Jump to content

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport

Coordinates: 52°10′15″N 106°42′00″W / 52.17083°N 106.70000°W / 52.17083; -106.70000
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ser Amantio di Nicolao (talk | contribs) at 03:50, 9 March 2020 (add authority control). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport

Saskatoon International Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerTransport Canada
OperatorSaskatoon Airport Authority[1][2]
ServesSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
Hub for
Time zoneCST (UTC−06:00 - no DST)
Elevation AMSL1,654 ft / 504 m
Coordinates52°10′15″N 106°42′00″W / 52.17083°N 106.70000°W / 52.17083; -106.70000
Websiteskyxe.ca
Map
CYXE is located in Saskatchewan
CYXE
CYXE
Location in Saskatchewan
CYXE is located in Canada
CYXE
CYXE
CYXE (Canada)
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
09/27 8,300 2,530 Asphalt
15/33 6,200 1,890 Asphalt
Statistics (2016)
Aircraft movements95,677
Total passengers1,452,349
Sources: Canada Flight Supplement,[1] Transport Canada[3]
Environment Canada[4]
Movements from Statistics Canada[5]
Passengers from Business View Magazine (p. 13)[6]

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (IATA: YXE, ICAO: CYXE) is an international airport located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) northwest[1] of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The airport is served by passenger, courier and air freight operators. It is named for John Diefenbaker, the 13th Prime Minister of Canada.

The airport has nine passenger bridges, three ground loading positions, 32 check-in points and a customs/immigration arrivals area.

The airport is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA officers at this airport can handle aircraft with no more than 200 passengers. However, they can handle up to 300 if the aircraft is unloaded in stages.[1]

In 2017, the airport saw a total of 1.46 million passengers pass through, which was an increase of 0.6% over the previous year.[7]

History

NAV CANADA Control Tower Constructed in 2000
Check-in for Air Canada and WestJet
Check-in for Pronto, Skyservice, Sunwing, Northwest, and Air Transat in 2008

On June 1, 1929 the city of Saskatoon was given a "License For Air Harbour" and the airport was established. This provided a home for the Saskatoon Aero Club.[8][9]

From 1940-7, the city leased the airport to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The airport became RCAF Station Saskatoon. The station was a part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and the station was home to No. 4 Service Flight Training School.[10] To support these operations four large hangars were built as well as support buildings including a hospital and control tower.

After the war (1947) the airport was transferred to the Canadian Department of Transport for civilian use. That year Trans-Canada Air Lines, now known as Air Canada, started providing passenger service using DC-3 aircraft. [citation needed]

Air Canada in 1950 began operating the Canadair North Star at the airport, followed by the Vickers Viscount in 1955. A new terminal building was also constructed in 1955 by Transport Department architects.[11]

The primary runway (09/27) was lengthened in 1954 and again in 1960 to 8,300 ft (2,530 m). The secondary runway (15/33) was lengthened in 1963 to 6,200 ft (1,890 m). [citation needed]

From 1950-78 the Airport was again made a station of the RCAF. The station was named RCAF Station Saskatoon.

On January 1, 1971, the City of Saskatoon annexed the airport and surrounding lands totalling 2,111.7 acres. The nearby area containing personnel housing and support services was annexed by the city in 1965.

Due to larger aircraft and more frequent flights, in 1972 plans were drafted for a new terminal building. The new terminal built by Holiday and Scott[11] was completed and opened on November 29, 1975. The former terminal was renovated in 1977. From 1977 to 1984 Boeing 747 charter flights were operated by Wardair to Europe until Wardair was bought by Canadian Airlines International.

In 1993 the name of the airport was changed to recognize Canada's 13th Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. In 1995 under the Canada-US Open Skies agreement Northwest Airlines started service to Minneapolis – Saint Paul. In 1996 WestJet began Boeing 737 service. In 1999 the airport was turned over to the Saskatoon Airport Authority (now known as Skyxe), as part of the National Airports Policy.

In 2000, Nav Canada constructed a new control tower and the airport authority began renovations and expansions to the terminal building. In October 2002 the first two phases of renovations to the air terminal building was completed at a cost of $18 million. The updated terminal facilities are designed to handle 1.4 million passengers annually was designed by Kindrachuk Agrey Architects.[11] In 2005 additional renovations were completed to the check-in area and baggage screening as well as the addition of a fifth bridge. In 2006 the airport also expanded public parking to 500 stalls. In March 2008 work started on the rehabilitation of runway 09/27, taxiway Foxtrot and Alpha at a cost of $16 million.[12][13]

