Red Deer's Airport: Does It Exist?

Yes, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, has an airport. The Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is located 6.9 miles (11 km) south-southwest of the city and offers affordable and accessible air travel services. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an airbase for the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, it reopened in 1952 to train NATO pilots, and since then, it has undergone multiple expansion and rehabilitation projects to accommodate larger aircraft and increase passenger capacity. Red Deer Regional Airport provides scheduled passenger services to destinations like Calgary and is known for its modern facilities and attentive customer service, making it a convenient choice for travellers in Central Alberta.

Red Deer Regional Airport's location and history

Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF/CYQF/IATA: YQF, ICAO: CYQF) is located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) south-southwest of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. It is an affordable and accessible airport, centrally located halfway between Calgary and Edmonton. The airport serves Charter and General Aviation and is open 24/7 with an operational control tower on the field from 6 am to 10 pm local time.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was known as RCAF Station Penhold. The airbase was home to the Royal Air Force's No. 36 Service Flying Training School (SFTS). After the war, the base closed, but it reopened in 1952 to train NATO pilots. The airfield side of the base closed again in 1965, and the City of Red Deer took over the airport's operations in 1966. The non-airport side of the base was renamed CFB Penhold and remained operational until 1990 when it became a detachment of CFB Edmonton.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansion and rehabilitation projects. In 2015, a $9.5 million expansion project was announced, which included a 2,000-foot (610 m) extension of runway 16/34 (now 17/35). This extension was completed in September 2016 and allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. In 2022, the Government of Alberta announced $7.5 million in funding towards an $18 million expansion and rehabilitation project, which included widening runway 17/35. The airport also hosts two flight schools, Montair and Skywings, and a flying club, COPA Flight 92-Red Deer Flying Club.

Red Deer Regional Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it also represents a significant development opportunity. The land the airport occupies is prime real estate for future commercial and industrial activities due to its proximity to major markets and transportation links in Western Canada. The airport is currently working with multiple partners to diversify its markets and develop over 800,000 square meters of aviation real estate.

Airlines and destinations

Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF/CYQF/IATA: YQF, ICAO: CYQF) is located 6.9 miles south-southwest of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. It is an affordable and accessible airport, centrally located halfway between Calgary and Edmonton.

During World War II, the airport was known as RCAF Station Penhold and was home to the Royal Air Force's No. 36 Service Flying Training School. The base closed after the war but reopened in 1952 to train NATO pilots. The airfield side of the base closed in 1965, and the City of Red Deer took over the airport's operations in 1966.

The airport currently serves charter and general aviation and is working to diversify its markets and develop its land for future commercial and industrial activities. It has a control tower that is operational from 6 am to 10 pm local time. The airport is equipped with high-intensity runway lighting on runway 17/35 and medium-intensity lighting on runway 12/30.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Time Air served the airport with nonstop flights to Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton Municipal Airport (YXD) using de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop aircraft. Air Canada also served the airport until they dropped their three daily flights between Calgary and Red Deer in 2018.

The airport has undergone several expansion projects to accommodate larger aircraft and increase passenger capacity. In 2016, a $9.5 million expansion project extended runway 16/34 (now 17/35) by 610 meters. In 2022, the Government of Alberta announced $7.5 million in funding towards an $18 million expansion and rehabilitation project to widen runway 17/35.

Facilities and services

Yes, Red Deer does have an airport. The Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) south-southwest of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The airport is known for its affordable and accessible air travel services and is strategically located between Calgary and Edmonton, making it ideal for charter flights and aviation businesses.

The Red Deer Regional Airport features a 7,500-foot main runway and an alternative secondary runway. It offers full Air Traffic Control service via NAV Canada, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including high-intensity runway lighting (HIRL) on one runway and medium-intensity runway lighting (MIRL) on another, enhancing visibility for pilots. The runways are also equipped with precision approach path indicators (PAPI) and runway end identifier lights (REIL), providing crucial guidance during take-off and landing.

