Red Deer Airport is returning to its roots.
An official rebrand was rolled out this week that brings back the Red Deer Regional Airport name dropped a few years ago.
A new logo and website are part of the rebrand along with signed agreements with Toronto-based land development firm Rice Group; Saturn Power, which expects to begin building a solar farm in 2021 and Calgary-based aviation-focused development firm EFC Developments.
Airport CEO Graham Ingham said the logo change is all about utilizing the diversity of the region to spur growth. By bringing back the original name, the airport is stressing its ability to serve the region.
Through its new partnerships, the airport has an eye on growth into larger markets with national-level land development advertising campaigns while incorporating a little more style and flair into the airport’s image.
“We are marketing the Red Deer Region to organizations at the national level, and stressing the regional diversity and opportunities for employers in this corridor is key,” said Ingham. “The team at YQF understand that the growth of the Red Deer Regional Airport will be beneficial to the entire area, with job creation, tax revenues, and potential customs clearance and commercial service.
“This rebrand is a large step in ensuring we are investment friendly and ready to represent the region with our best foot forward.”
Rice Group will help market about 200 acres of vacant land available around the north end of the airport at Springbrook.
Saturn Power previously announced it is looking at a solar power project generating six to 14 megawatts.
The company would lease about 80 acres at the north end of the airport for its solar arrays.
Red Deer Airport had a record 75,000 aircraft movements last year, and it was on track for its best financial year.
Then Air Canada pulled out at the end of October, and around $200,000 in revenue went with it.
Despite that setback, 2018 was a solid year for the airport, said Ingham earlier this year.
Revenues came in at $1.16 million, down from $1.2 million a year earlier.
Land leases and rents were up, offsetting much of the revenue lost from Air Canada.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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