The new International Terminal at the Calgary Airport is scheduled to open at the end of October and employers are looking for hundreds of people to fill positions in a variety of roles.

The new terminal is the most technologically advanced in the country and at two million square-feet, it will more than double the existing size of the airport.

The new facility will include; 24 new gates for International and US destinations, facilities for Canada and US customs, a 300 room hotel and 50 new shopping and dining spaces.

“Despite challenging economic times in the city, YYC continues to be at the centre of growth and opportunity for Calgary and the region,” said Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. “YYC already employs over 24,000 people in the community and is responsible for creating more than 48,000 jobs. The opening of the new terminal means more people will have the opportunity to join the growing business at YYC and become part of our world-renowned Team YYC.” 

The airport authority and its partners are looking for people to fill positions in operations, security, customer service, food service and other areas.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come out and look at all the opportunities that are available for the new International Terminal,” said Sarah Urbanowski, Manager of Corporate Communications, Calgary Airport Authority. “Every employer is going to be looking for something different today and we have ten very different employers that are part of this job fair.”

Thousands have lost their jobs in the city due to a decline in the economy and people were lined up early on Wednesday for a chance to apply for the roughly 300 jobs that are being offered.

“Yes I am hoping to get a job today and anything will do at this point,” said Brenda Assailly.

“I would hope for maitainance, that’s kind of what I would hope for but really anything’s better than nothing at this point,” said electrician Neil Fitzgerald.

“I’m hoping for the best here,” said Mike Westby. “Something new, switching career fields.”

“I got laid off three weeks ago so,” said Francesco Francella . “I want to work, I don’t want to sit around.”

“I’m really just looking for a job because I’m broke, I need money,” said Brandon Fryer. “I’m good with people so it might help.”

The YYC Career Fair is on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Coast Plaza Hotel located at 1316 33 Street N.E.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Airport Authority announced that there was an overwhelming response to the Career Fair and suggested that people access the information online.

The new terminal will open on October 31, 2016.

For more information on the new terminal, click HERE.