Between October, 2005 and May 2008 Air Canada ended "mainline" service into Saskatoon, turning over routes to Air Canada Jazz. In 2006, Pronto Airways started operating at the airport. In 2006 Transwest Air introduced service to Fort McMurray, Alberta. For a short period of time between 2006 and April 2007 Northwestern Air also operated flights to Fort McMurray. In 2008, United Airlines began non-stop regional service from Denver that operated until 2015.[14][15] In 2009, United Airlines announced regional service from Chicago that operated until 2014.[16][17]

In March 2015, Missinippi Airways began thrice-weekly service to Saskatoon direct to Flin Flon, Manitoba with a one-stop connection to The Pas, Manitoba.[18] Missinippi Airways ceased flying out of Saskatoon three months later.[19] In June, 2016, New Leaf Airlines announced they would begin flying to Kelowna and Hamilton direct from Saskatoon twice weekly beginning July 27, 2016. New Leaf cancelled service to Saskatoon in November 2016.[20]

Expansion 2010s

In 2009, Skyxe announced a new expansion for the terminal. The plan included nine bridgeable gates and a food court, including a full service restaurant and bar (post-security). Also included in the plan was more retail, including a duty-free outlet, and another food court before the security area. The new design moved security for more room for retail, but also planned to double the size of the security area. The check-in area was not included in the expansion. A new Canadian Customs and Immigration area was put in, as well as two more baggage carousels. The designers also left space that was meant for an American Pre-Customs and Immigration area, so in the future YXE can be upgraded to have U.S. Pre-Clearance area.

In 2010 construction started on apron improvements, remote stands and preparatory work to start on reconstruction of the terminal building in 2011. The expansion was designed to accommodate eight bridges, expanded passenger waiting areas, a business/first class lounge and expanded baggage claim area.[21][22] Phase 1 of Saskatoon International Airport expansion began in 2012. The expansion virtually doubled the size of the air terminal building to 266,670 ft2. In 2013, Skyxe completed its phase 1 terminal expansion.[23] In October, the airport welcomed its first arriving and departing passengers into the expanded terminal. In April 2015, construction of the terminal was completed at overall cost of the project was $53 million.[24]

In February 2016, Skyxe issued request for proposals for Air Terminal Building Groundside Departures Hall Expansion, West Aero Park Development, and Saskatoon International Airport rebranding. Skyxe issued additional request for proposals for Shuttle Parking Lot Development and Apron III and V Pavement Rehabilitation.

Passenger services

Prairie Unique Gifts

The airport contains a small historical display on the main floor. There are also numerous art/photography displays by local artists around the terminal. There is a full restaurant, a Tim Hortons and a Starbucks in the post security area. As well as a Relay store near the entrances.

In February 2015, St. John's Ambulance introduced therapy dogs to the airport, providing a service in putting nervous passengers at ease. [citation needed]

Ground transportation

Saskatoon Transit (Route 11) provides city bus service between the airport and the downtown core.[25]

Taxi service several car rental agencies are available from the airport. United Cabs Limited is the licensed provider of taxi and limousine services.[26]

Other air side services

The airport has a variety of additional buildings. These include the International Aviation Terminal (used by Air Canada Cargo, Anderson Aviation, Dryden Air-services). 23 former Air Canada Jazz and Canadian Regional Airlines Fokker F28 aircraft have been stored at the airport since they were retired from the fleet in 2003.[27]

The Saskatchewan Air Ambulance provides fixed wing air ambulance services, and has its headquarters and main base at the airport.[28] There is a hangar for a Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society helicopter out of the Saskatoon airport.[29]

Airlines and destinations

Passenger

AirlinesDestinations
Air Canada Toronto–Pearson
Air Canada Express Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver
Seasonal: Ottawa, Regina
Canadian North Charter: Fort MacKay, Hamilton, London (ON)
Delta Air Lines Seasonal: Minneapolis/St.Paul
Delta Connection Minneapolis/St.Paul
ExpressAir Regina
Sunwing Airlines Seasonal: Cancún, Cayo Coco, Huatulco, Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo, Mazatlán, Montego Bay, Puerto Plata, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, San José del Cabo, Santa Clara, Varadero
Transwest Air Fond du Lac, La Ronge, Points North, Prince Albert, Stony Rapids, Wollaston
WestJet Calgary, Toronto–Pearson, Vancouver
Seasonal: Cancún, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Puerto Vallarta
WestJet Encore Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg

Cargo

AirlinesDestinations
Cargojet Airways Regina, Winnipeg
SkyLink Express Regina, Winnipeg

Statistics

Annual traffic

Annual Passenger Traffic[30][31]
Year Passengers % Change
2010 1,215,923 Steady
2011 1,246,405 Increase 2.5%
2012 1,326,838 Increase 6.4%
2013 1,389,875 Increase 4.7%
2014 1,482,615 Increase 6.6%
2015 1,443,446 Decrease -2.6%
2016 1,452,349 Increase 0.6%
2017 1,462,751 Increase 0.7%

Facilities

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport Fire Department operates two crash tenders (Oshkosh Striker 3000) in renovated (2008) fire station to provide fire and rescue services at the airport.

