AviBC wins contract for baggage operation oversight at YVR
AviBC has been awarded a contract to lead the Strategic Baggage Alliance (SBA) and provide Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with end-to-end baggage operation oversight, ensuring the baggage system delivers a resilient service.
The SBA is overseen by Richard Gillett, Director of Baggage - YVRAA and led by Grant Thompson, CEO, AviBC Aviation Services Ltd.
AviBC Aviation Services Ltd, is an airport operations expert, that, together with its UK sister company, Aviation Business Continuity (ABC), uniquely blends programmatic and agile services to deliver exceptional service in real-time, while driving a roadmap of targeted performance improvements.
This new contract demonstrates the skill of AviBC and its selected world class business partners to continually drive a culture of excellence while maintaining a focus on the local community and workplace safety cultures.
Aviation Business Services (AviBC) will provide Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with an innovative operating model and managed services for its baggage operations. By working to remove functional silos between mechanical, digital technology, and ground handlers, AviBC will help YVR achieve baggage operational excellence through reliable, innovative, and world class service. The services under the new operating model will be delivered by industry leaders Aviation Business Continuity (ABC, UK), Vanderlande Industries, ABCoast Aviation Services, and Brock Solutions.
“We are honored to be selected as the Managed Service Provider for YVR’s baggage operations” said Grant Thompson, CEO of AviBC Aviation Services Ltd. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collaborative journey with YVR, emphasizing our commitment to delivering resilient, innovative, and world-class service. By integrating our expertise and fostering a culture of excellence, we aim to enhance operational efficiency, drive continuous improvement, and set new standards for airport baggage operations globally. Together with our esteemed partners, we look forward to supporting YVR in its mission to provide an elevated passenger experience and contribute to the airport's role as a vital economic and community hub.”
Starting in 2021, AviBC embarked on an exciting and collaborative journey with YVR’s visionary senior management team. Through leadership characterized by engagement, trust, passion, and tenacity, AviBC is aiming to set the gold standard for airport baggage operations worldwide.
“YVR teams work continuously to deliver a reliable, predictable and elevated passenger experience, across all areas of our business everyday” said Andy Margolis, Chief Operating Officer at Vancouver International Airport. “Choosing AviBC as the managing service partner for our baggage operations, supports our goal of deepening our connections and enhancing how we work together with organizations across the aviation ecosystem, thus building resilience into our operations. We are pleased to join AviBC in this new and innovative service agreement and operating model.”
YVR is Canada’s second busiest airport, serving 24.9 million passengers in 2023. YVR is operated by Vancouver Airport Authority in service of the community and economy that supports it. It is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for the community to come together and thrive. With a focus on serving passengers, partners, workers, and community, YVR is supports regional economic development and is making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians.
AviBC’s managed service partnership is centred on optimizing YVR’s baggage operations, but also extends to include peripheral services that demand agile and responsive management. Over the past three years, our joint efforts have focused on enhancing safety culture, engaging with the Musqueam Indian Band, fostering operational agility, developing a multiskilled and dynamic workforce, driving innovation, and reducing the carbon footprint, all while building a cohesive team environment. These achievements have been fueled by the shared learnings and continuous improvements from all consortium members, leveraging their diverse global project experiences.
As we look ahead to the next three years, we are committed to working closely with YVR, our consortium partners, and all airport stakeholders to embark on a transformational journey, further building on the significant accomplishments we have already achieved. Together, we aim to continue setting benchmarks in excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the aviation industry.
About AviBC...
Aviation Business Continuity (ABC) and AviBC Aviation Services Ltd are sister companies that share a commitment to advancing airport operations through innovative and resilient solutions. ABC has been a leader in the UK for 18 years, providing operational readiness and resilience services, and has held the Operational Readiness framework with Heathrow Airport since 2010. In 2018, ABC extended its expertise to North America, beginning its collaboration with Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Building on this foundation, AviBC was incorporated in Canada four years ago to further enhance airport operations at YVR. Since then, AviBC has been pivotal in managing YVR’s baggage operations and various passenger-facing roles. By leveraging a unique blend of local Canadian talent and strategic support from ABC in the UK, AviBC has consistently delivered year-on-year operational improvements and excellence.
Our approach ensures resilient, efficient, and world-class services, setting new benchmarks in airport operations and enhancing the overall passenger experience. Together, ABC and AviBC are dedicated to establishing a new operational baseline in North America, with a commitment to exceeding this benchmark incrementally each year through continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.