For decades, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has been more than a gateway to the city, it has been a lifeline for Hope Air patients travelling to access critical medical care.

As we celebrate 40 years of Hope Air service, we are proud to recognize Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport not only as a long-standing partner, but as a Hope Air Patron — the highest distinction awarded by our charity. This honour reflects Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s exceptional and ongoing commitment to supporting tens of thousands of patients who rely on Hope Air to reach essential medical care far from home.

To date, over 5,000 Hope Air patient flights have passed through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Its unique downtown location, just minutes from Toronto’s world-class hospitals, trauma centres, and research institutions, makes it a critical access point for patients across Ontario and beyond.

That role became even more profound during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when much of the aviation industry slowed or shut down, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport remained open, in part to continue accepting Hope Air volunteer pilot flights. For patients travelling to the city for life-saving care, the airport became a crucial connection when options were limited and uncertainty was high. Its continued operations ensured that patients could still reach essential medical appointments when they needed it most.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s support extends beyond access. As the long-time host of Hope Air’s Toronto Haul for Hope event, the airport brings together partners, volunteers, and the community to raise critical funds and awareness for patients facing the burden of long-distance medical travel. These efforts reflect a deep, shared commitment to compassion, collaboration, and health equity.

As we mark this milestone year, we thank Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Toronto Port Authority and Nieuport Aviation for standing with Hope Air — not just during events, but in moments when patients needed it most. Together, we continue to ensure that Canadians can reach the care they need, no matter where they live.