The airport operates 24/7 with a control tower that is operational from 6 am to 10 pm local time. It provides a seamless travel experience with attentive customer service and has seen rapid growth in scheduled flights and charter services in recent years. Red Deer Regional Airport serves Central Albertans with scheduled passenger services to Calgary, previously operated by Air Canada Express and currently by Air Georgian. The airport also accommodates private jet, charter, and VIP traffic, with first-class FBO services provided by Tucana Aviation, ensuring a high level of customer service for private aviation.

Red Deer Regional Airport hosts two flight schools, Montair and Skywings, and a flying club, COPA Flight 92-Red Deer Flying Club. The airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including a $9.5 million project in 2016 that extended the main runway, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft. A new $3 million terminal expansion project is also underway to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall passenger experience.

The land on which the airport is situated presents significant development opportunities for future commercial and industrial activities due to its proximity to major markets and transportation links in Western Canada. The airport is currently working with partners to diversify its markets and develop over 800,000 square meters of prime aviation real estate, showcasing its potential for growth and expansion.

Expansion and development plans

Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) south-southwest of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an airbase for the Royal Air Force during World War II. After changing hands and purposes over the years, the airport now offers affordable and accessible air travel services, including charter and general aviation.

The Red Deer Regional Airport has undergone several expansion and development projects to enhance its capabilities and facilities. In October 2015, the airport announced a $9.5 million expansion project, which included extending runway 16/34 (now 17/35) by 2,000 ft (610 m). This extension, completed in September 2016, allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

In February 2022, the Government of Alberta announced significant funding towards an $18 million Expansion and Rehabilitation Project. This project involves widening runway 17/35 from 100 ft (30 m) to 150 ft (46 m). Additionally, the airport has plans to rehabilitate taxiway Bravo and apron 1, along with a $3 million terminal expansion project to accommodate 189 passengers, the capacity of a fully loaded Boeing 737 Max. These projects were initially scheduled for 2022 but were delayed until 2023 due to inclement weather.

The airport's management is also focused on diversifying its markets and developing the land surrounding the airport, which amounts to over 800,000 square meters of prime aviation real estate. This development opportunity is attributed to the airport's proximity to major markets and transportation links in Western Canada.

With these expansion and development plans, Red Deer Regional Airport aims to solidify its position as a vital transportation link for Central Alberta, offering seamless and accessible air travel options to its customers.

World War II history

Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) south-southwest of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The airport has a rich history that dates back to World War II.

During World War II, the airport was known as RCAF Station Penhold and served as an airbase for the Royal Air Force's No. 36 Service Flying Training School (SFTS). After the war, the base was closed, only to be reopened in 1952 to train NATO pilots. The airfield side of the base was operational until 1965, when the City of Red Deer took over the management of the airport in 1966. The non-airport side of the base continued to function, and it was renamed CFB Penhold in the same year.

Over the years, Red Deer Regional Airport has undergone several expansion and rehabilitation projects to accommodate larger aircraft and increase its capacity. In October 2015, the airport announced a $9.5 million expansion project, which included extending runway 16/34 (now 17/35) by 2,000 ft (610 m). This extension was completed by September 16, 2016, and allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

The airport has continued to invest in its infrastructure, with a $3 million terminal expansion project planned for 2022 to accommodate 189 passengers, the capacity of a fully loaded Boeing 737 Max. Additionally, the Government of Alberta announced $7.5 million in funding towards an $18 million Expansion and Rehabilitation Project in February 2022, which included widening runway 17/35.

Today, Red Deer Regional Airport is a busy and vital transportation link for Central Alberta, offering affordable and accessible air travel services. It is known for its strategic location, modern facilities, and attentive customer service, making it a popular choice for charter flights and aviation businesses. The airport is well-equipped, with high and medium-intensity runway lighting, precision approach path indicators, and a control tower that operates from 6 am to 10 pm local time.

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