Air Mikisew and Edmonton Airports Work Toward A New Air Service Agreement

Edmonton — Edmonton Airports and Air Mikisew today announced that they are cooperatively working toward a new air service package between Fort McMurray and Edmonton. While discussions continue to meet the objectives of a new air service package using a 10-seat aircraft, Air Mikisew will be permitted to provide the service with the 19 seat aircraft currently being used.

Air Mikisew acknowledges the need to comply with the Access Policy at Edmonton City Centre Airport, while Edmonton Airports recognizes Air Mikisew’s commitment to maintain the vital air link between Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan where 19 seat aircraft play a critical role. The parties are confident that both organizations’ objectives will be realized through continued cooperative discussions.

Air Mikisew provides a daily scheduled air service between Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray in addition to daily service between Fort McMurray and the Edmonton City Centre Airport.

Discussions related to this agreement between Air Mikisew and Edmonton Airports will continue including consultation with Air Mikisew’s owners, the Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan.

Background:
In July, Edmonton Airports announced its policy to continue scheduled air services between Fort McMurray, Peace River, Grande Prairie and High Level and Edmonton City Centre Airport. Service levels on these routes are capped at current levels and aircraft with a maximum of 10 passenger seats are permitted to be used. Air Mikisew currently uses 19 seat Jetstream aircraft with its Fort McMurray service.

Edmonton City Centre Airport remains a viable general aviation airport supporting restricted corporate and general aviation including small charters, private and company aircraft, flight training, and military, industrial and medevac flights, as well as a small amount of restricted scheduled service. In 2005, Edmonton Airports will invest over $ 3 million in capital infrastructure enhancements at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

Edmonton Airports is a not-for-profit authority mandated to manage the region’s airport assets on behalf of and in the best interest of the community.