Vancouver opens new International wing

A glittering 36,000 square foot expansion of Vancouver International Airport’s International Terminal opened last week, with passengers browsing through the many shops and restaurants and gazing at the work of British Columbia artists and the dwellers in a large new aquarium of British Columbia’s indigenous sea life.

Vancouver Airport Authority spent CN$200 million (US$190 million) on the expansion, called the West Chevron International Pier. The Authority says the expansion is the cornerstone of a CN$1 billion (US$952 million) series of improvements. The Authority says the expansion will allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. It includes four new gates.

YVR has signed Aldeasa to operate the 13 new duty free shops. HMSHost operates the food and beverage offerings under a five-year contract that it signed last year.

HMSHost’s new outlets at YVR are Starbuck’s Coffee, Pizza Hut, Canada’s Tim Horton’s coffee and Milestone’s Grill and Bar featuring hearty fare such as fire grilled coho salmon and red curry chicken.

“Our goal is to provide the best mix of local, regional and international brands, along with excellent customer service. We are pleased to offer passengers in the West Chevron Pier these exciting new dining options that fulfill that goal,” said Pat Banducci, senior vice president of business development at HMSHost.