The Red Deer airport continues to soar above all of its peers thanks to a strong local economy and new commercial flights through Northwestern Airlines, say officials.
A comment paper written by a senior economist with Alberta Treasury Branch showed traffic at the Red Deer location has increased 25 per cent since 1997, growing faster than any other regional airport in Canada.
"It just indicates the vitality of our airport,î said R.J. Steenstra, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority. "Right now we seem to be on a good track upwards.î
Traffic at the airport grew to 5,100 flight movements, up from 4,500 movements the previous year.
The airport is growing its commercial flight offerings, as well as doing a brisk business servicing oilsands operations. Last year there were four commercial return flights a week, two to Kelowna and two to Fort McMurray. This year that will rise to seven, including flights to Abbotsford starting March 3.
"It's interesting to see the increase that's taken place,î Steenstra said. "The name of the game here is really frequency which we're starting to build.î
A busy airport is a good financial indicator for the region, he notes.
"The Red Deer market has the key ingredients,î he said. "We have a high propensity to travel, a high level of disposable income.î
It also helps that Red Deer is a hub for the oil and gas industry, with many companies finding the city an attractive head office location.
While traffic here has increased, the volume of flights has decreased in Peace River (off by 44 per cent), Whitecourt (down 39 per cent) and Lethbridge (which dropped 29 per cent).
Steenstra says he expects it will only get busier at the Red Deer Airport.
"It's ensuring that the community understands the services that are available,î he said. "It just needs a lot of nurturing and time.î
In order to build buzz around the launch of the new commercial offerings a seat sale of $149 to Kelowna or Abbotsford is being offered ahead of the route opening.
"It just indicates the vitality of our airport."R.J. Steenstra, chief executive officer of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority.
