The Grande Prairie Airport now has the extended runway it believes will be instrumental in getting more service to the city.
Construction to add another 2,000 feet wrapped up Tuesday, and it was put into use this afternoon.
Director of Marketing and Development Alvin Maier says they’re hoping to see direct flights to the east coast and sunny destinations, but it will take time.
“We needed the extended runway to give us some of these new services, so now that it’s here and operational, now we start the next phases, which working with the carriers on looking at some of these opportunities that are out there for them and us.”
Runway 12/30 is now 8,500 feet long, which also makes it safer as there’s more room for large aircraft to maneuver.
The project was made possible in part by $5.5 million from the federal government, $5.9 million from the airport’s reserves, and a $12 million loan.
