Operating Environment

Passenger Traffic and Screening Operations

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the aviation industry. Passenger volumes reached a historic low in April 2020, when screened traffic saw a reduction of over 97% compared to April 2019. As such, some checkpoints and screening lines were temporarily closed, however operations continued in order to support the industry.

Message from the Chairperson

The theme of this year’s annual report, “Resilience and Adaptation”, describes CATSA’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate during a period of change as the pandemic pressed on for a second year. The resilience and adaptation with which CATSA has responded is a direct testament to the dedication of its employees, screening contractors and screening officers. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend my gratitude and appreciation for this collective resolve as we continue to support the air travel industry’s recovery efforts.

Other Key Activities

Cost Recovery and Other Designated Airports

The Transportation Modernization Act introduced authorities allowing CATSA to provide supplemental screening services to both designated and non-designated airports, so long as the provision of these services remains cost neutral and subject to Transport Canada approval. Based on this authority, CATSA has previously provided additional screening services to airports through supplemental screening agreements and will continue to work with interested stakeholders.

Mandated Activities

CATSA delivers the mandate of security screening at 89 designated airports across the country through a third-party screening contractor model. Playing a key role in Canada’s civil aviation system, CATSA is responsible for the delivery of the following four mandated activities:

Pre-board screening (PBS)

The screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and their belongings prior to their entry to the secure area of an air terminal building.

Core Responsibility

As per the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Policy on Results, Crown corporations are expected to comply with the requirement to identify Core Responsibilities in order to support the publication of the Main Estimates and the Public Accounts.

As CATSA’s mandate is very specific, the organization has one Core Responsibility.

Security screening at designated airports

CATSA is mandated to deliver effective, efficient and consistent screening at designated airports. CATSA fulfils this responsibility by way of its mandated activities.

Corporate Profile

Established on April 1, 2002, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is an agent Crown corporation funded by parliamentary appropriations, and accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport.

Mission

CATSA’s mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system.


Vision

CATSA’s vision is to be a recognized global leader in aviation security screening, achieved through: