Security Training Exercise at YYC

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 5, 2015) - A security training exercise, Operation Silver, took place this evening at Calgary International Airport (YYC). The exercise, which simulated an armed assailant scenario, gave multiple agencies the opportunity to practice their extensive emergency response plans. The exercise also tested the coordination and communication between airport, airline and emergency agencies that would be involved in responding to a scenario of this nature.

The safety and security of all those who visit and work at Calgary International Airport is the Authority's number one priority and exercises are a key component of the airport emergency preparedness program.

"Training exercises are an extremely important part of ensuring teams at YYC and participating agencies have the opportunity to practice their extensive emergency preparedness plans," said Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. "Organizing these exercises takes months of planning and significant collaboration between agencies, and all of our partners involved played a crucial role in ensuring this exercise was a success."

Operation Silver took place in an isolated area of YYC's main terminal building, with a number of emergency response agencies reporting to the scene. A number of members of the airport community were also involved with more than 125 volunteers playing the roles of passengers and employees.

Numerous government and support agencies responded including Alberta Health Services, the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Calgary Police Service, CATSA, Emergency Medical Services, Transport Canada, United Airlines, and US Customs and Border Protection.

ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of Calgary International (YYC) and Springbank (YBW) Airports. YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, generating over $8 billion per annum in economic activity.