Last Updated on April 23, 2020
Flying on a private jet seems like an out-of-reach luxury to many people, but taking a private jet instead of a commercial flight is more affordable than ever. And the benefits of taking a private plane are easy to see: you have more flexibility because you don’t have to follow standardized flight schedules, you waste less time on the ground because you don’t have to deal with the long lines at security you experience at regular airport terminals, and of course you have much more comfort during the actual flight. And at the moment, with the majority of airlines suspending their flight routes for several months, it is for many people the only way to get to the destination they need to reach. Instead of struggling to find a flight that is convenient for you, a private jet can be ready within a few hours’ notice.
Flying on a private jet is also more convenient because there are many more airports catering to small private jets than there are large airports that serve big jumbo jets. Which means that you can take a direct route even from a smaller city, and you don’t waste time on a layover. But every major airport usually has a private jet terminal, and in this article I want to share the five best terminals for private jets in Canada at major Canadian airports. Terminals within commercial airports that handle private air traffic and private jets are known as FBOs (fixed-based operators). FBOs are known for their high-end amenities and outstanding service, but just as with regular airports, the quality varies, and there are a few airports that take the private jet experience to the next level.
If you are looking for the utmost excellence on your next private jet trip in Canada, the following are the five airports you should seek out.
The five best airports for private jets in Canada
1 Toronto Pearson International Airport (Airport Code: YYZ)
Pearson International Airport in Toronto is Canada’s largest and busiest airport and has three FBO’s that offer amenities such as: tarmac service (chauffeurs drive up all the way to the plane), snooze rooms equipped with leather lounges and a cozy fireplace, showers and state-of-the-art business centers. Concierges that help to arrange anything you may need, from hotel bookings to concert tickets to your favorite snacks, are also available.
2 Vancouver International Airport (Airport Code: YVR)
Vancouver International Airport is known to be one of the best airports in the world, and was listed as the best North American airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2019 (it was #17 in the worldwide ranking). There are three FBOs at YVR, all of which provide luxurious amenities such as high-end lounges, a 24/7 concierge service, and VIP transportation.
There are also fully equipped business centers and conference rooms in each of the FBOs.
3 Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Airport Code: YUL)
Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is the third-largest airport in Canada by both passenger traffic and aircraft movements and the primary international airport serving Montreal. The airport has four FBOs which are offering luxury lounges, business centers with boardrooms and conference rooms, catering, snooze rooms and ramp side vehicle access.
4 Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (Airport Code: YHU)
Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport opened in 1928 and was Montreal’s only airport until YUL opened in 1941. Despite its considerably smaller size than YUL (YHU is the 15th busiest airport in Canada), it also has four FBOs, and it is closer to Downtown Montreal than YUL. All FBOs offer upscale passenger lounges, business centers with executive conference rooms, ramp side parking, and catering. On-site concierges and a VIP service are also available.
5 Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (Airport Code: YTZ)
Canada’s ninth-busiest airport beats Toronto’s Pearson airport when it comes to distance to Downtown Toronto: While Pearson is 27 kilometers from Downtown, Billy Bishop is located only 3.5 kilometers southwest downtown Toronto on the Toronto Islands. The proximity to Downtown Toronto (it takes only ten minutes by car) is YTZ’s main draw. Fun fact: You can even walk to central Toronto via a pedestrian tunnel that was opened in 2015.
YTZ has two FBOs, and both executive terminals offer lounges, catering and meeting rooms.
Photo Credit: All images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing. (1) Toronto Airport by Alex Pierre; (2) Boarding a private jet by Alex Light; (3) YUL by Caribb; (4) Private Jet by David Brossard; (5) Premium Lounge at Vancouver Airport by Traveling Otter
