Welcome to the YMM Check-In, our community newsletter aimed to keep you informed on all things YMM: air service announcements, contesting, events and happenings at the Fort McMurray International Airport

FMAA starts 2023 with new President & CEO

Denean Robinson has been selected as the new President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA), effective January 1, 2023. Denean graciously accepted the permanent position at the December FMAA board meeting after holding the role of Interim President & CEO since RJ Steenstra’s departure in September.

“After an extensive international search, and consideration given to several highly qualified candidates, the Board of Directors chose Denean for the position,” says Mike Chwelos, Board Chair. “She has six years experience as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Corporate Services with the organization. In that time, she has displayed unwavering commitment to the airport’s interests and success.”

In her role as CFO & VP, Corporate Services, Denean successfully managed the financial health of the organization, while navigating challenges associated with the oil and gas industry downturn, natural disasters, and the pandemic.

Denean’s goals for 2023 include leading the FMAA team in advancing the strategic plan by strengthening and diversifying revenue sources, and continuing to increase domestic and transborder air services, further establishing YMM as Northern Alberta’s Airport of Choice. Read the full news release online.

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) would like to recognize the collaborative efforts of the Fort McMurray International Airport and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo's Emergency Response Teams for being available on standby on December 21, 2022, when an unplanned aircraft landing, due to mechanical issues. The aircraft landed safely with no passenger injuries or aircraft damage.

Swim Club welcomes Olympian Brent Hayden

The Fort McMurray Swim Club welcomed Olympian Brent Hayden and his wife, Nadia, at YMM on January 5. Brent is in Fort McMurray to host coaching sessions with the Mantas. Brent is regarded as the fastest swimmer in Canadian history and won a bronze medal in the 100 m freestyle at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Welcome to YMM, Brent and Nadia!

New YMM website

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website. The new site has improved its passenger experience at YMM by making it more accessible and easy to navigate online. New features include the accessibility tool which allows users to modify their online experience. The software includes screen readers and screen magnifiers, which allow those with impaired vision to view online content. Check it out at flyymm.com.

New YMM air service to Montreal in June

Come June 20, 2023, Fort McMurray residents will enjoy 4.5-hour non-stop flights between the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Flights will be operated year-round, three days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), by Air Canada Rouge (AC) using an Airbus A319 aircraft with 136 seats in a Premium Rouge and Economy Class configuration. This will be the first-time in YMM’s history passengers can fly non-stop between YMM and YUL. Read the full news release online.

FMAA gains new Director of Finance

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority has a new Director of Finance as its former Controller of Corporate Services, Helen He, was recently promoted. Helen has been a key player in the finance department and organization since starting her career with the Authority in 2019.

Discounted group rates available for Tucson

Residents interested in planning a group trip to Tucson can receive discounted accommodation options available through the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. Whether it be for a desert wedding or a company team-building opportunity, passengers travelling with a group of people booking ten rooms or more can receive a favourable deal. For more information, contact Jessica Perry at jessica.perry@flyymm.com

Faux green wall design on display at YMM

A new faux green wall is now on display at the Arrivals - Level 1 to enhance the passenger experience at YMM. The display concept was initiated by the Fort McMurray Airport Authority's Commercial team, and Wilson Chow of FMAA's Facilities designed and created an artistic mixed media wall of faux boxwood and wood-stained pegs.

Leasing opportunities available at YMM

The Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) has leasing opportunities available for local & provincial entrepreneurs. YMM sees over 30,000 people each month and has an ideal location for pop-up retail space. Short-term flexible leases are also available. To learn more about opportunities or to book a meeting, email info@flymm.com.

YMM brings over $1.6K to the local food bank

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority donated over $1,600 to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank (WBFB) during the holiday season. WBFB accepts food and monetary donations on an ongoing basis. To view a complete list of high-priority items needed, visit woodbuffalofoodbank.com/donations/

Third time a Canadian-citizen charm at YMM for 2022

Team YMM is happy to announce another Canadian citizenship ceremony taking place this year, which makes it the third for 2022. YMM Tim Horton's employee Vladimir Bacagan received his Canadian status on December 15, 2022. Congratulations Vlad! We are glad to welcome you to the Canadian family.

YMM in the News

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

YMM raises over $1,100 for Santas Anonymous

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority raised over $1,100 to support Santas Anonymous Campaign Fort McMurray during its 2022 Santa & Mrs. Claus Photos at YMM event. The annual event welcomed over 700 residents and travellers to greet with some of the community's favourite holiday characters, including Buddy the Elf. Thank you to Tim Hortons, Fuel by Earls - Fort McMurray, Foto Source, the Pets and Wellness Society (PAWS), Phoenix Heli-Flight, Mike Jones and the students of Father Mercredi High School for helping make spirits bright through the holiday season.

Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, non-share capital organization that owns and

operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Please visit FlyYMM.com for more information.