BCAC Chair Heather Bell in Abbotsford at BC Transportation Minister Trevena’s BCAAP Press Conference
THE BRITISH COLUMBIA AVIATION COUNCIL IS A MEMBER DRIVEN ORGANIZATION WITH THE MISSION TO promote, stimulate and encourage the development, growth and advancement of aviation and aerospace in our province. OUR VISION IS an aviation and aerospace industry that is visible, connected and thriving.
The infrastructure investments announced by our government today are key in helping ensure the sustainability and vibrancy not only of the aviation industry, but also British Columbia as a whole as airports are incredible economic drivers. So today’s announcement is substantial, impactful, and financially prudent.
However, there is another side to infrastructure – the human side. For airports to continue to produce social and economic benefits, they need both the BCAAP and trained people that use these investments – pilots, mechanics, machinists, airport operations, and customer service.
There is a growing and near critical shortage of Human Resources in Aviation and Aerospace; as the chair of the BCAC it is necessary that I ensure that not only our members but the communities, governments and the flying public are aware of the potential crises we may face if flights are increasingly cancelled due to lack of staff. While a missed flight for a vacation may be an annoyance, the inability to service Northern Communities that rely on air access for critical food and medical services could portend tragedy.
The solutions to this problem are not quick or easy and it will take a concerted and collaborative effort to make headway. We must reduce the barriers to entry for job training in this industry plus get the word out early in our school system that aviation and aerospace is a vibrant, growing and critical career option that should be explored.
Today’s announcement is great news for the social-economic well-being of our Province. Now let’s work together to ensure we also cover off the human side of the equation to the benefit of all British Columbians.
