Cariwest sponsors the Edmonton Caribbean Arts Festival, and the theme for the 2008 and 2009 festivals is Cariwest Presents Alberta Best. “Sweet Wheat” was created as a tribute to Alberta’s farming community.
The mas costume was created and assembled under the expert tutoring of veteran mas producer Geraldo Vieira of Trinidad and Tobago, his assistant Greta Pitres, and Edmonton mas designer Osmond Edwards, Sr. It features 400 giant green and gold wheat pods embellished with 21 delicately structured giant bees. The bees are symbolic of the insects attracted to wheat.
Mas is short for the word “masquerade,” but over the years it has come to mean everything associated with Caribbean-style carnivals such as the Edmonton Caribbean Arts Festival. Simply put, mas is the medium through which the Caribbean arts of costume making, Calypso music, and steelpan music come together.
“Sweet Wheat” was the outcome of Cariwest’s first international mas workshop this past spring at the University of Alberta. The project was completed with generous support from the TransAlta Festival City Grant Program.
EIA, in partnership with Edmonton Tourism and TransAlta, launched its Live All Year program last summer. The program is designed to create a vibrant atmosphere at the airport by bringing live performances, interactive activities, and artistic displays to the terminal to promote Edmonton’s many festivals and special events.
Thanks to our partnership with TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, EIA now has the opportunity to display two exhibits from Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 1: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies. BODY WORLDS is the most-attended travelling exhibition in the world, and TELUS World of Science - Edmonton is the only scheduled stop in the prairie provinces.
This exceptional and educational exhibit about human anatomy, physiology and health gives visitors an unprecedented view inside the human body; it has been enjoyed worldwide by nearly 25 million people. The exhibit at EIA features two bodies: one individual who maintained a healthy weight and one which represents an overweight person.
Visit the EIA Observation Deck for a glimpse of this exciting exhibit. For more information about the complete BODY WORLDS experience, go to www.bodyworldsedmonton.com. The full exhibit runs at the TELUS World of Science until October 13, 2008.
“We know that our passengers are looking for more variety in dining options before their flights, and Chili’s will offer many new and fresh options for our customers,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO.
This licensed outlet—the fifth Chili’s in the Edmonton region—will be located between gates 52 and 54 in the domestic departures lounge, offering diners an ample view of the runways while they enjoy the Chili’s experience. Travellers can choose from a full-service menu as well as grab-and-go selection. Chili’s is a hugely popular restaurant chain, offering guests a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner and world-famous margaritas.
“We’ve had a great history here in Alberta, and we’re really excited about this new opportunity to serve Edmontonians and their visitors at EIA,” says Gerry Inglis, Franchise Owner/Developer of Chili’s Restaurants. “Our whole team is excited to introduce our delicious menu, fun theme and great customer service to travellers at Edmonton International.”
This new Chili’s outlet is part of an overall plan to improve the customer experience and provide more choice when travelling through EIA.
Chili's is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favourites at more than 1,400 locations in 25 countries.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
Overall award for excellence, four first-place finishes and one third-place finish
A powerful new brand and a punchy marketing campaign propelled Edmonton International Airport (EIA) to top spot at Airports Council International-North America’s (ACI-NA) “Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest.”
EIA proudly secured the highest honour of the contest, the Peggy G. Hereford Award. This award is given to honour overall creativity and excellence in marketing and public relations among airports across North America. EIA competed with 62 airports from across the U.S. and Canada. The contest drew 300 individual entries.
“To be recognized as the best amongst such a group demonstrates that our brand, and our EIA team behind it, is truly outstanding,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO. “Previous Peggy G. Hereford Award winners include Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle, and Edmonton International Airport is truly honoured to join that prestigious list.”
In addition to the Hereford Award, EIA placed first in four contest categories and third in a fifth category.
Winners’ Circle
• First Place: 2007 Annual Report, A New Day
• First Place: YEG YES Marketing Campaign
• First Place: YEG YES – Print Advertising (colour)
• First Place: flyeia.com website < www.flyeia.com>
• Third Place: Brand Launch Press Kit
In 2007, EIA placed first in the Partnering with Carriers category for the effective promotion of Air Canada’s non-stop flight between Edmonton and London, England. The airport also placed second in the Public Relations Campaign category for Careers Take Flight, a campaign which promotes job opportunities at the airport.
EIA, Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past two years, is committed to complete and effective customer service – “we’ll move you.”
For the official ACI news release, visit http://www.aci-na.org/news/2008_aug8
Number of U.S. seats to increase 38.3 per cent in 2008; WestJet adds U.S. and Sun destinations
A U.S. economic slide isn’t stopping double-digit passenger growth and seat capacity increases between Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and its 10 non-stop U.S. destinations. Edmonton’s robust economy is bucking the North American-wide trend for deep airline capacity reductions, especially in the U.S.
The outlook for continued growth was bolstered earlier this week with significant flight additions and capacity increases announced by WestJet. EIA currently serves 41 daily flights to and from the 10 U.S. destinations and that number will climb to 48 per daily in November 2008. The new flights are scheduled to begin in November, lifting EIA’s U.S. capacity increase to 38.3 per cent compared to November 2007, an extraordinary figure when set against the backdrop of high fuel prices and capacity decreases in U.S. routes and some Canada-U.S. routes in other Canadian cities.
“Overall, our passenger numbers to the end of June have increased by seven per cent over the same time period in 2007, which was a record-breaking year for us,” says Peter McCart, EIA Vice-President, Marketing. “This strong growth is underpinned by remarkable 14 per cent passenger growth in the U.S. market, indicating Edmonton’s and Northwestern Canada’s economies remain strong in an overall softening North American economy.”
This ESSO location is the first of its kind at an international airport in North America, and rounds out the selection of services available at the Rocky Mountain site. In addition to various car wash facilities and options, Rocky Mountain operates a lube centre, offering oil and filter changes, as well as auto detailing.
The grand opening event will feature give-a-ways, including a free touchless car wash with the purchase of fuel for the first 100 customers and free smokies and beverages for everyone who attends. There will be face painting, balloons, and a clown to entertain the kids, as well as a performance by an Edmonton-area old-time rock ‘n’ roll band.
Attendees are eligible to enter a draw to win a trip for two to Las Vegas (includes airfare and accommodation for two nights; some restrictions apply). The winner will be announced at 4:00 p.m.
Whether you are on your way to the terminal or from the terminal, stop by Rocky Mountain Car Wash and ESSO Gas Bar to fill your tank and shine your wheels.
Date and Time:
Saturday, July 19, 2008
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:
Rocky Mountain Car Wash and ESSO “On the Run” Gas Station
AirLINKS Business Park, Edmonton International Airport
Whether you need to bring your laptop or your flip flops, pack your suitcase, and fly direct from Edmonton to Mexico City.
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is thrilled to announce the arrival of Mexicana Airlines, offering six-times-weekly, non-stop service between Edmonton and Mexico City. The new route is the second year-round international flight offered at EIA.