A Year in Review:
Message from President & CEO Denean Robinson
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In 2024, YMM proudly welcomed nearly 350,000 passengers and earned multiple accolades, including four Airport Service Quality Awards. We also achieved key certifications, such as the Public Health & Safety Readiness accreditation and maintained our Level 2 “Reduction” status in the Carbon Accreditation Program.
Our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement shone through initiatives like our Accessibility Committee and Gold Inclusion Champion status, achieved through the RMWB’s Workplace Inclusion Charter. From hosting vibrant community events to celebrating the first full year of our YMM Digital Art Program showcasing local talent, we focused on making YMM a hub of connection, culture, and opportunity.
These achievements would not have been possible without the hard work of our dedicated team members and the support of our incredible community partners. Thank you for your unwavering support!
Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to Fly YMM in 2025. By choosing your local airport, you help support jobs, businesses, and strengthen our regional economy. Together, we can continue building on this year’s success and ensure a bright future for our airport and community.
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We are happy to announce our YMM – Vegas Baby! tree was purchased at the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees Gala live auction by Paul and Andrea Spring. Congratulations to the NLHF for raising $860,000 in support of local health care. | |
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Dear passengers, as you prepare for your holiday travels, please remember:
1. Unwrapped Gifts: Do not pack wrapped gifts in your carry-on or checked luggage. Unwrapped gifts may need to be inspected by security, so it’s best to leave them unwrapped until you reach your destination.
2. Carry-On Liquid Requirements: Ensure that all liquids in your carry-on are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and fit into a quart-sized clear plastic bag.
3. Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.
4. Charge Your Tech: If you’re using your phone or tablet as a boarding pass, make sure it’s fully charged before heading to the airport.
5. Stay Updated: Check www.flyymm.com for real-time updates on your flight status.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
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YMM Santa & Friends A Festive Success | |
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We are thrilled to announce that over $1,300 in toy and cash donations was raised at the YMM Santa & Friends event, significantly benefiting Father Patrick Mercredi Community High School’s Santas Anonymous Campaign!
“The partnership with Father Patrick Mercredi High School’s Santas Anonymous initiative added a profound impact to the event,” says Tracie Nippard, Fundraising Coordinator with Santas Anonymous. “The proceeds raised, along with the generous contributions of new toys, will directly support families in need, ensuring children in our region receive gifts this holiday season who might not have otherwise.”
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YMM Achieves Gold Inclusion Champion | |
This recognition reflects YMM’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. Thank you to our amazing team for making this possible, and thank you to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for recognizing our efforts last week at the award ceremony.
Check out the RMWB’s video, which includes FMAA President & CEO Denean Robinson.
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International Volunteer Day | |
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International Volunteer Day is on December 5, and we want to recognize the amazing volunteers at Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) who bring warmth and connection to our community.
As Vigoracion Tabrilla (Divine) puts it, “Volunteering for me is a cure for my loneliness here in Canada. A warm greeting with a smile can change someone’s mood.” Fernanda Dutra adds, “Volunteering at the airport has been incredibly important to me. It’s about connecting with people from different cultures and gives me a sense of purpose while making someone’s journey more welcoming.”
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for enhancing our passengers’ experience!
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Aurora Handbell Choir for their beautiful performance at YMM on November 27. Your music brought joy and warmth to our airport, creating a memorable experience for everyone. A special thank you to Thomas Yang for capturing these moments with your stunning photography. We appreciate your talent in helping us remember this intimate performance. | |
YMM Digital Art Exhibit featuring Robert Coppard | |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the final YMM Digital Art Exhibit of 2024, featuring Robert Coppard. Guests learned more about the artist’s journey and how he created the “More Than” exhibit.
Robert also welcomed representatives from the Ihkapaska Indigenous Wellness Collective (IIWD), who spoke about their initiatives. He has donated the full printed collection of his YMM Digital Art Exhibit to help raise funds for their cause. We also extend our gratitude to all the artists who have participated in the program since its inception: Crystal Mercredi, Jon Tupper, Lynel Baguio, and Amy Keller-Rempp.
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Explore the upcoming artist call for the 2025 YMM Digital Art Exhibit Series! This year’s broad theme, “The Art of Connection,” invites artists to creatively reflect on how art fosters bonds among individuals in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, especially through the lens of travel—which can encompass journeys beyond just airport travel.
