The direction of the Trail Regional Airport (YZZ) will now be led by its new full-time manager Don Gouland.
The former Calgary, Alta., resident starts at the City of Trail's newly-acquired landing strip this week.
The certified commercial pilot from Aero Academy in London, Ont., holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and Psychology and experience in various aviation-based positions with companies like Viking Air Limited, Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. and Lake Central Air Services.
“I am thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to being part of the redevelopment team,” said Goulard in a news release.
“Moving forward, I believe the Trail airport needs to operate as a viable business; Generating revenue in order to support ongoing operational costs and providing quality customer service are the key factors that will lead to success.
“I also look forward to looking at ways to maximize new opportunities that the airport and other city-owned lands may present.”
His first order of business will be developing a set of objectives for the facility and dealing with any issues that resulted from last month’s Transport Canada audit, which will be reviewed by staff and presented to council before it's made public.
Planning for a potential new terminal building will also be on the agenda once Trail city council has considered funding for its 2014 budget.
“There is no decision or direction with respect to hiring paid staff,” David Perehudoff, Trail's chief administrative officer, added Monday. “The volunteers who work at YZZ are doing a commendable job and how the airport is staffed and managed in the future will be something the new airport manager will have to review and make recommendations on if changes are suggested.”
The hiring began after it was made a priority within the Airport Business Plan, developed by InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. out of Vancouver. There were over 25 applicants but Gouland's resume reflected a high level of knowledge and a keen awareness of the issues at the Trail Airport, according to Perehudoff.
The City of Trail didn't waste any time securing a manager after it took official ownership from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary on Feb. 15.