Airport Financing, Infrastructure & Regulation

Canada’s airports and aerodromes continue to be a key economic driver for the country. Blakes lawyers are experienced with helping our clients navigate the complex rules and regulations affecting Canadian airports and aerodromes, including the federal government's National Airports Policy. We also regularly advise various market participants (financiers, purchasers/sellers, regulators, airport management, and builders) on M&A, project financing, construction, competition, and litigation matters relating to the Canadian airport sector.

Recent Experience

Vancouver International Airport’s wholly owned airport services and management company on its C$50-million operating facility, which manages or has invested in over a dozen international airports and airport development projects.
Toronto Pearson International Airport on the federal government’s privatization of the Terminal 3 development, including acting as counsel to the underwriters, advising on all aspects of the ownership and financing structure for the project. Blakes also acted as counsel to the bondholders, advising on all aspects of the construction financing through a 10-year operating period that culminated in the sale of the terminal to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
The lenders to the Vancouver International Airport Authority on a C$300-million limited recourse construction financing and on the subsequent public bond takeout financing.
Vancouver International Airport Authority on its construction of a new international terminal building and runway.
The lenders in connection with the financings of acquisitions of airports in Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Regina.
A Canadian pension fund in connection with its investment in an Australian airport.
A Canadian pension fund manager on its acquisition of the Downsview Airport property in Toronto, totalling approximately 370 acres, from Bombardier Inc.Various local Canadian airport authorities in respect of expansion issues.
Municipal governments on the division of powers relating to the Aeronautics Act (Canada).
PortsToronto on an ongoing basis in respect of its real property assessment and taxation and payments in lieu of taxes matters relating to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Ontario hospitals on compliance with the Airport Zoning Regulations (Canada) and the establishment of heliports.
A Canadian pension fund in connection with its bid for the acquisition of Canadian airport facilities.
The service provider on the design, build, finance, maintenance project for the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Pedestrian Tunnel.
A consortium in connection with its proposal for the development of the three-kilometre rail spur and station at Terminal 1 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto Pearson International Airport Air Rail Link/Union-Pearson Express Spur Line).
A major equity investor, part of a consortium with SNC Lavalin Inc. and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, in connection with the C$1.9-billion Richmond-Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit Line (Canada Line) in Vancouver, British Columbia.
A sponsor in connection with the development and financing of the extension of Mauritius International Airport.