Extending a provincial aviation advisory group's mandate until 2030 is a welcome show of support by the Alberta government, says a Red Deer Regional Airport leader.
"It shows support for airports and the aerospace industry and really making that a priority," said airport interim CEO Nancy Paish. "It's a really good sign and a really good step for the provincial government to continue to move that program forward."
Last week, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen announced the Strategic Aviation Advisory Council Act is being extended by five years to 2030. The move gives the 12-person council more time to provide recommendations to the province on ways to improve Alberta's aviation and aerospace prospects.
The council will provide feedback on aviation-related programs, from pilot training and air cargo services to aerospace research and development. Aviation services that support agriculture, emergency medical care and fire response are also on the council's radar.
It is also tasked with setting the stage for long-term growth through research, analysis and consultation with industry players.
For regional airports, such as Red Deer's, the council gives them an important voice at the political level, said Paish.
She said another recent indicator of the province's commitment to aviation came this spring when the airport was one of 10 regional airports to share $1.13 million from the province to improve air transportation and airport infrastructure.
Red Deer's airport will receive $120,000 for a land development strategy to leverage infrastructure and facility improvements, such as terminal expansion and airside land development, to better position the airport as a hub for economic activity.
Meanwhile, the airport's major multi-year expansion continues. Construction on a new access road linking Airport Drive and C&E Trail is underway.
A $3.5-million terminal extension is also nearing completion along with a taxiway expansion.
The airport's efforts to upgrade and help it move towards its goal of creating a regional transportation and aviation hub was given a big boost with a $30 million provincial grant announced in the spring 2023 provincial budget.
