72
73
CANADIAN INDUSTRY ONLINE - MAY 2014
high industrial travel base.
“
We will see great capacity in-
crease with this expansion,” Clements
says. “There are 47 airports in the
municipality and a handful that are
incredibly busy—but this airport is
definitely the busiest.” The airport has
seen 70 per cent growth since it first
became an official entity, which reflects
the growth seen in the region.
According to the Airport Author-
ity: “The $258 million investment in
the ATB and airport lands will support
Canada’s fastest growing city and con-
tribute to RMWB’s status as a diverse,
modern and robust community. YMM
currently generates over $363 million
in economic activity for the RM of
Wood Buffalo.”
The need for a new facility has
been clear for several years, and the
new terminal will accommodate 1.5
million people. Not only that, YMM
will add several new flight destina-
tions to its roster, including non-stop
service to Las Vegas, Kelowna and
Vancouver on WestJet; and Denver on
United. For an airport that has been
the fastest growing for the last decade,
Fort McMurray Airport is finally get-
ting what it needs to be progressive.
“
We have been overwhelmed and this
expansion is the answer. Because of be-
ing overwhelmed, our customer ser-
vice hasn’t been what it should be for
some time,” Clements continues.
“
There have been or will be 1,700
jobs, and $345 million of economic
impact created in the region as a result
of this new terminal being built,” Cle-
ments notes.
THE BENEFITS
The capacity increase of the air-
port will support the ability of Alberta
industry to enhance its workforce. Not
to mention, the workforce at the air-
port itself will benefit and grow. “On
June 9th, we will most certainly begin
officially offering the highest customer
service levels possible with the open-
ing,” Clements promises.
The new facility will increase
food service facilities, expanding to 16
including two full-service restaurants.
“
We will go from having a very small
customs facility, which has been in-
credibly challenging, to one that can
handle much more,” Clements com-
ments.
Not only that, there will be 2,350
powered parking stalls available for
passengers, a taxi queue; a curbside
drop-off; and valet parking. Travellers
will enjoy climate-controlled access to
aircraft using four aircraft bridges, and
there will also be an outdoor park; a
pet area; a children’s play area; and an
Observation Deck with interactive dis-
plays and historic artifacts on airport
operations and aviation pioneers.
FORT McMURRAY AIRPORT EXPANSION
