YSJ President To Lead Airports Association

The president and CEO of the Saint John Airport is adding another role to his resume.

Derrick Stanford has been appointed the new president of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association (ACAA).

Stanford replaces Reg Wright of the Gander International Airport Authority, who served two years as the association’s president.

“We’re very pleased that Derrick has taken on this busy volunteer role of president,” says Monette Pasher, executive director of the ACAA, in a statement. “He is passionate about the importance of Atlantic Canada’s airports and has a great vision for air travel to and from Atlantic Canada. We look forward to his leadership and guidance.”

The new role comes at a time when airports across the country face severe challenges due to the travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.

In a statement, Stanford said an immediate priority will be continuing the dialogue with governments for financial relief.

“Airports are dealing with unprecedented financial challenges due to the loss of revenues associated with the negative impact of COVID-19. But our airports are an essential service for health and our economy, so we keep the lights on and maintain our high standards of safety and security,” he said.

“It could be two years before we get back to any meaningful level of pre-COVID-19 travel activity. Airports need to collaborate and work together more than ever before and there’s a big role that the ACAA can play.”

The association represents 12 airports in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Pleased to announce @DGStanford as the new President of ACAA. https://t.co/olh5RHmwio pic.twitter.com/vPdfs4nckI

— Atlantic Airports (@ACAirports) June 18, 2020