On the heels of $1.2 million in land development that has opened up property with services for aircraft so individual pilots can build hangars at the Greater Sudbury Airport, the organization is moving forward with more development in the new year.
Last September airport CEO Bob Johnston said the facility was actively trying to pursue new business partnerships with different airlines.
“We're looking at hopefully opening up trans-border routes, east-west domestic routes and we're actively trying to embrace general aviation (as a means) to increase numbers,” he said in a news release.
“I can assure you that, in a year from now, the new (land) development is just going to be hopping. I am already negotiating leases with four very large hangars — three of them will be 10,000 sq. foot hangars. The face of the airport is going to be changing.”
That prediction was put in writing this week when the airport unveiled a set of four strategic goals for the 2008 fiscal year.
The changes include improving air services to the traveling public, such as adding more domestic air services, pursuing a direct east-west link between Winnipeg and Montreal, and increasing capacity into Toronto.
With respect the the trans border and international markets, the airport plans to pursue a direct link into the United States and expand its programs to new “sun destinations,” as well as establishing permanent customs services.
The airport also plans on further expanding land and economic development opportunities. They plan to hone their operation to be “investment ready,” complete current land expansion projects and start further land expansion projects in 2009.
The airport's third strategic goal involves growing the general aviation sector by developing a professional flight training centre in partnership with the private sector that could integrate with local colleges; creating a ‘critical mass’ to support all aviation services, including the development of a private hangar facility, aviation maintenance, ground handling and fuel services and fixed-based operators; as well as expanding entrepreneurial investment in general aviation related to charter service opportunities, medevac services, mining technology services, government services, cargo services, flying clubs and leisure aviation.
The organization's final goal involves improving the airport’s image and role by enhancing customer service. They plan on improving initiatives such as customer surveys and focus groups, and making the customer feedback system more accessible. Customer service training will also be enhanced.
The airport also plans on improving its outreach by getting more involved in community events, and increasing its participation in community groups and associations.
And it will also be looking at the airport's branding and marketing, by creating a new visual identity, creating an effective indoor and outdoor signage plan and effectively marketing and profiling the airport within Northern Ontario.
Greater Sudbury Airport has invested more than $14 million in infrastructure since 2002, including $2 million for equipment and navigation aids, $ 6.5 million for the terminal, and $ 3.5 million for the runway and $2 million in land development.
