Fort McMurray, AB – Sunday, January 26, 2020
Inaugural Flight Travellers Arrive Home in 3 ½ Hours
Travellers returning today from the inaugural Laughlin Nevada flight arrived home in just over three hours, thanks to the reinstatement of Canada Boarder Services Agency (CBSA) at the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM).
“We are committed to accelerating the guest’s experience at YMM,” says RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “The YMM Laughlin Experience was received with tremendous support from the community, allowing us to sell out the winter season in record time. We believe having CBSA services at YMM played a big role in residents’ decision to fly local.”
Thanks to a funding partnership through the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation’s (WBEDC) Strategic Investment Fund, Canada Customs services return to YMM after five years. Given the region’s remote geography and challenging winters, residents have a higher propensity to travel, particularly to warmer destinations during the colder months. Reinstating CBSA services and selling out the winter season demonstrates to airlines and vacation product providers that our market is worth investing in.
“Our organizations share a common goal, and that is to increase the flow of trade and travellers to our region,” continues Steenstra. “Air transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life are all interdependent, and we are pleased to see WBEDC equally recognize and support these synergies.”
The Airport Authority joins the WBEDC in this strategic investment and is pleased to contribute matching funds towards reinstating CBSA operations, putting YMM in a good position to attract more transborder destinations for the community.
“Investing in this CBSA partnership will open further opportunities of international destinations for our community,” says Kevin Weidlich, President & CEO of the WBEDC. “A combination of domestic and international air service enables tourism growth and positions the region as a top destination for attractions such as the Northern Lights, conferences, meetings and sporting events.”
Although YMM has not had CBSA services since 2015, the airport never lost its international airport designation. To be an international airport, the facility must have the ability to separate domestic from international travellers, which can be achieved at YMM.
Don’t Miss the 2021 YMM Laughlin Experience
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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 Contacts
Fort McMurray Airport Authority
Margaret Ziolecki / Senior Manager Government & Public Affairs
Direct: +1 780 793 7548
Email: Margaret.Ziolecki@FlyYMM.com
Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation
Andrea Haley/ Director, Brand & Corporate Services
Direct: +1 780 799 5820
Email: andrea@choosewoodbuffalo.ca