To maximize the potential of the industry, we have to come to terms with four basic issues or factors - and I suspect that these elements are common to the development of Canada's economic growth in many other sectors besides aviation. Infrastructure With an integrated international airline, there is no question that we will have a greater capability to facilitate more trade and travel for Canada and Canadians. But new services alone are not enough. There has to be an accompanying infrastructure in place which complements the airline industry and air policy and makes Canada a natural and convenient entry and exit point for travel and trade. The economic stakes here are huge.
Infrastructure covers many elements.
Let's start with hub development. Just as Singapore Airlines has grown via Changi, or KLM at Schipol, Canada needs to devote the same attention to become a successful sixth freedom carrier to evolve beyond origin and destination traffic and become a gateway for people and goods entering and exiting North America. These are initiatives which are being developed, but which are not yet commonplace in Canada's airports. The faster we undertake these improvements, the easier it is for international travelers and goods to come to a Canadian gateway and the more dollars Canada earns. It's vital for us to look at air travel from the customer's point of view, if we want to assess Canada's competitiveness in the world.