New partnership between WASCO and Stephenville to deliver airport management services on the East Coast

August 13, 2020

Categories: WASCO

STEPHENVILLE, Newfoundland and Labrador - August 13, 2020 - Winnipeg Airport Services Corp. (WASCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winnipeg Airports Authority, and Stephenville Airport Corporation (SAC) entered into an exciting new partnership to enhance airport operations for the benefit of the community.

WASCO has been contracted to provide airport management and safety management services for Stephenville Airport (YJT) in Newfoundland and Labrador. The corporation currently delivers a wide range of aviation services and cost-effective solutions at other airports across Canada and Stephenville is a welcome addition to the subsidiary's growing portfolio.

"This partnership between WASCO and the community of Stephenville presents an opportunity to strengthen airport procedures to meet and exceed industry standards and explore opportunities for future growth," said Michael O'Gorman, Managing Director of WASCO. "Our experience operating community airports enables us to take a holistic approach towards airport operations, relying on the expertise of our staff and the entire WAA team to find efficiencies, resolve obstacles and add the greatest value for the community."

Stephenville will be the fourth Canadian airport to receive airport management services on behalf WASCO, in addition to The Pas, MB, Iqaluit, NU, and Dawson Creek, BC. WASCO is also pleased to announce that Lew Short will assume the role of Airport Manager at YJT. He is a long-time member of the community and will be a beneficial addition to the WASCO team.

"The Stephenville Airport Corporation (SAC) looks forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with WASCO," said Joe Sheen, Board Chair of SAC. "While we all endure challenging times, dealing with the effects of Covid-19, the related impacts to the air travel/transport industry have been particularly difficult. We believe these very challenges present SAC with potential opportunities for growth and our new partnership with WASCO will assist in leveraging these opportunities in the future. Stephenville Airport serves the entire west coast as a critical support to the air ambulance system and has huge potential to be an economic generator for the region and the province as a whole."

Stephenville will represent a new client for WASCO and also the furthest connection point for the organization on the east side of the country. To evaluate potential opportunities for growth, WASCO completed an aviation market assessment for the airport and delivered the findings to the town council.

"This partnership agreement is welcome news for our town, airport employees and region," said Tom Rose, Mayor of Stephenville. "The new business model for our airport through WASCO's management services will course a new flight path and future for Stephenville."

WASCO's safety management service also provides an added layer of support by incorporating best practices to effectively monitor safe work environments based on tried and tested procedures, plans, training and more. This new partnership is an investment into Stephenville's future and also into WASCO's ability to leverage the diverse skillsets of its team to lead transportation innovation and growth in more communities across Canada.

About WASCO
At WASCO, our business is airports. Collectively, WASCO and our wholly owned subsidiaries, deliver innovative cost-effective solutions to support Provincial, Territorial, Municipal and other airport owners and operators throughout Canada. Our core services include Airport Operations, Airport Management, Facility Maintenance and Technical Solutions.

For more information:
Tyler MacAfee, Vice President, Communications and Government Relations
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.
Media Line: 204-992-2791

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using this site, you agree to these cookies being set. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy.
Learn MoreAgree