This Friday: YMM Digital Art Exhibit Event Launch

Join us this Friday, April 4, to celebrate the launch of the 2025 YMM Digital Art Exhibit Series featuring local artists Lisa Smith, Rienna Davey, and Hira Noor. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fort McMurray International Airport. This year’s theme, “The Art of Connection,” explores how artistic expression unites people through the shared experience of travel.

Enjoy live music by Chris Pottie, delicious food and refreshments provided by Earls Kitchen + Bar, and the opportunity to mingle with the artists among their exhibits. Tickets are by donation, with 100% of proceeds going to Arts Council Wood Buffalo. Parking validation will be provided.

Following the event, each artist will be showcased in a three-month rotation on the digital screens throughout the YMM terminal and campus. Exhibits can also be viewed online.

Elevate Aviation’s 2025 Cross Country Tour

Local youth explored YMM and Phoenix-Heli Flight, met with aviation professionals and learned more about the potential their future can hold within our industry at the Elevate Aviation’s 2025 Cross Country Tour on March 28.

Special thanks to our event partner Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and our inspiring guest speakers: Denean Robinson, CEO of Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA), Kaitlin Jackson, Apprentice Mechanic at FMAA, Leanne McAmmond, QMS Manager from CanWest Air, Adam Mooney and Rosa Johnson of NAV CANADA, Lorna Ash of Local HERO Foundation and Jamie Unrau of Phoenix Heli-Flight.

If you would like to learn more about future opportunities for youth, visit www.elevateaviation.ca.

2025 YMM Annual Public Meeting

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 30, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Level 3 of the Fort McMurray International Airport. For those who can’t attend in person, the APM video will be available on www.FlyYMM.com the following day, ensuring everyone has access to this important information.

YMM Connections to Deer Lake

Travel to YDF (Deer Lake, Nfld) with WestJet in 8 hours and 3 mins from YMM with one quick stop via YYC. Their annual Strawberry Festival in July is Deer Lake’s biggest event, click here to check it out! Deer Lake also offers abundant outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Explore beautiful trails, scenic lookouts, and sandy beaches – a paradise for nature lovers.

Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition

We thank Keyano College for selecting YMM as the live business case for this year’s Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition from March 13 to 15.

Special thanks to Michael Sieger and Jessica Lipton from the Fort McMurray Airport Authority for serving as judges. Congratulations to the winners: 1st Place – Portage College, 2nd Place – Medicine Hat College and 3rd Place – NAIT. YMM is proud to support the next generation of business leaders in Alberta!

YMM History Moment

Pictured above, exactly 26 years ago today, the late Darryl Wightman (right), former General Manager of Fort McMurray Airport (many years before YMM received international designation) stands in front of a jet bridge at the northside terminal on April 1, 1999.



Darryl played a pivotal role in the significant expansions at Fort McMurray Airport. Under his leadership, Runway 07/25 was first extended from 6,000 to 7,000 feet in 2006, and then again in the following spring to 7,500 feet, allowing unrestricted operations for aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330.



This image is sourced from the Fort McMurray Airport Authority database. If you have a historical photo to share, please email us at dawn.booth@flyymm.com.

YMM in the News

Click on the following to learn what the web is sharing about YMM:

• Fort McMurray Matters – FMAA Workplace Accreditation
• Experience The Magic of Art and Connection at YMM’s Digital Art Exhibit Launch
• Fort McMurray Airport Blends Art and Travel in Latest Digital Exhibit

Team YMM Spotlight on Agustin Derecho

Agustin Derecho has been the IT Systems Coordinator for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) since October 2021. His role involves maintaining IT systems at the YMM terminal and its surrounding campus, where he monitors systems, troubleshoots issues, and collaborates with various departments. 

His career began in the Philippines and later took him to Dubai, UAE, where he managed various projects across the Middle East and the USA. With substantial experience on notable projects like the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, Agustin brings a wealth of expertise to FMAA.



Agustin emphasizes the importance of teamwork, often working with different departments to enhance IT systems. A recent project involved implementing a new access control system, highlighting the strength of collaboration at the airport. Reflecting on his day-to-day life, he appreciates the supportive atmosphere at YMM: “Everyone I work with is supportive. I like what I am doing,” he says.

Shout Out to YMM Volunteers

In recognition of National Volunteer Week from April 27 to May 3, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our invaluable YMM volunteers. Since launching our YMM Volunteer Program in the fall of 2023, we have been able to provide an even friendlier experience for passengers and guests at YMM because of our committed community members.

“Wishing our YMM Volunteers a great National Volunteer Week,” says Jessica Perry, Manager of Air Service & Customer Experience, who manages the YMM Volunteer Program. “This week is all about celebrating your hard work and dedication to YMM and its passengers. Every week should be National Volunteer Week.”

Our volunteers will be joined by our PAWS (Pets and Wellness Society) friends at FuseSocial’s upcoming Get Involved Wood Buffalo showcase at the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre on May 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Women of Inspiration Celebration

YMM was proud to be an in-kind partner of the annual Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta LEADERS OF TODAY: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2025 event. Members of team YMM were pleased to attend to recognize and cheer on outstanding local community members making a difference in our region.

On the YMM Runway: Clearing the Way

A NAV CANADA flight inspection aircraft can be seen being de-iced on the YMM Apron on March 12. NAV CANADA oversees air traffic control and maintains vital instrument landing equipment, including localizers and glide path systems at our airfield.

To ensure safe landings in adverse weather, specialized equipment is routinely checked. This photo shows the FMAA Maintenance and facilities team operating a sweeper and loader to clear snow in front of a departing aircraft while it undergoes de-icing, ensuring an on-time departure.

Thanks to FMAA’s Airport Maintenance Manager Jeff Vader for capturing this photo of the action!

End of the Runway – Airport Humour