Dining Guide
Airport expansion opens the sky to opportunity
TERRI EGER
A $5.3 million expansion of the Medicine Hat Regional Airport has increased potential for the business. The existing structure of the 35-year-old airport was completely renovated, effectively doubling the customer space, adding kiosks and ticket areas for future tenants.
Airport manager Jeff Huntus described the project as “long overdue growth.”
An additional 500 square metres of extra passenger space was created in the building, resulting in a larger check-in area and washrooms.
“The renovations created improved customer service for all the creature comforts,” he said.
A privately operated restaurant inside the facility adds to the amenities available.
While runway space has not change, an additional 100 customer seats allows the airport to accommodate larger flights. In the past, the facility was limited by the size of service space available.
“We couldn’t handle that many people at once in our departure area so we were limited in the types of flights we could bring in,” explained Huntus.
Mayor Ted Clugston is happy with the expansion and the opportunities it opens up for Medicine Hat.
“We now have a fully modernized facility available to support additional carriers and services,” said Clugston. He said continued talks with Air Canada, Sun Wing, West Jet
g
and New Leaf airlines sound promising and he is hopeful expanded services will be available in the near future.
New Leaf travel recently announced that it would begin serving several specific second-tier airports across Canada, taking advantage of lower landing fees to offer discount, no-frills flights to travellers. As yet, that doesn’t include destinations in Alberta but local officials are hopeful that once the company’s licensing is approved by Transport Canada their services will include the local area.
With the renovation completed and expanded services available, officials have continued regular meetings with multiple carriers. Local officials have hosted decision- makers from multiple carriers at the newly renovated airport.
“Savory Steaks”
“Mouthwatering Prime Rib”
1249 Trans Canada Way S.E. Medicine Hat, AB 403-527-6262 •
www.ralphsbar.com
54
41249571•03/29/16
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