Roelof-Jan “RJ” Steenstra, the CEO of PortsToronto, has a bold vision for Toronto’s air travel future, with Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport playing a pivotal role in the city’s growth. PortsToronto, responsible for Billy Bishop, the Port of Toronto, and the Outer Harbour Marina, views itself as a “city builder,” driving economic development and adapting to Toronto’s evolving transportation needs. Steenstra, who took the helm in 2022, brings a reputation for revitalizing small airports, having successfully transformed both Red Deer and Fort McMurray airports before joining PortsToronto.
Billy Bishop, Toronto’s oldest airport, is poised to be a critical component of the city’s future transportation network. The airport, along with its sister entities, the Port of Toronto and the Outer Harbour Marina, will shape how people and goods move within the city. In a conversation with The Star, Steenstra unveiled his vision for Toronto’s air travel future, including the exciting prospect of flying taxis and passenger drones, potentially revolutionizing urban transportation.
Steenstra’s passion for aviation stems from his early years, inspired by his father, a pilot for Pacific Western Airlines. Although his initial career path didn’t directly involve aviation, he eventually transitioned into the industry in his mid-30s after a diverse career in anthropology, communications, and teaching. After earning an MBA, he took the position of CEO at Red Deer Airport Authority in 2011, where he transformed an underutilized airport into a thriving regional commuter hub. His next major challenge came in 2016 when he was appointed to lead the Fort McMurray Airport Authority following devastating wildfires in the region. Under his leadership, the airport played a critical role in the community’s recovery, assisting in rebuilding efforts after the disaster. These experiences of transformation prepared Steenstra for his current leadership role at PortsToronto, where his focus is on revitalizing Billy Bishop Airport and positioning it as a hub for future transportation needs.
Steenstra sees Billy Bishop as more than just an airport; he envisions it as an economic powerhouse and a key component of Toronto’s future. The airport, currently the ninth busiest in Canada based on passenger volume, is poised to play an even greater role as Toronto’s population expands and transportation needs evolve. PortsToronto’s other entities, the Port of Toronto and the Outer Harbour Marina, also contribute to the city’s economy by facilitating trade, tourism, and recreation. According to Steenstra, PortsToronto is looking toward the future by exploring how air, land, and sea transportation can be seamlessly integrated.
One significant development on the horizon for Billy Bishop is the introduction of a U.S. preclearance facility in 2025. This new facility will expand the airport’s reach, enabling flights to serve more U.S. destinations, increasing from approximately 70 to nearly 280 cities. This expansion will significantly benefit U.S.-bound passengers and enhance the airport’s connectivity.
The conversation surrounding Billy Bishop’s future has shifted from whether jets will be allowed to how new technologies, such as electric aircraft and vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs), will shape the airport’s role in urban transportation. As many global cities explore utilizing flying taxis and passenger drones to alleviate traffic congestion, Steenstra believes Billy Bishop is ideally positioned to be part of this evolving landscape. Electric VTOLs, currently under development, offer a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional aircraft. However, the airport operates under an agreement established in 1983, which restricts the types of aircraft that can use the facility. PortsToronto is actively re-evaluating this agreement to ensure the airport can adapt to modern technological advancements. The goal is to ensure that Billy Bishop meets the future needs of Toronto while fostering a cleaner and quieter environment.
The future of Billy Bishop and Toronto’s air travel could redefine how people move within the city and beyond. The airport’s ability to adapt to new technologies and expand its international reach will make it an essential part of the travel industry, not only in Canada but globally.
The innovations at Billy Bishop Airport, particularly the introduction of electric aircraft and the expansion of U.S. preclearance, will have a global impact on travelers. For international passengers, the airport’s enhanced connectivity to the U.S. will offer more efficient travel routes. Moreover, the adoption of flying taxis and passenger drones in Toronto could set a precedent for urban air mobility in other major cities worldwide. As urban areas become increasingly congested, travelers may look to Toronto as a model for how modern cities can integrate new air travel technologies to solve transportation challenges. The potential introduction of flying taxis and passenger drones could also attract a new demographic of travelers seeking faster and more convenient urban transport solutions. As this technology develops, it could reshape how global travelers plan their journeys, especially within city centers.
