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YMM earns ACI global health accreditation, first in Western Canada

Fort McMurray International Airport, YMM, became the first airport in Western Canada to be accredited under Airports Council International (ACI) – World Airport Health Accreditation program. The framework for the accreditation is integrated into its YMM COMMITTED.

“Our enhanced health and safety program, YMM COMMITTED was rolled-out in early March, and has been received with positive feedback from airport users,” said RJ Steenstra, president and CEO, Fort McMurray International. “That combined with achieving this accreditation validates for us that we are taking the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of exposure at YMM.”

As part of the accreditation process, a third-party global audit was conducted of YMM’s policies, procedures, and precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infectious disease exposure and regain the confidence of the traveling public. In addition, YMM explains it had to demonstrate it was providing a safe airport experience for all travelers, in line with recommended health measures established by the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery Guidelines, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Recovery Task Force Recommendations, and aviation industry best practices.

Participation in the Health Accreditation program is voluntary for airports, which are also required to complete ongoing self-assessments and quality assurances, leading to a cycle of continuous improvement.

“Health Accreditation further demonstrates the airport’s unwavering commitment to promoting health and safety as air travel begins to recover,” said Daniel-Robert Gooch, president, Canadian Airports Council. “As situations change, and requirements evolve, participating airports are in a strong position to rapidly respond.”

Fort McMurray International notes Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport were the first two airports in Canada to achieve accreditation, followed by YMM in third, with dozens of airports across Canada and the United States still working toward accreditation. The program assesses the health of the passenger journey in a number of areas, including cleaning and disinfecting, physical distancing (where feasible and practical), staff protection and training, retail food and beverage outlets, and customer education and communication.

“In achieving this global health accreditation, the Fort McMurray International Airport once again demonstrates its commitment to excellence and to providing an exceptional travel experience,” said Mayor Don Scott, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “I recently toured YMM airport with colleagues from other levels of government to learn more about the airport’s enhanced health and safety program and it was evident that they have taken great thought and care to provide the very best air travel experience for our residents and guests.”