To apply, email the YMM Digital Art Exhibit Curator at dawn.booth@flyymm.com. Be sure to include your contact information, a brief proposal, and samples of your previous work. Remember, the deadline to submit your work is January 3!
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YMM In the News
Click on the following to learn what the web is sharing about YMM:
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Travel to Los Angeles from YMM with WestJet in just 6 hours and 40 minutes via Calgary (YYC). Don’t miss the chance to see Stevie Wonder in concert this December, or explore the excitement of Universal Studios Hollywood. | |
WestJet Supports Disney World Wishes | |
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Since 2007, WestJet has partnered with Make-A-Wish Canada to fulfill thousands of travel wishes for children with critical illnesses, donating over 23,000 flights and creating unforgettable memories.
WestJet Regional Manager Crystal Conway recently travelled with her teammates to take Make-A-Wish families from Calgary and Edmonton to Orlando, Florida for their Walt Disney World wishes.
“It was a very heartening experience to visit the Give the Kids the World Village and see first-hand how our airlines help bring joy to the children and their families,” Conway said.
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Team YMM Gives Back to Waypoints | |
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Team YMM had a great time putting together 18 care packages for Waypoints during a recent team-building event.
“We’re thrilled to see businesses making a difference through such thoughtful initiatives. These care kits will provide comfort and support, helping to restore a sense of calm for clients accessing services at our shelter during challenging times. We greatly appreciate these acts of kindness, as we know just how much of a difference they truly make,” Waypoints announced on Facebook.
Thank you, Waypoints, for allowing us to be part of such a wonderful initiative! Together, we’re making a difference in our community.
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Did you know? YMM is a registered drop-off location for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Stuff-a-Bus toy drive!
Now in its 9th year, the RMWB has partnered with Santas Anonymous Campaign Fort McMurray to bring joy to families this holiday season. You can donate new, unwrapped toys at the following YMM locations from now until Dec. 13: Information Centre on Level 1 and the Fort McMurray Airport Authority Administration Office on Level 3.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping to spread holiday cheer!
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YMM: Where Kindness Thrives | |
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What Makes YMM So Special? It’s the people. Kind-hearted individuals like Trina Lao. Trina, who works at Avis Budget on Arrivals, Level 1, recently reminded us of the power of small acts of kindness.
Earlier this month, YMM Volunteer Harvey Tulk witnessed a touching moment. A young woman, seeking transportation options from YMM, visited Trina’s rental kiosk. Learning the RMWB transit bus was just $2, the woman realized she didn’t have the money. Without hesitation, Trina offered her a toonie from her own wallet. A week later, that same young woman returned to express her gratitude with a thank you note, and insisted on paying back the $2.
Thank you, Trina, for embodying what it means to go above and beyond for our passengers. Your kindness is the reason YMM is more than just an airport, it’s a place where connections, compassion, and community thrive.
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Capture the Holiday Spirit | |
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A huge thank you to Team YMM and the Fort McMurray Airport Authority’s Facility Team for their incredible work in decorating the terminal and bringing the holiday cheer to life!
We invite you to take festive photos at our beautiful holiday backdrops around the airport and share your joyful moments with us using #FlyYMM.
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On the YMM Runway: Recent Upgrades for Space Weather Monitoring Stations | |
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YMM recently welcomed visitors from the University of Calgary who were working on upgrades to monitoring stations that enhance space weather research, made possible through collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.
The previous antenna has been replaced with a cutting-edge Hyper Spectral Riometer (HSR), which measures Relative Ionospheric Opacity. This advanced technology is vital for researchers studying how solar energy interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere. Positioned away from light pollution, this station ensures accurate space weather measurements that are crucial for GPS and communication systems.
YMM is proud to host this facility, which is part of a broader network of units located in several regions, including Buffalo Narrows, SK; Meadow Lake, SK; Narsarsuaq, GL; Dawson City, YT; Gillam, MB; Island Lake, MB; Meanook, AB; Poker Flat, AK; Prince George, BC; Rabbit Lake, SK; and Russell, MB.
A special thanks to the team at the University of Calgary—intern Zack Gusikoski, graduate student Steve Nagy, and operations managers Lukas Vollmerhaus and Emma Spanswick—for sharing their knowledge and expertise on this fascinating system that operates on YMM’s property.
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End of the Runway – Airport Humour | | |
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© 2024 Fort McMurray Airport Authority – All Rights Reserved
Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, non-share capital organization that owns & operates
Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Please visit FlyYMM.com for more information.
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