Atlantic Canada airport thread

[bingun]

Saint John Airport names new CEO

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/saint-john-airport-names-new-ceo

Speaking to Brunswick News, Harley said the board utilized a recruitment firm in establishing a list of candidates for the job that resulted in “a number of applicants, north of 50 applicants in total” which was whittled down. She said the board felt it was important to look nationally when seeking a new CEO and wanted someone with industry experience.

Once the candidate list was shortened, she said, Edeburn proved to be the right fit for the position.

“A few things made him stand out,” explained Harley. “His experience in the airline industry…. He has significant experience in the airline industry, which was very important to us. Also, his last job, prior to coming to us, he was the executive at Rocky Mountaineer and he really turned that business around from a company that was doing okay to a company that excelled. He really accelerated the growth there and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Part of that projectory includes the 650 acres of development-ready land surrounding the airport. When first announced in 2023 the airport had pointed to potential developments and amenities such as a hotel, food and beverage services and covered parking.

And while development plans continue and are a focus for the airport, Harley said the hope with Edeburn coming on board is to see development more on the travel side.

“Our focus isn’t on the land. Our focus is really on growing passengers, air traffic…. The land development is important, for sure, but in terms of how we spend our time, our focus, our major focus, is on growing the airport operation itself,” she said. “More flights in and out of Saint John, more convenience for passengers, growing the volume of people who travel through there… We will also continue to look at developing the land, but it’s not our major focus.”