As Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat celebrates its 25th anniversary, airport manager Carman Hendry reflects on a journey filled with significant milestones, calling the airport a “Gateway to the Northwest.” 

Hendry, who has been with the airport for 23 years began his career in 1998 as the site electrician. His experience in the aviation industry, which began in Prince Rupert, set the stage for his long tenure in Terrace. After a brief hiatus, Hendry returned to the airport contributing to and witnessing its transformation over the years. 

“One of the major challenges we experienced was transitioning from a department of Transport Canada to operating as an independent identity,” Hendry said. “We had to start managing our own finances, including raising funds for new equipment and maintaining our infrastructure without relying on city cash.” 

Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society took over ownership and management of the airport from Transport Canada in 1999. 

Among other milestones in the airport’s history, Hendry mentioned the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) in 2003.

“Before the ILS, we missed 228 flights every winter,” he said. “After its installation, that number dropped dramatically to just eight, leading to a significant increase in passenger numbers and revenue.” 

The ILS provides vertical and lateral guidance information for pilots allowing safe landings to touchdown.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019, the airport handled 292,000 passengers annually. While the numbers slightly decreased to 285,000 last year, Hendry said these figures do not include charter flights which fluctuate based on construction projects like LNG Canada in Kitimat. 

Hendry attributed the airport’s substantial growth in flight offerings to the region’s growing economic activity, driven by projects such as Rio Tinto’s new aluminum smelter and LNG Canada’s natural gas export facility. 

Looking ahead, he shared the airport’s vision for the next decade.

“We’re about to complete the terminal building, including the arrivals section, by October. After that, we have infrastructure projects worth around $20 million planned, including road upgrades and enhancements to our water system,” Hendry said.

Additionally, future equipment replacements are planned. 

“We are the gateway to the Northwest, supporting medical transportation, tourism and business investments. The airport is crucial for the region, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” Hendry said. 

Marking their 25th anniversary, the airport will also be featuring a float at this year’s Riverboat Days parade scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. 

“We are bringing out one of our fire trucks and snow blowers to the parade.”