The airport's been busy. Going to get busier

NEWS RELEASE

AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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During a recent strategy session held on November 22, 2014, the Board of Directors and Management Staff of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) carried out a strategic planning exercise covering areas of operating/capital expenditures, investment and business development opportunities within the next five years.

The board was assisted by Jody Rebek DiCerbo, VIVE (Management Consulting and Events).

Increase to the passenger traffic through the airport has seen historical records since SSMADC ownership began in 1998 shattered with major increase from a record low of 121,991 in 2010 to 194,783 for the 12 month period to October 2014,  a 59.7 percent improvement.

This could not have been achieved without the support of the community, the introduction of additional airlines (domestic and seasonal), which resulted in an improved service in travel times to various destinations along with offering competitive prices.

With this dramatic increase in passenger levels, the SSMADC workforce has been expanded to reintroduce full time ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting) service at the airport.

In the last two years safety and facility improvements have been added to the terminal in the form of upgraded customer waiting area and new incoming baggage belt, expansion to the airport combined services building as well as brand new ARFF truck, runway sweeper, and runway snow blower.

In partnership with all levels of government, expenditures in the range of $4.0 Million have been invested in these new improvements.

This brings the SSMADC investment into capital upgrades at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport since taking ownership on March 28, 1998 to a total of over $26,800,000.

The retreat provided an opportunity for the board to review these accomplishments and explore ways to further enhance the airport’s ability in meeting its challenges.

Noting that the airport contributes $39.3 million in GDP and 430 full time equivalent employment to the local economy.

“Furthermore the strategy session provided an excellent opportunity to review the recently approved new Business and Land Use Master Plan that will guide the SSMADC for the next 20 years with focus on the next 5 to 10 years, this plan identified areas of strength but also areas that can be strategically enhanced, and areas that need improvement. The strategy session was used to set in place the tools to implement an achievable strategic plan for continued success. Not satisfied with the norm, the Corporation is committed to working closely with the community, employees, and tenant family focused on customer satisfaction and being mindful of the needs of Sault Ste. Marie and area residents” said Airport CEO Terry Bos

The Executive Summary of the newly approved Business and Land Use Master Plan is posted on the Sault Airport website www.saultairport.com.