History of the Saskatoon Airport Authority | Role of the Saskatoon Airport Authority | Bylaws | Community Consultative Committee
Saskatoon Airport Authority took over operations of the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport from Transport Canada in 1999. Service, financial viability, expansion and accountability were the foundation of the Authority's objectives during the first year of operation.
The Airport Authority hit its stride in 2000, approving an expansion and renovation of the Air Terminal building (ATB) to facilitate continued growth of both airline travel and the economy of central and northern Saskatchewan. The project was a significant step toward the vision of making John. G. Diefenbaker International Airport Saskatchewan's premier airport.
During the third year of the Authority control of the Airport, the success of Saskatoon's Airport was reflected not only in building improvements but also in its continually increasing passenger volume. More than 1 million passengers used the Airport in 2007, up from 950,000 the previous year. One of the factors contributing to the success of the Authority is its close and productive relationship with the City of Saskatoon. Regular consultations with the City enabled the Authority to remain a low-cost, community airport that supports and encourages economic development in Saskatoon and northern community.
The completion of the first two phases of terminal redevelopment was the most significant news over the first 5 years of operation. The redeveloped and expanded terminal, officially opened in 2002, has the capacity to welcome 1.4 million passengers annually. Recently there has been a renewed focus on promoting and expanding the capacity of the airport as a tool for economic facilitation. In addition, the redeveloped terminal will provide a catalyst to continually improve the "airport experience" for the customers.
During the first five years the Saskatoon Airport Authority has faced many challenges from turmoil in the airline industry to national terrorism. Yet, as the fifth anniversary of the Authority and the 75th Anniversary of the Saskatoon Airport were marked in 2004, it was clear that the Authority has developed into a financially sound, modern and successful airport, totally committed to the growth of Saskatoon as a vibrant center for industry, commerce and tourism.
The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport ranks among the top airports of its size in Canada in a national survey of customer satisfaction. Amongst the many accomplishments in the spirit of partnership is the agreement with the City of Saskatoon on an innovative approach to stabilize municipal taxation of the airport. Similarly, The Saskatoon Airport Authority is grateful for a productive working relationship with the Government of Saskatchewan. Realizing a modern airport involves more than successful operation of a terminal. The Saskatoon Airport Authority is working hard to market airport land, seeking new commercial tenants in the areas of airlines and airline services, tourism and courier companies. Community involvement continues to be the guiding force of Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. With the redeveloped first class terminal facility and continually increases services, we look forward to the airport becoming a community destination.
Our role is clearly announced through our mission statement:
"The Saskatoon Airport Authority will operate a world-class airport and be a leader and partner in the development of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan"
Our mission statement reflects the Authority's commitment to some key elements and reasons for the existence of the Saskatoon Airport Authority, namely:
The vision for the airport:
"Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport will provide the best airport experience and aviation environment in North America"
Operating the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is a complex and exacting undertaking that continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Passengers and freight arrive and depart constantly requiring a symphony of support services and maintenance to keep it all airworthy.
Our driveway is more than 3.2 kilometers of runway and thousands of square meters of apron and our backyard is 2,000 acres. Our house is a 140,000 square foot terminal building that annually hosts more than 1.8 million passengers and visitors last year. We also maintain baggage handling and passenger-loading systems with capacity to serve 1.4 million passengers annually.
Our facilities and land base are shared by more than 40 businesses and government agencies that employ 1,800 people and generate $250 million in economic activity annually for the City of Saskatoon. Keeping it all on track are 30 committed people who maintain this critical asset for the community, the Saskatoon Airport Authority. Their hard work ensures that Saskatoon has first class air transportation services to support its economic and cultural growth.
(PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this software, click here to download a free copy of the Reader.)
The committee is composed of Directors of the Saskatoon Airport Authority
and intereseted members of the community, as chosen by the Saskatoon Airport
Authority Board of Directors. Representation includes individuals capable
of representing the interests of the various airport user groups the Airport
Community, Saskatoon Business Community, and the Northern Communities in
Saskatchewan.
In an effort to increase input from the community, the Saskatoon Airport
Authority has created two working groups to act as advisory committees and
bring ideas from the community forward to improve the role of the Saskatoon
Airport as an economic facilitator. The two working groups are comprised
from the Community Consultative Committee and interested parties. The Customer
Service and Marketing Community Linkages Working Group enhances the customer
service experience at the Saskatoon Airport, and positions the Airport as
a partner with the community, as well as provides a venue to showcase the
community. The focus of the Air Services Group is to encourage business,
land and air service development opportunities to enhance the airport facilities.
