Officials from the Government of Canada, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) gathered this morning near the future site of the airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, made possible in part by an investment of $30 million by the Government of Canada, to reaffirm their commitment to bring Preclearance to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Preclearance offers enhanced security to the border-crossing process while boosting the economies of both countries through facilitated travel between Canada and the United States.

Officials from the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will announce plans to expand United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance to Billy Bishop Airport, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience from the heart of downtown Toronto. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the 5th-busiest Canadian airport serving the United States, and the planned expansion of Preclearance to the airport will enhance passenger convenience by allowing U.S.-bound travellers to clear U.S. Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture inspection before takeoff. Travelers then bypass CBP inspections upon U.S. arrival and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.

In addition to the significant enhancements to passenger experience, Preclearance will open up more routes to the United States from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, potentially growing the airport’s annual economic contribution to $5.3 billion, boosting employment on both sides of the border, and strengthening bilateral trade and tourism between the United States and Canada. Preclearance also allows for a shared approach to security. The process allows both countries to manage the border in a way that addresses shared security concerns, including managing threats early.

For the past year, DHS and CBP, in coordination with Transport Canada and Public Safety Canada, have been monitoring plans for the preparation of future Preclearance facilities at Billy Bishop Airport. DHS feels confident in the steps being taken and is now incorporating Billy Bishop in staffing and resource allocation planning and decisions.  While the start of operations must depend on the completion of each project milestone, progress is moving in the right direction.

Fast Facts – Preclearance at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

  • The introduction of Preclearance at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport could grow the airport’s annual economic contribution from $2.1 billion to $5.3 billion.
  • As a result of increased aviation activity, Preclearance could result in $215 million in total annual tax revenue, up from $150 million, based primarily on direct on-site activities.
  • Preclearance at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport could boost on-site jobs to 3,680, up from 2,080.
  • By allowing U.S.-bound travellers to clear U.S. Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture inspection before takeoff, Preclearance will enhance passenger convenience.
  • Preclearance will result in increased choice for passengers by opening up to ten more U.S. destinations from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
  • Preclearance at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was made possible in part by an investment of $30 million in capital funding on the part of Canada’s Federal Government.

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 100 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important international gateway that will deliver a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility in 2025. The airport is a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output and supporting 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport’s operations. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served its community for 85 years from its iconic location on the Toronto waterfront, where it facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is committed to achieving its vision of cleaner, greener and quieter operations, and is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency, and customer service, having won a host of passenger-driven and environmental achievement awards. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

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