An Artifical Intelligence Primer
What's this AI Stuff All About?
Delegates started their day with a presentation by Laura Mortensen, Founder, Curiosity Analysis & BCAC Board Director (laura@curiosityanalysis.com). Laura gave an overview of current popular AI programs, e.g., ChatGPT and Co-pilot, and presented a feature article written by AI to demonstrate its capabilities. She also discussed the pros and cons, and limitations, of current AI programs.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/LinkedIn)
Prognostications by a Leading Industry Thinker
InterVISTAS CEO opens up conference and delegates's perspective.
Next up after BCAC Board Chair Cathy Press officially opened the day's proceedings was Solomon Wong, CEO, InterVistas (solomon.wong@intervistas.com), who focused on Innovation in Aviation. His main pointes were:
- Research is critical
- The success of trusted traveller programs.
- The promotion of “Incubation centres” to develop talent
- Cited aviation high schools as examples of innovation – many to be found in the U.S., but few in Canada.
- Suggested AI certification for professionals to be able to take advantage of AI as a business tool
- BCAC Director Mark Duncan pointed out that we are not good at celebrating BC aviation accomplishments, with KF Aerospace’s Centre of Excellence being an exception. He mentioned Conair and Coulson as examples of B.C. aviation innovators in the wildfire control industry
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Net Zero Airports
British Columbia is Leading the Way Globally
BC's World-Leading Drive Toward Net-Zero Carbon Airport System Update, Global Lessons, Now What? Moderator: Russ Atkinson, Director – Air Service Development, Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR)
Speakers: Maya Caron, Sustainable Transport Lead, Deloitte (macaron@deloitte.ca); Leo Robinson, Managing Director, To70 Canada (leo.robinson@to70.ca); Marion Town, Senior Associate, Operations Economics Inc (OEI) (enjouenous@gmail.com); Maciej Harbrych, Airport Manager, West Kootenay Regional Airport (maciejhabrych@gmail.com).
- Maya Caron presented an overview of carbon emission reduction opportunities in B.C. airports. Highlighted need for additional funding to achieve goals. Added that the tourism sector and municipal communities support the concept of “green airports”.
- Leo Robinson spoke of analyzing airport utility bills, etc., to identify sources of emissions: buildings, vehicles. The smaller the airport, the higher percentage of emissions from these sources. Added that budget restraints often prevented airports from advancing toward emissions reductions.
- Marion Town discussed making an inventory of existing airport assets and infrastructure and their life cycles, identifying opportunities to replace aging equipment, switching fuel sources, updating to LED lighting, etc. “Net zero is the target”.
- Maciej Harbrych cited his airport’s experience in updating infrastructure to reduce emissions, leading to significant carbon emissions reduction. He recommended, applying for grants for things like HVAC upgrading, LED replacements, etc. to allow for incremental improvements.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
The Status of Lower Carbon Fuels
Where is the industry Currently?
Lower Carbon Fuels: Supply vs. Regulation – SAF Supply Report, YVR Incentive, Local SAF, Reality Check. Moderator: Jill Doucette, CEO & Founder, Synergy Empowering Climate Action (jill@synergyenterprises.ca).
Speakers: Andrea Price, Energy Manager, Climate and Environment, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) (andrea_price@yvr.ca); Frank Femia, Director, Fuel/De-Icing Services & Renewable Fuels, Air Canada (francesco.femia@aircanada.ca).
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Andrea Price works on decarbonizing YVR, pointing out that YVR’s passenger terminal is the largest building in British Columbia. Moving to make SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) available at YVR and is leading North America in this initiative. Financial incentives for Airlines are available.
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Frank Femia highlighted Air Canada’s efforts toward sustainable aviation. The airline has invested in electric aircraft development and predicts that Quebec City will eventually be their launch market. He outlined other initiatives such as carbon offsets and how customers are motivated to participate through their Aeroplan program. As for the use of hydrogen as a fuel, he said the industry was years, and perhaps decades, away from feasibility, partly due to the lack of ability of “green hydrogen”. Femia presented the airline’s rapidly growing purchases of SAF, which began in 2022, with current volume approaching 1 percent of the fuel the airline purchases.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Geopolitical Risks
A Key Factor in Aviation Planning - Now Quantifiable
Impact of Unreliable Allies on Air Freight and Passenger Demand. Moderator: Rob Beynon, Founder & President, Operations Economics Inc. (OEI).
Speaker: Mike Brown, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Airport Benchmarking Group, Imperial College, London (mikebeeonthekop@gmail.com).
Mike Brown spoke of considering geopolitical risks in aviation planning and traffic forecasts, citing effect of the U.S.-initiated trade war, with cargo operations being greatly affected by global risks. Brown cited the effects of the Russian-Ukraine on traffic patterns and markets. He also cited examples of how B.C. airports are effected, such as how global copper prices affect air traffic in Kamloops (due to the nearby copper mine activities). Brown also cited evidence that there was no significant effect on cross border until very recently (April), with U.S.-bound traffic by Canadians significantly down, while internet statistics indicate more Canadian interest in travelling to Europe and Asia as well as to domestic destinations. Brown predicts traffic forecast for next year will be down approximately 2 percent. In summary, he points out that tools are now available to factor in geopolitical risk in airport and airline planning.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
National Policy
Transport Canada's Role
Lunchtime keynote: National Transport Canada Policy Innovation and Discussion. Moderator: Michael Benson, Director, Business Development, Conair Aerial Firefighting
Speaker: Jennifer Little, Director, General Air Policy, Transport Canada – National (jennifer.little@tc.gc.ca).
