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The business of flying doesn’t discriminate, and
that’s part of why Calgary Airport Authority president
and CEO Garth Atkinson loves his job.
“Pretty much everybody flies,” he says.
That’s certainly the way it seems when Atkinson
takes his daily walk through YYC, where the flow
of traffic reached an estimated 12.2 million last year,
making it the fourth busiest airport in Canada, falling
just shortly behind Montreal, and third busiest in
Canada aircraft movement-wise.
“That’s one of the major differences of running an
airport. People can relate to it.”
“Every single person I meet wants to talk about
their last airport experience, and I don’t mind,” he
laughs.
The diversity of people who fly is apparent in any
glance around the airport, and is one of many challenges.
“We have a very diverse group of stakeholders and
clients, so we have to balance those needs as best we
can and keep in constant communication with them,”
he says.
In a business that’s booming, Atkinson recognizes
the airport is a means of getting from one city to the
next, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be a comfortable
and spirited place, as well as a reflection of
the city.
“We’re in the most vibrant city in the most vibrant
region of Canada,” he says.
“The airport is a reflection of what’s going on in
the city and the dynamic nature of it. I think in today’s
world, people have a big connection with their airport
— it’s part of their identity.”
For example, travellers are reminded exactly where
they are when they’re greeted by a friendly stranger in
a white hat and red vest, demonstrating the celebrated
western hospitality in our city.
“We try and make it a good passenger experience,”
he says.
His efforts seems to be paying off, as results from
a 2007 survey showed customers believed YYC was
run better or much better than other Canadian airports.
Results also showed overall positive reactions
about the airport in general.
The climate of the airport is a reflection of the fact
Atkinson feels at home in the city, where he’s settled
with his wife of 28 years and four children, and at
the airport, where he’s been since 1982. Since the Airport
Authority took over management in 1992, he has
seen a number of positive changes, including planning,
designing and constructing the airport at a local
level.
“Going from a federal government operation to a
local company has been a great change,” he says.
“The board and management are very focused on
doing the very best for Calgary.”
The airport, which he has seen nearly double in
size, will only continue to grow.
“It’s the longest running construction project in
GarthAtkinson
THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Calgary. We’re building 365 days a year.”
Current projects include a new parkade, a 27-hole
golf course and WestJet headquarters on the grounds.
The future will also see a new runway and a new
international wing that will be almost as big as the
existing trunk.
All things that Atkinson plans on personally overseeing,
as he has no intentions of slowing down his
demanding schedule, something he shrugs off as “just
part of the job.”
Hard work is also just part of the job for his 161
staff members, who Atkinson describes as incomparable.
“We have the best core of employees. Our people
are very dedicated and loyal because they have a high
sense of ownership — this is their airport.”
What are the perks of working at the airport?
“They get to work hard,” he laughs.
But for all the hard work, Atkinson enjoys being
kept on his toes.
“It’s rapidly changing, it’s still fun and I’m still
learning. Every day, I learn something new.”