The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) today opened its new Terminal 1 for operations following the closure of old Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The new Terminal 1 replaces the old Terminal, which served the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years, and will accommodate increasing air travel needs of Toronto’s growing population and serves as a significant economic generator for the Province of Ontario.
“Seven years ago, few could have predicted what the GTAA would accomplish in such a short period of time,” said Louis Turpen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “It has taken an incredible amount of effort and dedication from everyone involved, but the vision of a new Toronto Pearson is now a reality. Toronto has entered a revitalized era – an era that will bring back the enjoyment of air travel, reminiscent of a time when the notion of flight was romantic and the excitement of a journey filled everyone with anticipation. The magnitude of this expansion will generate significant economic benefits for Ontario and play a vital role in Toronto’s economic recovery from recent challenges,” added Mr. Turpen.
The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of the largest airports in North America in terms of passenger and air cargo traffic. In 2003, the airport handled 24.7 million passengers.