Jennifer Little spoke to the “Passenger Journey”, and Transport Canada's role improving the airport experience for passengers. On the regulatory front, TC must balance the need for public safety with passenger convenience.
Speical thanks to TC-Policy for reaching out.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Innovations in Recruiting Talent
Meeting Industry's Growing Needs
Human Resources Innovation – Qatar’s Skilled Labour Model & Application to Canada, DEI for Strategic Advantage. Moderator: Gerry Egan, Associate Dean, Aerospace and Technology Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Speakers: Alexander Weidmann, Consultant/Founder, BIPS India, Weidmann Consulting (Alex.Weidmann@bipsindia.in); Sonny Wong, Principal, Peopled (sonny@peopled.ca); Amber Rana, Principal, Peopled (amber@peopled.ca); Nova Andrews, CEO, Elevate Aviation (nova.andrews@elevateaviation.ca).
- Nova Andrews presented an overview of Elevate Aviation, an organization aiming to increase the participation of underrepresented groups, women in particular, in the aviation and aerospace industries. Elevate conducts programs across Canada to introduce and attract girls and young women to this sector.
- Sonny Wong pointed out that the only way to fulfill growing employment needs is through immigration. His company, Peopled, a manpower recruitment enterprise, focuses on quality immigrant recruitment, and follows up with assisting immigrants in cultural adaptation and therefore helping to secure their success.
- Amber Rana spoke of the barriers that keep qualified immigrants from having their credentials recognized and being offered positions that recognize their competencies. He works with Indian government agencies to pre-screen candidates for immigration.
- Alexander Weidmann spoke of strategic talent acquisition and how the company he represents, Bangalore International Placement Services (BIPS), works to supply Canadian aviation/aerospace industry labour needs. Referred to “Singapore model” as an example of where their approach is effective. Weidmann emphasizes on the need for his clients to retain control of the process.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Innovative Approaches Expanded
Supporting Innovative Approaches. Moderator: Dave Frank, Executive Director, British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC)
Speakers: David Munro, Manufacturing Consortium Manager, Excellence Manufacturing Coalition (EMC Canada) (david.munro11@gmail.com); Reg Faubert, Program Portfolio Manager (West Canada and Territories – BC/NT/NU/YT), Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) (r.faubert@insat.aero).
- Dave Frank described the process of creating agenda for BCAC’s conferences, giving credit to BCAC Chair Cathy Press and Director David Nowzek.
- Dave Munro told the delegates that EMC Canada was formed in response to industry demand for expertise to address labour needs in the aviation/aerospace manufacturing sector as well as modernization of plant and equipment. EMC began in British Columbia and is expanding eastward.
- Recently retired BC government Transportation Ministry employee Reg Faubert formed a not-for-profit INSAT, addressing need for guidance toward innovative aviation and aerospace technology. His organization serves as an administrator of federal government-funded programs that address this sector.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Wildlife Control
The Challenges of Keeping Airport Environments Safe
Wildlife Drone Innovation. Moderator: Harvie Buitelaar, Vice-President, Infrastructure, HATCH Ltd.
Speaker: Pierre Molina, President & CEO, Falcon Environmental (pierre@falconenvironmental.com).
Pierre Molina, MSc (Biology), is an airport wildlife management expert who has worked with airport operators around North America. His presentation focused on examples of how wildlife, particularly birds, have caused aviation accidents, sometimes fatal. He informed the audience that he is now using RPAS (drones) in wildlife control.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Can Government Innovate?
Change Can Be Slow, But Still Be Certain
Innovation and Government Regulation: Is it an Oxymoron? Moderator: Serge Corbeil, Western Region Director of Government Relations, Air Canada.
Speakers: Jamie Johnson, Regional Director, Civil Aviation, Transport Canada (jamie.johnson@tc.gc.ca); Lawrence Chow, Director, General Analysis and Outreach, Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) (lawrence.chow@otc-cta.gc.ca).
- Jamie Johnson highlighted the industrial and cultural advantages that Canada has, and that Transport Canada (TC) is capable of change, albeit slowly. He emphasized that TC will respond to industry pressure. He concluded that TC can in fact be innovative.
- Lawrence Chow explained role of the Canadian Transportation Agency, and the recent creation of the Complaint Resolution division in response to rising passenger complaints.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photo/Peter Olsen)
Sun Peaks
Kamloops' Mountain Resort
Most conference attendees opted for the excursion to nearby Sun Peaks resort for the Signature Dinner. A tour was organized around this idyllic alpine village.
Keeping the guests entertained was radio personality Shane Hewitt, who provided a motivational speech on the power of simple words.
Dinner was something to write home about. Credit to the Sun Peak hosts. When was the last time the Mayor of a Community chipped in to serve tables? Not to be forgotten. Thank you for helping to showcase all the Kamloops region has to offer.
(Source: Steve Drinkwater, author, Canadian Aviator Magazine, Photos/Steve Drinkwater)
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