National Airport Workers Day

Airports across Canada celebrated aviation employees and partners on June 26, marking the inaugural National Airport Workers Day (AWD).

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) Executive Leadership Team spent the morning handing out coffee and breakfast sandwiches, thanking workers for their roles in making YMM a premier regional airport. 

As part of AWD celebrations, the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) selected five airport workers to receive National Airport Workers Day Awards. The five categories include: Environmental Steward, Outstanding Service, Operational Excellence, Outstanding Leadership and Industry Champion.  

FMAA’s Adam Lo Bianco, Manager of Facilities & Terminal Operations, is the winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award. The award “honours a supervisor or manager who has steered their team with outstanding leadership qualities, ensuring smooth travels within their department.”

YMM Digital Art Exhibit Launch Event

Join the Fort McMurray Airport Authority for the upcoming YMM Digital Art Exhibit Launch Thursday, August 1, from 1 – 2 p.m. on Arrivals, Level 1. The exhibit presents Amy Keller-Rempp’s Sky Dance Series.

This is the third of four 2024 YMM Digital Art Exhibits. Hear from the artist, enjoy live music, food, and refreshments, and connect with the local arts community. Her Sky Dance paintings featuring northern lights are displayed on mugs, puzzles, colouring books, and calendars sold across North America. Items will be available for purchase at the launch.

See Amy’s full exhibit on display. Her artwork will be featured for a three-month rotation throughout the YMM terminal.

Deadline for Survey – July 31

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is conducting a survey to better understand how Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is meeting the needs of the community.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the YMM Stakeholder Survey by July 31, 2024. Your feedback will help the airport improve its services. The survey is being administered by a third party and your responses will be kept confidential. Thank you for your participation!

Hope Air Lands at Executive Flight Centre

FMAA welcomed Give Hope Wings Prairie Expedition pilot Burt Hodgins and his wife, Maria, at the Executive Flight Centre on June 24.

The pair are on an expedition to raise funds and awareness for Hope Air, which provides free flights, accommodations, rides and meals to those who need to travel for medical care outside of their communities.

Hope Air pilots and donors and sponsors believe that all Canadians should have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of where they live or how much money they have. To donate and learn more, visit www.hopeair.ca.

Team YMM at Volunteer Fest

Join the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) at FuseSocial’s upcoming Volunteer Fest on July 6th! The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Village, and it’s the perfect chance to discover rewarding volunteer opportunities at the Fort McMurray International Airport.

FMAA Route Development and Passenger Experience Specialist Jessica Perry and her enthusiastic team will be on-site to share all the details about the YMM Volunteer Program.

The 2024 Pride YMM Festival

YMM is proud to partner with Pride YMM’s transformative Rainbow Spaces initiative, which promotes and fosters more inclusive, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the Wood Buffalo region.

We had the opportunity to engage the community to promote our Rainbow Space designation at the 2024 Pride YMM Festival on June 22 at the Heritage Shipyard. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! We extend an invitation to other businesses and organizations in our community join the Rainbow Space initiative. Together, we are creating a more welcoming, affirming Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo for all!

Local HERO 3rd Annual Charity Car Show

SAVE THE DATE: Local HERO Foundation is taking over the Fort McMurray International Airport North Terminal to host its 3rd Annual Car Show: The Wheels and Wings Car Show presented by NAPA Auto Parts Fort McMurray on July 27.

YMM Connections

Catch a quick YMM Connection to Kelowna International Airport via WestJet and be there in only 3 hours and 19 minutes! From YMM to Calgary International, you’re just one quick connection away from the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

Check out the energetic downtown and beautiful waterfront boardwalk. Go on a tour of the many local Okanagan wineries, restaurants, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Relax by the lake at one of the many beaches or take to the water for endless lake activities.

YMM In the News

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

• Canada’s Airports Celebrate Airport Worker’s Day
• Flying Under the Radar at the Fort McMurray International Airport

Spotlight on Keyano College Students: Drashtiben and Manahil

Two Keyano College students spent part of their summer volunteering at the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) through a partnership program.

Drashtiben Patel and Manahil Waseem, both business students at Keyano College, joined the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) team on June 18. They will be working at the airport until July 2nd as part of the RBC Career Transition Program, which is offered through Keyano’s School of Business.

The RBC Career Transition Program, which falls under Keyano College’s Continuing Education & Extended Studies Department, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to complement their studies.

FMAA was happy to welcome Drashtiben and Manahil to the team this summer and hopes the opportunity helped them gain a valuable experience into the world of aviation.

YMM Terminal Turns Ten Recap

Community members, YMM partners and the Fort McMurray Airport Authority welcomed over 800 guests to celebrate the 10 year milestone of the YMM Terminal on June 9. It was a joyous occasion, filled with prizes, games, activities and heartfelt appreciation for all those who have contributed to the airport’s success over the past decade. Check out the photos captured by Jenna Buffett Photography on YMM’s Facebook page.

To our incredible Team YMM, event supporters, exceptional volunteers and community partners – thank you for making the celebration so special. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in making YMM a welcoming and efficient hub for travelers.

On behalf of the entire Team YMM, we thank you for ten years of flying YMM. We’re excited to see what the next decade has in store!

Autism Society Visits YMM

Representatives and friends of the Autism Society of the RMWB came to YMM for a special behind-the-scenes tour. The Autism Society of the RMWB is committed to creating an inclusive community through programs that support and understand autistic individuals in the region and all those living with neurodiversity and disabilities, supporting their families across their life span.

The group got an inside look at airport operations and met with the YMM Firefighters. As part of the tour, we were able to discuss the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Campaign with the group. Want to learn more about our terminal and operations? Book a tour by emailing info@flyymm.com.

On the YMM Runway: Huey Helicopters

Those aren’t bees buzzing over the long grass. It’s two Huey helicopters! FMAA Facilities and Terminal Operations Manager, Adam Lo Bianco, captured a photo of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois utility military helicopters (nicknamed “Huey”) on the YMM Runway in June.

End of the Runway – Airport Humour