Saskatoon StarPhoenix

AIRPORT UPDATE COMPLETE

Reno aims for smoother operation

- MORGAN MODJESKI mmodeski@postmedia.com Twitter.com/MorganM_SP

A massive renovation at the Skyxe Saskatoon Airport’s Maintenanc­e Operations Centre (MOC) is intended to help the airport run smoothly as it grows in the coming years.

Tuesday marked the grandopeni­ng of a roughly $4-million renovation at the MOC. At the event, Skyxe’s president and chief executive officer Stephen Maybury said the expansions will help ensure airport operations run smoothly as it updates roads approachin­g the terminal, baggage systems and check-in counters to accommodat­e growth in the next three to five years.

“They directly support those operations,” said Maybury.

Maybury said the facility’s baggage system and the roads leading into the airport have reached the end of their life cycles. The company is also looking at new possibilit­ies for automation, security screening and parking. Maybury said while upcoming improvemen­ts are still in “pre-planning or concept” stages, they’re expected to be a “multi-million investment” for the airport.

He said Skyxe regularly collects feedback and data from its customers and uses the informatio­n to make plans for the airport.

“We invest in the elements that our guests want the most,” he said.

The MOC was built in 1950, with its most recent renovation prior to this one happening in 1989. The MOC will employ 20 to 35 people depending on the time of year. The newly renovated space will bring “everybody into one location,” said manager of facilities Eric Desnoyers. He said the new location will make it easier for staff to collaborat­e and avoid unnecessar­y closures. “It’s so that everyone is in the know,” he said.

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 ?? MICHELLE BERG ?? Facilities manager Eric Desnoyers gives a tour of the Skyxe Saskatoon Airport’s newly renovated Maintenanc­e Operations Centre on Tuesday. The upgrade includes baggage systems, check-in counters and new roads approachin­g the airport’s terminals, says...
MICHELLE BERG Facilities manager Eric Desnoyers gives a tour of the Skyxe Saskatoon Airport’s newly renovated Maintenanc­e Operations Centre on Tuesday. The upgrade includes baggage systems, check-in counters and new roads approachin­g the airport’s terminals, says...

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