Today's airports are stunning pieces of architecture, showcasing world class design, functionality, and art. ACI-NA profiled major construction projects at airports in Canada and the U.S. this month.
 
Two Canadian airports, the Fort McMurray International Airport and the Calgary International Airport, wrapped up major projects that generated a lot of buzz in their respective communities.

Be sure to check out the full submissions from these airports, and other contributors, in the Centerlines Blog!

The New Fort McMurray International Airport: Gateway to Canada's Oil Sands - Prior to its opening on June 9th, the new Fort McMurray International Airport set a goal to redefine air travel in terms of convenience and improving the overall customer experience for the nearly 1.2 million passengers who travel through annually. Not only is the new terminal building easier and faster to move through, customers will experience a new level of comfort in the departure lounges and exceptional selection in retail and dining. The award winning, state-of-the-art terminal building is approximately 15,000 square feet (approximately two-and-a-half Canadian football fields) and reflects Northern Alberta's natural beauty that is distinctive with dense boreal forest, limitless horizons, and the impressive northern lights.

Calgary Unveils Canada's Longest Runway - At 14,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, the Calgary International Airport's new runway will bring more people and add more destinations to the already extensive worldwide network enjoyed by the 14.3 million travelers who pass through YYC annually. To help celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art airfield project, the airport authority turned to the community for ideas and hosted the "YYC Run and Roam the Runway" from June 14-15th. Canada's third-busiest and fastest-growing airport officially opened the country's longest runway on June 28th, welcoming a WestJet arrival from St.John's, Newfoundland as its first flight, and an Air Canada flight departing for Tokyo as its second flight.

The Gander International Airport Authority announced the appointment of Reg Wright as its new president and CEO.

"Since joining the GIAA in 2004, Mr. Wright has a strong record of achievement and played a key role in our airport's growth and development," said GIAA Chair Fred Moffit. "He has the senior management experience and savvy to lead us into the years ahead and ensure the Gander International Airport remains a vibrant economic engine for Central Newfoundland."

The Halifax International Airport Authority announced the appointment of Paul Brigley as its new Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective June 30th.

"We know Paul will make a significant contribution," said HIAA President and CEO Joyce Carter. "His extensive experience in finance and transportation in both private enterprise and publicly traded companies will serve him well on our team."

In his new position, Mr. Brigley will be responsible for the advancement and protection of the financial integrity of HIAA. He will oversee all significant financial transactions and will support and analyze HIAA's business activities and opportunities.

"I am very pleased to be joining the team at HIAA and look forward to contributing to the execution of their strategic plan," said Mr. Brigley.

Mr. Brigley most recently served as senior vice president and CFO of Halterm Container Terminal Limited. Prior to joining Halterm in 2004, Mr. Brigley held senior financial reporting roles with Maritime Life Assurance and the Bank of Bermuda.