TORONTO — Top industry leaders have banded together to help ensure the future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).

More than 45 leaders from industries including travel and tourism, aviation, business, healthcare, manufacturing, the arts, retail and education have signed an open letter to advocate YTZ’s sustained operation and development.

As per the letter, 82% of Torontonians believe Billy Bishop Airport is a good use of land, and 87% believe it makes sense for the city to have an airport downtown. As the ninth busiest airport in Canada and the fifth busiest Canada-U.S. air crossing and future home of U.S. preclearance, YTZ offers 20 direct and 80+ indirect connections, with $2.1 billion in economic output growing to $5.3 billion.

The entirety of the open letter reads:

“We have come together through this open letter to express our collective support for the long-term future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Recognizing the critical role that Billy Bishop Airport plays in facilitating travel, supporting economic growth, supporting life-saving medical access and connecting communities, we believe it is essential to advocate for its sustained operation and development.

“Billy Bishop Airport is a vital asset for businesses and travelers. Its strategic location in downtown Toronto not only provides convenient access to the city’s financial, business, visitor and cultural districts, but also serves as a gateway for regional and international travel. The airport’s unique proximity to key economic centers and its efficient operations contribute significantly to the competitiveness and productivity of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the businesses that operate here and their employees.

“Representing a diverse range of industries, sectors, and communities, the importance of this reliable and efficient transportation hub cannot be understated. The time is now for all levels of government to collaborate and agree to a long-term future for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.”

Among the 45 industry leaders to sign the letter are Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto; Michael Deluce, CEO of Porter Airlines; Andrew Siegwart, President & CEO of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO); and Lisa Raitt, Former Minister of Transport.

To read the letter, go to https://www.itsmyairport.ca/stakeholder-support.