b'38 YPK GENERAL AVIATIONFACTS&FIGURESSignificant Development is AfootProject: Airportwide DevelopmentLocation: Pitt Meadows (BC) Regional Airportat Pitt Meadows RegionalBY CHRIS JONESBusiness Mix: Flights schools; aircraft maintenance facilities; general & corporate aviation flights; commercial charters & limited scheduledA bustling general aviation airportto distinguish YPK. So hes focused on service near Vancouver, BC, has embarkedsomething more tangible: an ongoing series Objective: Increase corporate trafficon an aggressive expansion program,of buildouts and rehabilitation projects to Recent Improvements: New $12 millionwith all eyes firmly focused on landing more refresh what had become a tired facility. terminal; first on-field FBO; 2 general aviationand more diversebusiness over the yearsOlder hangars were recently demolished as hangars; taxiway improvements; new 50,000-liter jetto come. Leaders at Pitt Meadows Regionalleases expired, and new tenants are making fuel tank; new flight training center (14,000 sq. ft.) Airport (YPK) are convinced todays growth- commitments to build modern replacements Upcoming Projects: Runway & airfieldfocused initiatives will shape tomorrows reality,ranging from 6,000 to 100,000 square feet. improvements begin this Aug.; sitework completedespecially when potential tenants see theWith nearly one dozen projects in development & permitting in process for 20-acre helipark; 2024airports timeless natural surroundings. or recently completed, Miller notes that YPK groundbreaking slated for 11-acre development will soon have the infrastructure to meet users with riverfront boardwalk & restaurants,Were in a very enviable microbreweries, boutique retail & possibly location, says YPKneeds for at least the next 30 years.spa-oriented hotel; more new hangars (about General Manager GuyAs we build our viability and credibility up, $100 million over next 4-5 years) Miller. Looking out of mywell be able to attract larger players in the Airport Footprint: 900 acres office, I have a 180-degreenot-too-distant future, he says, predicting Available for Development: 200 acres view of snow-cappedmore than $100 million in new hangar facilities Airport Owner & Operator: Pitt Meadowsmountains. Its a beautifulalone over the next four to five years.Airport Society, not-for-profit joint venture betweenlocale, and thats what weGUY MILLERcities of Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge, BC have to offer. Knowing and GrowingFixed Base Operator/Jet Fuel Provider:Were really trying to take advantage of thethe Right Niche Integrity Flight Support regions amenities, and we want to make thisNestled along the northern banks of the Runways: 3 (all asphalt), ranging from 2,484 ft.airport a bit special and a bit different. Fraser River, YPK is located approximately to 4,962 ft. long 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of downtown Air Traffic Control Services: 7 a.m.- 11 p.m. Miller knows it will take more thanVancouver, in a thriving metro area with stunning vistas of the North Shore Mountainsnearly 2.6 million people. The opening of a 2022 Operations: 127,284 (9th-most in Canada) July | August 2023AirportImprovement.com'