YMM Launches Volunteer Program

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) has launched its first-ever YMM Volunteer Program.

“The YMM Volunteer Program is part of our ongoing commitment to offer the best passenger experience possible,” says FMAA’s President & CEO Denean Robinson.

Volunteers will be trained to support passengers with flight information, wayfinding, and answer general questions which commonly arise during the passenger journey. Additionally, volunteers will have the opportunity to support YMM special events.

The program can support individuals in building their resume, socializing, or staying active during retirement years. Whatever the reason, FMAA leadership is confident volunteers will enjoy the role and look forward to welcoming new members to Team YMM!

The program can support individuals in building resumes, socialize or stay active during retirement years. Whatever the reason, FMAA leadership is confident volunteers will enjoy the new role and look forward to welcoming new members to Team YMM! For more information, email info@flyymm.com

5KM Run the Runway Registration Reminder

Spots are still available to register for the upcoming Northern Lights Triathlon Club's 5KM Run the Runway event at the Fort McMurray International Airport on August 12.

Due to runway closure limitations, all participants must be able to complete the event in under 50 minutes. The full list of rules and regulations is available on the Eventbrite registration. This is a free event and prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Launch

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority launched a new program in July to help passengers with hidden disabilities travel through the airport by partnering with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

Sunflower wristbands, lanyards and pins are now available to anyone travelling through YMM at no cost. They're located on Arrivals - Level 1 at the Information Center.



These indicators act as a simple tool to voluntarily share the passenger has a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time during their passenger journey.

YMM Prepares for Winter Maintenance

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority’s (FMAA) Maintenance crew has the winter fleet on display to prepare for its seasonal operations. Operation trainers from Øveraasen came to YMM this week to train staff to use its newest airport runway sweepers: Øveraasen RS400. Five staff members from the Grande Prairie Airport (CYQU) also viewed the equipment and received refresher training.

Interested in joining the YMM Maintenance Crew? FMAA is currently seeking a candidate for an Airport Maintenance Technician position. The position gives those interested in aviation a close-up view of airport operations and can lead to more advanced roles in the industry.

Team YMM Spotlight on Brent Stremel

After dedicating 16 years of his career to working at the CYMM Control Tower, NAV CANADA Air Traffic Controller Brent Stremel bids a heartfelt farewell to Team YMM. 

Brent started in the local aviation industry as a Flight Service Specialist at the Flight Service Station, which changed into the CYMM Control Tower in September 2008. Brent completed his controller training shortly after the tower opened in 2009.

Reflecting back on some of his most memorable moments, Brent said one was during the new YMM terminal's grand opening celebration and the airshow held in 2014.

“I'm happiest when I'm working in busy traffic, and the two days leading up to the airshow were some of the busiest I've worked. Many airshow performers were trying to get in some last-minute practice, combined with all of our usual summer traffic, and it was an absolute blast.”

As he embarks on a new chapter in his life at the Edmonton International Airport in the fall, Brent will carry with him cherished memories of his time at YMM airport and the invaluable experiences he gained. 

“I'll miss working here because it's where I earned my ATC license and where I learned to do this job that I enjoy so much. I'll also miss the community because it's where my daughter was born, and it's the place where I've lived the longest, after my hometown of Kelowna. It would be hard to say how much living in Fort McMurray has meant to me, but I'll miss it a lot,” Brent shared.

Bear & Buffalo August Feature Menu Promotion

Air Canada Rouge is offering year-round, non-stop flights from YMM to Montreal and Bear & Buffalo Bar/Restaurant is celebrating! Drop by the Fort McMurray Golf Club to dine and choose one of the Montreal-inspired August feature menu options. Order the Maple Syrup Old Fashioned or the Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine, and you will receive a ballot to win a YMM swag prize package.

Tim Hortons Camp Day at YMM

Tim Hortons' annual Camp Day was a great success at YMM on July 19. Passengers and terminal employees joined the fun-filled day of live music from the talented barista George Garcia and had chances to win great prizes. 

Camp Day has raised over $225 million in its 30-year history and has helped Tim Hortons Foundation Camps support more than 300,000 youth aged 12 to 16 through a multi-year camp-based program at seven camps, at no cost to them or their families. Thanks to all the passengers for stopping by!

#NotInMyCity Interactive E-Learning Course Available

As Not In My City enters its fifth year of the campaign, more people than ever have been seeing yellow! YMM, a #NIMC Transportation Ally, continues to promote the campaign internally and externally - raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking and exploitation, while strengthening relationships with community partners such as Waypoints and the RCMP.

In collaboration with national and international thought leaders, #NotInMyCity has developed a short, interactive e-learning course “Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada”.

This course is free, and available to everyone. Upon completion of the 30-minute course you will be awarded a certificate.

Montreal Trivia Time! Contest Continues

Social media followers have one more month for a chance to win the grand prize of two round-trip Economy Class tickets for travel from YMM to YUL in the Montreal Trivia Time! Contest.

Current winners for the weekly trivia contest prizes on Facebook and Instagram includes Tyler Cole, Tiara Samson, Stacy Chin, Brandon Chau, Allison Hall, Jessica Haynes, Janeen Felix-Samson and Meagan Sheehan.

Contest Disclaimer: Please do not click on links listed in the comments section from third-parties or imposter accounts. All winners are listed on the Fort McMurray International Airport’s website at Montreal Trivia Time! - FMAA | FMAA (flyymm.com) and will be contacted directly.

Airport Tours at YMM

Public Tours of YMM have continued into the summer season. Last week, Fort McMurray Airport Authority’s Jessica Perry welcomed children and youth groups from Play On Space and the Boys and Girls Club of Fort McMurray to learn about aviation in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Special thanks to John St. George of CYMM’s Navigation Canada for joining the tour and speaking about the importance Navigation Canada has to operations. The kids loved the tower radio demos! YMM Firefighters also enjoyed the opportunity to show off the trucks and answer questions.

End of the Runway - Airport Humour