Fort McMurray, AB – January 23, 2015 – On the evening of Thursday, January 22, 2015, the Fort McMurray International Airport hosted an event to officially launch the newly outfitted observation area on the third floor of the new airport terminal building. Members of the artistic community, local business community, and heritage community were invited to the opening reception for this space.
This pre-security area is now available for local residents to enjoy on their next trip to the airport. This captivating space, located on the top floor of the main airport terminal, was designed to present a spectacular view of the runway and the airport campus. The area has now been outfitted with videos, art, and historical artifacts to increase passengers’ travel experience. Three state-of-the-art interactive video screens take visitors through the history of aviation in Northern Alberta and let them discover more about the new airport terminal.
The walls are adorned with two new art installations by Alberta artists Jane Ash Poitras and Amy Keller-Rempp. Three display cases hold fascinating historical aviation artifacts on loan from the Fort McMurray Historical Society, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Alberta Aviation Museum. Telescopes and interpretive reader rails turn the area into a destination for community members of all ages to learn about aviation in our region.
Speakers at the event included:
· Michelle Docking, Vice President, Commercial Services at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
· Kevin Howlett, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets at Air Canada
· Alberta-based artists Jane Ash Poitras and Amy Keller-Rempp
· Denny May, son of Alberta aviation pioneer Wilfrid “Wop” May
· Fort McMurray Airport Authority President and CEO Scott Clements
· Fort McMurray Airport Authority Board Chair Sheldon Shroeder
Attached please find an informational brochure which highlights the art and heritage aspects of the observation deck along with our newly-unveiled “YMM Welcome” exterior light towers and welcome signage. High resolution images are available for download on our website.
About Fort McMurray International Airport
Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Canada’s fifteenth busiest airport, YMM is the fastest growing airport in Canada with a passenger growth rate of 9.5% in 2014. YMM served over 1.3 million passengers in 2014.
Media Contact
Joanne Barnes, Communications Coordinator, Fort McMurray Airport Authority
joanne.barnes@flyymm.com
780-793-7544