The Saskatoon Airport Authority is pleased to present the Winter 09 edition of Air Strip, our e-newsletter, which delivers information about Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport to our customers and community partners four times a year.

Airport Statistics

Traffic volumes continued their record-setting trend throughout 2008 as the Saskatoon Airport reached one million passengers in November – a month ahead of the 2007 date. This upward trend has been ongoing for 60 consecutive months with year-end traffic increasing over 19% in the past two years and nearly 50% over the past 5 years!

In October another milestone was achieved with over 100,000 arriving and departing passengers. November and December saw traffic increases of 7.4% and 15.8%, respectively.

Passenger Traffic

Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) is advising travellers to allow extra time for departing flights throughout the winter vacation season. Record volumes of travellers are resulting in longer wait times at both check-in counters and pre-board screening, particularly for early morning departures.

Travellers play an important role in easing wait times and making their travel experience more enjoyable. Following these guidelines should make the process of pre-board screening less stressful and the travel experience more positive:

• Extra time should be allowed for parking, check-in and security screening
• Travellers should be aware of the regulations regarding “liquids, gels and aerosols”. In general, liquid items are only allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less. The containers must fit in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag, no larger than 1 litre (1 quart) capacity. Only one bag per person is allowed. For more information visit www.yxe.ca or www.catsa.gc.ca.
• Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for up-to-date information on check-in times as well as arrival and departure schedules. Information for all airlines can be accessed through the SAA website at www.yxe.ca

Sun spot destinations to escape the winter include 17 weekly departures out of Saskatoon. Destinations include Holguin and Varadero, Cuba; Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cancun, Huatulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Discover Denver with United Airlines
United Airlines began twice daily flights to Denver on Sept. 2, 2008.

Winners of the SAA’s “Discover Denver” contests, held in the fall, enjoyed a weekend trip to Denver on United Airlines. While there, they were treated to a ballgame between the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Winner of the StarPhoenix “Discover Denver” promotion was Keith Matlock. Winners of the Rock 102 and C95 promotions were Chris Adam and Erin Russell.

Keith Matlock (centre), winner of the SAA/StarPhoenix "Discover Denver" promotion pictured with Craig Petersen of the StarPhoenix and Bill Restall, CEO Saskatoon airport.	"Discover Denver" winner Chris Adam (centre) with Rock 102 crew.

Extended Pass Office Hours:
Effective Jan. 12, the pass office will be open on a fulltime basis — Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Appointments can be made at 975-6463, online through www.yxe.ca or by email at passoffice@yxe.ca.

Happy Birthday Guy Devenny!

Aviation icon Guy Devenny celebrated his 80th birthday in September 2008

How does the Saskatchewan aviation industry celebrate the birthday of an aviation icon? With a hangar party, of course! This September at the Transwest Air hangar at the airport, about 250 friends attended the 80th birthday party of Guy Devenny – bush pilot, instructor and mentor of hundreds of aspiring pilots for over four decades.

In 1944, fifteen-year-old air cadet Guy Devenny flew in a Cessna Crane. He was hooked. But he had to wait a few years until he was well into a career with SaskTel before he got his first licence. Soon Guy was into commercial flying as a flying instructor at Mitchinson Flying Service. Bush flying appealed to Guy’s spirit of adventure and he worked for a number of northern operators flying Cessna 185s, Beavers, Otters and other aircraft, on wheels, floats and skis.

As flying instructor, company check pilot and a man whose advice has been valued by generations of pilots, Guy Devenny has made an important contribution to Saskatchewan aviation and to the lives of the many young men and women who owe their careers to him. Guy remains active in the aviation community, flying charters, check-outs and dispatching at Mitchinson Flying Service.

Long Time Saskatoon
Airport Authority Employee
Retires

Judie Arnold retired from the Saskatoon Airport Authority in December 2008. Shannon Schlosser, the new executive assistant with the SAA.

The airport authority said farewell to Judie Arnold who retired in December. Judie began her career in 1984, working for Transport Canada at the Saskatoon airport. She continued her employment when the airport transferred to the SAA in 1999. Along with her husband Don, Judie’s retirement plans include taking a winter holiday, spending time with their granddaughter, preparing their Saskatoon home for sale and moving to their cottage at Lake Diefenbaker in the spring. We are pleased to welcome Shannon Schlosser as the new executive assistant with the SAA.