TORONTO, June 19, 2023 - The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is pleased to announce that its President and CEO, Deborah Flint, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Toronto Metropolitan University in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the aviation industry and Deborah Flint stands on the brink of an impressive 25-year milestone in the industry. A Canadian-born San Jose State University, California graduate, she has excelled in key leadership roles.. From her rise in leadership at the Oakland International Airport and Seaport, and as CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, she provided visionary leadership for the strategic direction and transformation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport. Since 2020, she has continued this legacy as President and CEO of the GTAA, operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Toronto Pearson, the largest airport in Canada and the second largest in North America for international traffic, has been a pivotal gateway, facilitating the movement of more than 50 million annual passengers and 40 percent of Canada's air cargo operations before the pandemic. Through the pandemic and aviation's rapid recovery from the near-complete shutdown, Ms. Flint's strategic vision and commitment to excellence have helped Toronto Pearson maintain its status as a vital gateway connecting Canada to the world. With this honorary doctorate, TMU acknowledges her leadership, her instrumental role in shaping the airport's trajectory and her steadfast commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Toronto Metropolitan University," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO Greater Toronto Airport Authority. "I hold this distinction dear to my heart, as it’s a testament to the remarkable work carried out daily by the dedicated employees who work alongside me at Canada's largest and busiest airport."
Throughout her tenure as GTAA President and CEO, Deborah Flint has demonstrated commitment to advancing the aviation industry through collaboration, advocacy and strategic partnerships. She has extended her impact through her global perspective and influence.
"We are incredibly proud of Deborah Flint and her remarkable accomplishments," said Doug Allingham, Chair of the GTAA Board of Directors. "Her relentless pursuit of excellence has not only elevated the status of Toronto Pearson International Airport but also strengthened the GTA region's economy and global connectivity."
Ms. Flint is proud of the Pearson International Airport and the new benchmarks set for service standards, social impact and environmental sustainability. Her passion for education and fostering learning environments has been instrumental in empowering individuals and nurturing talent, inspiring young adults and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The GTAA congratulates Ms. Flint on this well-deserved honour and extends its gratitude to Toronto Metropolitan University for acknowledging her immense contributions to the aviation industry.
About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods. Toronto Pearson has been named "Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers" for five years in a row by Airports Council International (ACI), the global trade representative of the world's airports. In recognition of its Healthy Airport program, ACI has also awarded Toronto Pearson the "Best hygiene measures in North America" award for three years running, and Toronto Pearson was the first Canadian airport to receive ACI's global health accreditation for its response to COVID-19. For our corporate twitter channel, please visit @PearsonComms. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on Twitter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
For further information: GTAA Media Office | media.relations@gtaa.com | (416) 776-3709