FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The North Peace Regional Airport Society is preparing to bring management of the Fort St. John airport in-house after three decades of working with an external airport management company.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen, who chairs the airport society, says the transition will give the region more direct control over future investments, expansion plans and air service development.
The airport is owned and governed through a regional partnership that includes the City of Fort St. John, the District of Taylor, the District of Hudson’s Hope and Peace River Regional District electoral areas B and C.
The model has been in place for roughly 30 years and allows the airport to operate without direct taxation from local governments.
Over the past three decades airport operations have been managed by Vantage Airport Group.
Hansen said the airport worked collaboratively with Vantage over the years and credited the company for helping guide the facility’s growth.
As part of the transition, the airport society has hired Carmen Hendry as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Hansen said Hendry brings experience from the Terrace-Kitimat Airport and has extensive knowledge of aviation regulations, airline operations and airport management in British Columbia.
Hendry is expected to begin work in January 2027, with the airport society set to officially assume operational control on March 17, 2027.
Hansen says bringing operations in-house will allow the airport to have more influence over how revenue is invested, including potential improvements to airport infrastructure, technology and passenger facilities.
She also believes it will strengthen the region’s ability to advocate for additional flight options and work directly with airlines on future service opportunities.
The airport currently serves passengers from across northeastern B.C., including Fort Nelson, Dawson Creek and surrounding communities.
Hansen noted that travellers from surrounding communities catch flights through the North Peace Regional Airport, making it a key transportation hub for northeastern B.C.
Hansen said local control could also help the airport advocate more directly for additional air service.
The airport society believes a stronger local presence will help it work more closely with airline partners and pursue new opportunities for both passenger and cargo traffic.
“Being able to have the services in-house, we’re going to have a greater say into how we grow and expand. I know I hear often we would like to see more flights, whether it’s directly to Prince George or to Kelowna.” said Hansen.
B.C. premier-elect Lorne Doerkson points to Fort St. John’s oil and gas industry as a key part of his vision for the province’s economic future during his victory speech Saturday.
He plans to double natural gas production in B.C. by 2032 and triple it by 2035.
According to Doerkson, the expansion would create tens of thousands of jobs and generate at least $6 billion a year for hospitals and schools.
The mayor of Fort St. John says the city needs to be ready to accommodate growth that the region is expected to see in the next few years.
Hansen said maintaining strong air service will be critical as the region continues to pursue economic development opportunities tied to energy projects and industrial growth.
“We need to make sure we can get people here when the job is ready,” Hansen said, noting the importance of reliable air transportation for workers, students, physicians, engineers and tradespeople.
Hansen also credited airport staff and administration for preparing for the transition, saying the focus over the coming months will be ensuring compliance with Transport Canada requirements and maintaining the airport’s strong operational record.
The airport society says the change is intended to keep decision-making closer to the region while positioning the facility for future growth.
The North Peace Regional Airport currently handles around 250,000 passengers per year.