.