Step near reality for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s US CPB facility

These are exciting days for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is to get its own United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Preclearance facility in late 2025.

Yesterday it announced the selection of Pomerleau as the construction management firm and Alstef Canada as the baggage handling system provider for facilities work associated with the introduction of US CBP facility.

“We are pleased to welcome Pomerleau and Alstef Canada to the implementation team, and recognise this important milestone in bringing US Preclearance to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in late 2025,” enthused RJ Steenstra, president and CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

“As the 5th-busiest Canadian airport serving the US, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is ideally positioned to offer US Preclearance and anticipates significant enhancements to passenger experience, destination offering, and economic impact as a result of the introduction of this service.

“I would like to once again thank the Federal Government for its commitment to the long-term future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and its investment of C$30 million in capital funding to make US Preclearance a reality.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with all levels of government to ensure Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport remains a vital piece of transportation infrastructure and an economic driver for Toronto and the surrounding region well into the future.”

While Neil Pakey, president and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, enthused: “The benefits of Preclearance have been demonstrated at 15 airports around the world, and recent research by York Aviation indicates that Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has the potential to deliver C$5.3 billion in economic output through the increased aviation activity that Preclearance will bring about.

“Set to open ahead of FIFA 2026, Preclearance fulfils our promise of continually enhancing the passenger experience, and will allow Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to be the front door to Toronto for even more visitors in the years to come.”

From Alstef Canada’s perspective, managing director, Steven Tanguy, noted: “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on this important project.

“Our expertise in completing baggage handling upgrades in operational airports, as demonstrated by the successful completion of 50+ baggage handling projects across Canada, will help ensure seamless integration of US CBP Preclearance processing.”

Beyond increased efficiency and choice for US-bound passengers, US CBP Preclearance drives visitor spend through increased tourism and business activities, boosts employment, and strengthens ties between the United States and Canada.