Residents asked how the Fort McMurray International Airport got the Caesar Rewards Air Charter to Nevada.
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) said it’s because they’re reinstating Canada Customs, which will return to YMM in 2020.
This is due to a funding partnership through the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation’s (WBEDC) Strategic Investment Fund.
Therefore, return flights with Caesar Rewards from Nevada to Fort McMurray this winter will take under four hours.
RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Airport Authority, said it and the WBEDC want to see an increase of trade and travellers to Wood Buffalo.
“Air transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life are all interdependent, and we are pleased to see WBEDC equally recognize and support these synergies.”
Airports are responsible for funding Canada Customs services.
Steenstra said the partnership between the FMAA and WBEDC would reinstate vital services, including Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) operations.
CBSA officers, who ensure Canadians meet entry requirements and stop potential threats, will work at YMM during the winter season.
They will see to travellers returning directly from Nevada.
WBEDC President and CEO Kevin Weidlich added the Airport Authority would be in a stronger position to attract more international destinations.
“Investing in this CBSA partnership will open further opportunities [for] international destinations for our community. A combination of domestic and international air service enables tourism growth and positions the region as a top destination for attractions such as the Northern Lights, conferences, meetings and sporting events.”
YMM last had Canada Customs services in 2015.
However, it never lost its international airport title because the facility can separate domestic from international travellers.
Flight packages to Laughlin, NV, are still available on the FMAA website.
Customs and preclearance
The Caesar Rewards Air Charter departs YMM and stops at Edmonton International Airport.
During the layover, it picks up more passengers through U.S Customs Preclearance.
Preclearance is an arrangement between Canada and the U.S. giving passengers and goods a faster transborder experience.
Edmonton along with Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg offer preclearance.
Regional airports like YMM can’t qualify for U.S. customs preclearance.
Currently, Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport does not have U.S. Customs services.
However, return flights fly direct to Fort McMurray International Airport due to the FMAA reinstating Canada Customs.
Mayor Don Scott said the return of Canada Customs enhances residents’ travel and business opportunities.
“YMM was created to help our region meet its needs well into the future and we are excited to see the Airport Authority leading it to its full potential.”
For more about preclearance, go to the government of Canada website.
