Canadian Rockies International Airport

The diversity of activities within each day of running the airport makes for a stimulating work environment. Daily duties include the performance of a multitude of physical inspections and maintenance, communications and general management that vary with the seasons. At Canadian Rockies International Airport we operate a robust Safety Management System, from simple checks to operational guidelines and directives, process guidance, risk analysis and mitigation, investigations, and quality assurance. Other daily responsibilities include business partner and customer communications, marketing and service development, financial planning and management, project management and customer service. With nineteen tenants operating a wide variety of businesses, the airport has most of the daily activities and needs of a tiny community, ranging from building, grounds, roads/runways, water system and HVAC system maintenance to Food and Beverage concessions and Lease Management. Operating within Federal Regulation, exceeding regulatory compliance while growing strong relationships with airlines and business partners is core to our success. As a key catalyst for the economic growth and diversification of our entire region, the airport’s vision includes an expanding domestic and international market through a continued focus on air service development and the sustainability of air service providers.

The pandemic had arguably hit the air travel industry harder than any other, and recovery is proving a multi-year challenge. During the pandemic, Canadian Rockies International Airport saw immediate impacts, bottoming out at less than 8% of pre-Covid ridership and revenue. After navigating and responding to two years of the greatest suppression of the air travel industry, recovery to a sustaining level was rapid and optimism high throughout the sector as we saw a global stabilization of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quickly it was revealed that airline staff shortages, particularly in the areas of aircraft maintenance engineers and pilots, would continue to constrain the recovery of the air travel industry. At Canadian Rockies International Airport and throughout their national networks, Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal were all forced to limit seat capacity far below what level of service our demand could support. 2022 passenger loads on all flights were optimized and the airport sustained well considering that the airlines were only able to introduce 62% of pre Covid seat capacity. As airlines resolve their staffing shortages, at Canadian Rockies International Airport we will see a growth in schedule frequencies and seat capacity which is expected to begin in late 2023.

Mission Statement

To serve the region by becoming the airport of choice and to provide the City of Cranbrook with a safe, friendly, clean, efficient, and profitable airport with a local sense of place.

Projects&Priorities

Key Projects Completed in 2022

The woodtick beacon which warns pilots of aeronautical hazards was upgraded to an LED fixture. The LED Beacon light will improve reliability and lower energy consumption. The Beacon is visible when driving North on Theatre Rd.

Top Projects/Priorities 2023

Airfield Lighting Upgrade. Many components of the airfield lighting system will be upgraded. Runway edge lights will be replaced with LED units. Edge light cabling will be replaced.

Top Projects/Priorities 2024-2025

Repave curbside road and main parking lot. The asphalt is reaching end of lifecycle and will need to be repaved.

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights. The PAPIs have reached the end of their expected service life. These lights provide approach slope guidance to inbound aircraft and are critical to the airport operations.

The Airport received federal funding and ordered a new plow truck with 22 foot plow. Delivery is expected Q3 of 2023.

Airport Training facility energy efficiency upgrades. Lighting was converted to LED with occupancy sensors. Furnaces were replaced with high efficiency models.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Level 2 fast chargers will be installed allowing passengers and staff driving plug in hybrid or full electric vehicles to quickly charge their vehicles. This project is supported by funding from Clean BC.

Replace Airport Pumphouse Pressure Release Valves. Pressure relief valves will be at end of service life and will require replacement.