Red Deer Regional Airport (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

Phase 1 completion: Oct. 15

Red Deer Regional Airport construction underway; airside land for sale

Aug 19, 2022 | 1:44 PM

The expansion project of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority is in full swing with 800,000 square metres of airside land available to sell or lease to the public.

Construction of Phase 1 focused on key infrastructure upgrades including the widening of the main runway from 30 to 45 metres, along with strengthening the main apron and taxiway.

With an estimated completion date of October 15, the airport (3800 Airport Drive, Springbrook) is expected to accommodate larger aircraft and businesses associated with low-cost airlines like cargo operators, large aviation logistics, and heavy aircraft maintenance and repair facilities.

“As Alberta’s low cost airport, the growth potential and opportunities at the airport all support the opportunity to be Alberta’s first low cost airport, specifically designed to support ultra low cost carriers, passengers and aviation logistics and cargo. As a key economic driver, the development of the airport’s north end with aviation related business, further supports the economic growth for the region and our vision as an airport,” said Graham Ingham, Red Deer Regional Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer.

Phase 2, with a timeline estimating 12-months, entails the construction of a low cost terminal, 12,000 square feet in size, to accommodate 189 passengers at a time for domestic and international service.

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Front entrance and parking lot of current Red Deer Regional Airport terminal. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

The final phase, not yet determined in length, will involve the installation of a solar powered car port in the main parking area for passengers and for the airport’s new terminal. Upgrades are planned for runway strengthening and approach lighting as well as to the runway end safety area, required by Transportation Canada, to reduce the risk of damage to airplanes in the event of an undershoot, overshoot or excursion from the runway. Finishing touches to civil works include road construction, water sanitation, stormwater and fiber optics, to support new businesses for the north end land development.

“This is definitely exciting news; the Red Deer Regional Airport, located in Red Deer County, is situated along one of the busiest transportation hubs in the province. This expansion will provide huge economic benefits to central Alberta,” said Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood.

Airside land is currently available for sale or leasing for as low as $2.00 per square metre, according to airport officials.

Red Deer Regional Airport airside land for sale. (Supplied)

They state that as a low cost airport, the land comes with competitive aviation service rates, no business tax and safe, secure, and efficient service.

“The Red Deer Regional Airport is a regional amenity that supports the whole of Alberta. Investment into our regional airport translates to not only potential for increased passengers, revenues and regional economic development, but also opportunities to generate employment at a time when the economy and the travel industry needs it most,” said City of Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston.

For those interested, contact Graham Ingham at g.ingham@flyreddeer.com.