Fort McMurray, AB – Friday, July 26, 2019
Fort McMurray, AB – The Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) ranked third in Canada for on-time commercial aircraft departures. A survey conducted by OAG Aviation Group Ltd, a world leader in aviation statistics and studies, compared 125 airlines and 505 airports across the globe including 20 airports in Canada.
“It takes a tremendous amount of coordination and teamwork to ensure our customers have a seamless experience,” says RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “At times flights coming in from other airports can create departure delays. Between our airline partners and concession teams, we do everything we can to make-up that time and create a good experience for our customers.”
Grande Prairie Airport and Kelowna International Airport ranked as the top two airports in Canada for on-time performance, with Grand Prairie processing 436,000 passengers and Kelowna processing over 2-million passengers in 2018. Last year, approximately 640,000 passengers on 6,094 commercial flights departed YMM. This equates to an average of 508 departing commercial flights per month (117 flights per week, 17 flights per day).
“YMM continues to punch above its weight for a regional airport serving a population our size,” says Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO, Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. “As a vital economic corridor to the north, YMM’s level of performance instills current and future investor confidence that people, skilled labour and goods can flow in and out of the region with ease.”
Historically business travel has accounted for the majority of passenger traffic at YMM, yet signs point to increased utilization for tourism and conferences. In 2020, the Municipality in association with the Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom committee will be hosting the National and International Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards ceremony. Then in 2022, the region will host the Arctic Winter Games. YMM is expecting to process hundreds and even thousands of visitors from all over the world for both initiatives.
“I’m extremely proud to see YMM recognized again this year,” says Mayor Don Scott, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “Between the Airport Service Quality Award and this acknowledgment, YMM has firmly established itself as a leader in providing exceptional—and consistent—performance and customer service.”
About Fort McMurray International Airport
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) owns and operates the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). FMAA is a self-funded, not-for-profit corporation that operates like a local business. Surplus revenue generated from commercial activities are reinvested back into airport infrastructure to meet safety, security and environment regulations.
Media Contact
Margaret Ziolecki / Senior Manager Government & Public Affairs
Fort McMurray Airport Authority
Direct: +1 780 793 7548
Email: Margaret.Ziolecki@FlyYMM.com