The St. Andrews Airport is commemorating its 60th anniversary on July 12.
In 1964, the regional airport welcomed its first visitors with two grass strips designated for landing airplanes.
“St. Andrews was built as the satellite airport to the Winnipeg International Airport,” explained St. Andrews Airport Executive Director Craig Skonberg.
Its purpose was to distinguish between less substantial and slower propellor aircrafts and the larger jets.
Throughout the course of the past six decades, the St. Andrews Airport has been the site of several noteworthy occurrences.
According to Skonberg, Runway 18-36 was the pioneer to be paved in 1967, followed by Runway 13-13 in 1970 alongside the addition of Runway 04-22.
In 1976, St. Andrews Airport boasted a network of five roads, seven taxiways, and four aprons.
As of April 1, 1999, the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews assumed ownership of the St. Andrews Airport from Transport Canada.
At the time of the transfer, St. Andrews Airport had a total of 42 hangars available for storing aircraft.
The St. Andrews Airport closed off 2021 with 104 hangars on their property.
Many businesses also proudly call St. Andrews Airport their home.
Skonberg reported that as of the close of 2018, there was a total of 359,612 square feet of business buildings.
He also noted that the number of businesses have doubled over the past two decades.
The St. Andrews Airport continues to be a major contributor to the municipality’s economy, following Mandak Industries.
The St. Andrew’s Airport has always had a safety-virtue on their mind. However, in May 2013, they officially implemented an approved Safety Management System.
As of 2023, the St. Andrews Airport was 10th busiest airport in Canada seeing 13,1945 aircraft movements.
“More than the Winnipeg International Airport,” added Skonberg.
The St. Andrews Airport also holds the prestige title of Most Female Pilot Friendly Airport Worldwide.
The Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide awarded the St. Andrews Airport the title in 2013.
Sixty years is no little celebration for the St. Andrews Airport.
On July 12, there will be a variety of fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Experience a flight on a historic World War II aircraft, indulge in delicious barbeque fare and have the opportunity to win prizes at their special anniversary event.
The Common Wealth Air Training Plan Museum will have four WWII airplanes on site.
They are offering flights for those interested in experiencing St. Andrews from a different perspective.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the historic WWII airplane rides will be available.
Aviators will have the choice between four different aircraft to hit the sky in.
“There are not many of these planes still flying around,” said St. Andrews Airport Manager Zachary Holden.
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is the only museum dedicated to those who fought and train with the British Commonwealth in the Second World War.
The British Commonwealth Air Training facility brought together numerous individuals from all corners of Canada.
Now, the history is on display with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon at the Brandon Municipal Airport.
Advanced registration is required for the WWII flights and fees vary per aircraft.
To register, contact Jerry Roehr at (204) 981 4239 or roehr@mymts.net.
The flights will last approximately 20 minutes each and community members of all ages are encouraged to register.
Ensure you register in advance as there will be a limited number of flights on the day of the event.
Following the flights, the aircrafts will be on display for aviation enthusiasts to see up close.
In addition, free Young Eagles Flights are being offered by St. Andrews Airport to aspiring pilots aged 8 to 17 beginning at 2 p.m.
Advanced registration is required for the Young Eagles Flights. For further details, contact the St. Andrews Airport at (204) 336-3250.
At 3:30 p.m. pay a visit to the many open houses and aviation displays the St. Andrews Airport will have to offer.
Guests are also invited to have a bite to eat at St. Andrews Airport festivities.
A complimentary barbeque will be provided starting at 4 p.m..
Delicious hot dogs and hamburgers will be cooked up in honour of the airport’s 60th anniversary.
Don’t miss out on the speeches by the esteemed special guests during your feast.
“We have invited the Manitoba Aviation Council, Transport Canada and different politicians,” Holden added.
In addition, Chairman Russ Paradoski of St. Andrews Airport will also deliver a speech of gratitude during Friday’s event.
Head over and tune in to the live performance of homegrown band Tannis T and Diamondback.
Tannis T and Diamondback is a Winnipeg-based band and will be delivering a free performance during the event.
Don’t forget to participate in the complimentary draw for a 30-minute air excursion with Winnipeg Aviation.
St. Andrews Airport is grateful for the continuous support it has received throughout its 60 years of operation and anticipates numerous future flights to come.
