Beginning the week of Jan. 19 the city will be collecting online data from residents around the future of the regional airport. Committee members heard Thursday the airport has a near 100 per cent flight completion rating since WestJet switched aircrafts in 2024.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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City staff will soon launch an online survey to collect data from residents on the Medicine Hat Regional Airport, as well as share ideas about upcoming infrastructure projects.
During a city committee meeting Thursday city staff said they launched a strategic plan and impact study update on the airport and will host city councillors for a visit in the near future to show behind-the-scenes operations.
Additionally, beginning the week of Jan. 19, the city will host a public survey on the ‘Shape your City’ webpage.
Members of the development and infrastructure committee heard from airport manager Logan Boyd that since WestJet brought in its larger 78-seat Q4000 aircraft to the airport in the fall of 2024, flight competition rates have been nearly “perfect.”
“I can tell you with absolute certainty that the performance and the time performance and the number of flights completed is almost 100 per cent, and that is a big improvement,” explained Boyd. “With the prior aircraft we did not have anywhere near that kind of completion performance.”
This data is key and represents 360 flights each year, says Boyd, in promoting the region’s business case to continue operations in the future.
“Promoting our region and trying to grow our services is actually going directly to the carriers. So that’s all about having good data and good business care about why carriers should continue to serve our region.
Committee members heard the airport is actively trying to promote all the services it offers. Along with commercial flights, the airport serves as a hub for flight schools and local medevac services.
Boyd also provided members of the committee an update on the funding model around the municipally owned and operated airport.
Funding for airport operations comes directly from the taxpayer, however last year the airport generated $700,000 in revenue to offset the cost.
The airport has received a total of approximately $20 million for the federal government for safety critical infrastructure and equipment projects. This funding pays for 100 per cent of the cost of these projects.
Most recently, the airport secured $400,000 in funding from Ottawa two years ago to purchase a new loader used for airport operations.
“The federal government funding we receive is project based, infrastructure, heavy equipment generally,” added Boyd.
Prior to launching the online public feedback survey the regional airport will be the host for the Tigers game against the Prince Albert Raiders on Jan. 17 and will highlight the use and optimization of the airport to hockey fans.
