His hands-on approach to airport management has earned praise from pilots and other users, who appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities. “We’ve got a great airport manager who doesn’t actually rely on a lot… as a small terminal, we are limited to what we can do, and Mel has done a fantastic job with limited resources,” Airth states. When promoting itself, the airport’s biggest differentiator is obviously its fueling service, however the airport often involves the community in promoting aviation in general. The airport hosts an annual Fly-In Barbecue every September, which has become a popular event among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. This community gathering not only showcases the airport’s amenities but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among the aviation community. The event attracts 10 to 30 planes each year, and this year’s barbecue is expected to feature a special display by the Alberta Wildfire Forestry teams, highlighting their firefighting equipment and operations. High Prairie Regional Airport’s operational structure also includes collaborative partnerships with the town of High Prairie and various vendors. The airport’s relationship with medical evacuation services, such as STARS Helicopter, is a key component of its operations, reflecting its critical role in emergency healthcare. 304 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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