Fort McMurray, AB – Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Flair Airlines Touches Down at YMM For Inaugural Flight
Fort McMurray, AB – Today the Fort McMurray International Airport – YMM and Flair Airlines celebrated the inaugural flight from YMM to Vancouver, then onto Victoria. This marked the first commercial flight landing for Flair Airlines in the region.
Last month, YMM and Flair Airlines announced a new partnership to launch direct air service to and from Toronto and Vancouver, with the addition of service to Victoria.
“When people think of direct flights, they often think of convenience and saving time,” says RJ Steenstra President & CEO, Fort McMurray International Airport. “However, what isn’t always obvious is air transportation connects communities and their economies, generating benefits for both cities through tourism, leisure, business and cargo.”
As Canada’s economy reopens, Canadians are staying home and exploring Canada this summer. Travellers are key to economic recovery and underpin entire industries, and in some cases, entire communities who rely on tourism, hotel occupancy, restaurant, and hospitality business.
“We continuously receive requests from our passengers to service these communities,” says Jim Scott, CEO. “Many of these areas are experiencing reduced accessibility, and we know that Canadians need affordable air fares now more than ever. We are committed to supporting these communities across the country as they safely reopen to travel.”
Air transport is directly tied to wealth creation by unlocking the potential for trade and tourism. Economic recovery largely depends on a viable and sustainable air transportation network. For Wood Buffalo, it also opens the doors for economic diversification, business attraction and tourism product development.
“This new route represents a positive step forward in Wood Buffalo’s economic recovery,” says Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO, Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. “Air transportation contributes to our local GDP and employment, and increases Wood Buffalo’s competitiveness in the marketplace nationally and globally.”
Air transportation builds economies and community well-being, increasing people’s ability to participate in social, professional, cultural, educational, and recreational activities.
It’s critically important that residents and their families have affordable travel options,” says Mayor Don Scott, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “Throughout the year, we see extended family networks from across Canada and the globe visit our region, and we want to welcome even more of them in the future. Wood Buffalo has so much to offer and air connectivity is key to getting them here safely and efficiently.”
For more information:
• Visit Flair Airlines to learn more about airfares.
• One-way airfares start as low as $79 to Vancouver, $99 to Victoria and $159 to Toronto.
• Visit YMM COMMITTED to learn more about YMM’s enhanced health and safety program.
Fly Healthy. Fly Safe. Fly YMM.
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
Direct: +1 780 880 7598
Email: Margaret.Ziolecki@FlyYMM.com