Red Deer, AB | November 4, 2019 – Construction has begun at the Red Deer Regional Airport to convert the existing terminal into a full-service FBO (Fixed Based Operator), in partnership with Tucana Aviation Services.

The term FBO is given to an organization granted the right by an airport to provide a variety of ground support services, such as fuelling, maintenance, catering, transportation/accommodation logistics, etc. In addition to their operational expertise and experience, they are also service orientated with an unwavering commitment to providing the best customer experience possible for both the passengers and flight crew, as they transient the airport.

Our partner in this endeavour, Tucana Aviation, is a well-established organization with a combined 30 years leadership experience in the aviation/oil and gas business. Their knowledge and experience, along with their unwavering commitment to safety/security as an existing tenant at the Red Deer Regional Airport, makes them an ideal partner. Tucana Aviation will be tasked with increasing the Charter and VIP traffic that utilizes the Red Deer Regional Airport, through various marketing and collaborative efforts with the Airport Authority.

Jim Freake, Operations Manager at Tucana Aviation states: “As the airports newest partner, we see huge potential for both oil and gas companies, and private aircraft operators looking for VIP service while at the same time saving thousands in operating costs. We are truly thankful for this opportunity and look forward to helping grow the Red Deer Regional Airport”.

Graham Ingham, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Airport states: “We are very excited to be partnering with Tucana Aviation, and for the opportunity to further grow the airport by leveraging their experience and relationships. Focusing on service and making sure our customers have a positive experience while at the airport is also extremely important to us, as we attempt to capitalize on an already thriving charter market currently running along the Edmonton – Calgary corridor”.

The development of the Red Deer Regional Airports FBO partnership with Tucana Aviation is a vital step towards growth at the airport, and a big part of their future strategic planning. This, in addition to the recent unveiling of their land development strategy, and continued pursuit of scheduled air service, will ensure the airport is capable of achieving its vision of becoming the “Aviation Gateway and Key Economic Driver for Central Alberta”.