Welcome to the YMM Check-In! Our community newsletter aimed to keep you informed on all things YMM: air service announcements, contesting, events and happenings at the Fort McMurray International Airport

Fort McMurray Airport Authority Interim President & CEO Denean Robinson (middle) with VP Air Service & Commercial Development Michael Sieger, left, and Flair Airlines Chief Commerical Officer Garth Lund at the first nonstop flight from the Fort McMurray International Airport to Tucson, Arizona, on November 30.

Tucson Takeoff - Inaugural flight launches at YMM

Flair Airlines kicked off its inaugural flight from Fort McMurray with the start of service to Tucson, Arizona, on November 30. The inaugural flight marks the first direct flight from Canada to Tucson, departing from Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) and arriving at Tucson International Airport (TUS).

“Expanding service for more Canadian cities to fly to Tucson is a critical part of our overarching mission to make travel more accessible to Canadians. We believe Canadians deserve more affordable and competitive airfare to stay connected with the people and places they love,” said Stephen Jones, CEO, Flair Airlines. “We are delighted to launch our inaugural flight from YMM and connect Canadians and Americans with Canada’s first direct route to Tucson.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Flair Airlines to YMM, with non-stop flights to Tucson, Arizona," said Denean Robinson, Interim President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority

“This new air service affords residents a quick, inexpensive sun destination and gives Tucsonans the opportunity to explore the many unique experiences Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has to offer.” Read the full news release online.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Photos at YMM

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is hosting a holiday fundraiser for Santas Anonymous through a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Harry Budgell and his wife, Rose Hurley). The Christmas couple is a long-time supporter of the Wood Buffalo region and spends the holidays volunteering their time to spread joy to residents.

The event will take place on December 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday treats and entertainment with DJ Mike Jones and furry guests PAWS for People will be in attendance. Free parking is available for all event guests.

Photos cost a minimum donation of $10 for each print (plus tax), and all funds raised through ticket sales will go to Santas Anonymous. Please note: One ticket equals one 5x7 photo. Guests must register in advance on Eventbrite.

Purchase Tickets

Local Girl Receives Make-A-Wish Reveal to Hawaii

Twelve-year-old Claire had her wish granted when the local volunteer ambassadors of Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta joined with Team YMM representatives at the Fort McMurray International Airport to announce she was getting on a flight to Hawaii on November 9, 2022. Claire has been awaiting the news of her wish since 2019 after Make-A-Wish suspended travel opportunities for children and youth during the pandemic for safety purposes. She spent a week in Maui with her parents. Click here to give the gift of a wish this holiday season and donate to Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta.

Team YMM raises $13.5K for Northern Lights Health Foundation

Thanks to the winning bid of $13,500 from AlumaSafway, YMM’s Tour Tucson package was able to support the Northern Lights Health Foundation's (NLHF) $755,000 raised through the 33rd annual Festival of Trees.

YMM's Tour Tucson, Arizona package was a desert-inspired display with cacti and golf greens, including a trip package for four via non-stop flights to Tucson with Flair Airlines, available this season from Nov. 30, 2022, to March 22, 2023. The trip package was made possible with support from Visit Tucson, PGA Golf and Westward Resorts. Read the news release from the NLHF online.

L-R: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman, Interim President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority Denean Robinson, Social Planner of Culture and Social Development of the RMWB Angie Goredema, Chief of Staff for MP Laila Goodridge Debbie Moses, Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Community Foundation Gaylene Weidlich and MLA of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo Tany Yao.

Mayor proclaims International Day of Tolerance at YMM

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation welcomed community ambassadors and leaders to the Fort McMurray International Airport for the relaunch of the I See You: Sawubona exhibit in correlation with International Day of Tolerance on November 16. Guests joined together for an open discussion with the Foundation on the Observation Deck after Mayor Sandy Bowman's proclamation for the day. The exhibit will be on display until November 28. Learn more about the exhibit online.

Tim Hortons location named Friendliest Store

YMM’s favourite team of baristas has a lot to smile about as they received an award from Tim Hortons for being the Friendliest Store in Western Canada for the Month of September 2022.

L-R: Tim Hortons District Manager Rowel Garcia with Vladimir Bacagan, YMM Tim Hortons Manager Jason Taba and Mary Roshelle Mangqoang.

YMM celebrates second Canadian citizenship for 2022

Team YMM is happy to announce a milestone for another maintenance employee, as 28-year-old Alen Boshnyak received his Canadian citizenship status on November 18, 2022. Boshnyak shared with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority his enthusiasm for attending the official ceremony, "I'm finally going to have a nationality and will be able to travel outside of Canada." Born in Uzbekistan and raised in Israel, he moved to Prince Edward Island in 2013 and made his way to Fort McMurray from Ontario to work at the Fort McMurray International Airport on July 11, 2022. He also said his Canadian passport is the first he has ever received. Welcome to the Canadian family, Alen!

Winter Safety Reminder for Passengers and Employees

Hats off to Team YMM's Maintenance and Facilities Crews for their continued efforts with snow removal and keeping the sidewalks clear at the Fort McMurray International Airport! Although the crews work hard to maintain safety on an ongoing basis, the Fort McMurray Airport Authority would like to remind its passengers and employees to use caution inside and outside the YMM terminal during the winter season to prevent slips, trips and falls. To report a safety concern, please visit the Information Centre desk on Level One or call the Operations Centre at 780-793-8970.

Team YMM employees receive the 2022 President's Awards

Team YMM kicked off the festive season with a holiday party, its first since 2019. The festive event brought together 200 guests, including employees and partners of the airport campus, to celebrate the annual President's Award winners. Congratulations to the following recipients: Lisa Spencer of GardaWorld - YMM PAX Excellence Award, Jeff Scherban of Phoenix Heli-Flight/Local HERO Foundation - Co-Pilot Award and Barry Desautels - YMM Crew Member Award.

Interim President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority Denean Robinson delivers the Team YMM 2022 Presidential Awards. L-R: Lisa Spencer of GardaWorld, Phoenix Heli-Flight/Local HERO Foundation owner Paul Spring accepting on behalf of Jeff Scherban and Barry DeSautels.

Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, non-share capital organization that owns and

operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Please visit FlyYMM.com for more information.