Garda Security is contracted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to provide security screening for passengers, non-passengers, and baggage screening. All Screening Officers wear CATSA uniforms. However, are not Government of Canada employees, rather are employed by the contractor.

Accidents and incidents

  • On April 1, 2011 a Fugro Aviation Canada Limited CASA C-212, C-FDKM, carrying 3 crew, crashed while attempting a landing at Saskatoon Airport. After declaring an emergency with an engine failure, the aircraft crashed on a Saskatoon street (Wanuskewin Drive) and hit concrete sound barrier. 1 killed, 2 injured.[32]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Canada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 16 July 2020 to 0901Z 10 September 2020.
  2. ^ Saskatoon Airport Authority - Our Corporate Name & Legal Operator
  3. ^ [1] Archived February 23, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ [2] Archived December 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ "Aircraft Movement Statistics: NAV CANADA Towers and Flight Service Stations: Annual Report (TP 577): Table 2-1 — Total aircraft movements by class of operation — NAV CANADA towers". Statcan.gc.ca. 2013-06-19. Archived from the original on 2015-10-02. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  6. ^ "Business View April/May 2012 by Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce". ISSUU. Archived from the original on 2015-10-03. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  7. ^ "Saskatoon's Skyxe Airport sees second busiest year ever in 2017". GlobalNews. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  8. ^ [3] Archived January 3, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ [4] Archived March 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Hatch, F. J. (1983). The Aerodrome of Democracy: Canada and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, 1939-1945. Ottawa: Directorate of History, Department of National Defence. ISBN 0660114437.
  11. ^ a b c [5] Archived August 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ [6] Archived March 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ "Rehabilitation of Runway 09-27, Taxiway Alpha (west) and foxtrot, and Apron VI and VII Construction Contract No. 0230-00-00-28 Plan of Construction Operations - Pryde Schropp McComb, Inc" (PDF). Yxe.ca. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  14. ^ "Saskatoon will get Denver flight". Leader-Post. CanWest. May 21, 2008. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved 2010-08-02.
  15. ^ "United Airlines ending direct flights between Saskatchewan and Denver". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  16. ^ Kyle, Cassandra (March 13, 2009). "Saskatoon, Chicago". The StarPhoenix. CanWest.
  17. ^ "United Airlines ending Saskatoon-Chicago direct flights". Global News. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  18. ^ "Missinippi Air adds flights from Flin Flon and The Pas to Saskatoon - Saskatoon - CBC News". Cbc.ca. 2015-02-27. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  19. ^ Naylor, Jonathon. "Missinippi cancels Saskatoon-Flin Flon air link". Flin Flon Reminder. Retrieved 2017-08-10.
  20. ^ "NewLeaf puts Regina, Saskatoon flights into holding pattern". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-10.
  21. ^ "YXE > Contact Us". Yxe.ca. Archived from the original on 2012-08-05. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  22. ^ [7] Archived June 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  23. ^ "Phase one expansion at Saskatoon airport complete". Global News. 2013-10-22. Archived from the original on 2017-08-01. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  24. ^ "Saskatoon airport renovations done, new terminal ready for take-off". Global News. 2015-04-29. Archived from the original on 2017-08-01. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  25. ^ "Route 11 route map" (PDF). Saskatoon Transit. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-07-04.
  26. ^ "YXE > To & From YXE > Parking". Yxe.ca. Archived from the original on 2013-08-02. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  27. ^ "Photos: Airplane graveyard". Canada.com. 2013-08-09. Archived from the original on 2017-05-08. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  28. ^ LIFEGUARD – Saskatchewan Air Ambulance (PDF), Ministry of Health, archived from the original on 2011-08-14, retrieved 2011-10-20
  29. ^ "SASKATCHEWAN MOVES FORWARD WITH HELICOPTER AIR MEDICAL SERVICE" (Press release). Government of Saskatchewan. April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-11-10. Retrieved 2011-10-20.
  30. ^ Statistic. "Mission & history". skyxe.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-02-12. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
  31. ^ Annual Passenger. "ANOTHER YEAR OF GROWTH". skyxe.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  32. ^ Maclean, Rory (April 2, 2011). "Plane crashes on Wanuskewin Drive; one killed, two in Saskatoon hospital". The StarPhoenix. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved 2011-04-02.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saskatoon_John_G._Diefenbaker_International_Airport&oldid=944656429"