After 42 years of being in the aviation industry, the Grande Prairie Airport Commissions CEO has announced his retirement.
In a post made to social media by the Grande Prairie Airport on March, 11. They announced that the current CEO has decided to end his aviation career.
Brian began his airport career in 1982 with Transport Canada as a seasonal equipment operator at the Grande Prairie Airport. From those early days on the airfield, his dedication, work ethic, and determination set the foundation for a career that would leave a lasting mark on Grande Prairie and on airports across Canada. After a brief detour into the oil industry in Norman Wells, Brian returned to aviation, where his passion for airports clearly belonged.- Grande Prairie Airport Facebook page
Grant had a quite noticeable career, with not only the Grande Prairie airport, but the Canadian aviation industry as a whole. Grant says that he believes his biggest achievement in his career was playing a role in the addition of an additional 2000 feet on the main runway in Grande Prairie, and working with the federal government regarding regulations.
“I did a lot of work federally with regulations, but I think really the biggest accomplishment has been at home. Tripling the size of the terminal building, doing multiple long-term planning and strategies, and the people.”
When Grant began his career, he says the airport was moving roughly 108,000 passengers a year. Grant says that just prior to the pandemic, the airport saw it’s travel peak, moving nearly 454,000 passengers a year.
Grant is currently working for the County of Grande Prairie, as a councillor for Division 6. Grant said that while just recently making his retirement official, it hasn’t quite fully hit him yet.
“Well it’s been 42 years, so I’m not sure if it has completely sunk in yet. It’s been a rewarding career, and a lot of great people that I have worked with. We have seen a lot of changes, and a lot of good information on where we can go in the future,” Grant said.
“Without a doubt, the people. I’ve had such a blessed career with so many good people to work with, and to be around. There’s still obviously the drive, wanting to see better service and wanting to participate in the community in a number of different ways. I’ll always be around, but just contributing in a different way.” He added.
Grant says at the end of the day, the Grande Prairie Airport will always stand-out to him.
“The airport, especially the one in Grande Prairie where I spent my career will definitely have a soft spot for sure.”
