Region of Waterloo International Airport
1-4881 Fountain Street North N0B 1M0 Kitchener, ON, Canada

Waterloo Region, today we're sharing GOOD NEWS! Please join us in welcoming Flair Airlines to our #wrawesome community. When travel restrictions lift, Flair will provide weekly, non-stop service to Halifax Stanfield, Victoria International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, YYC Calgary International Airport, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport! As Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), Flair offers low fares... & COVID coverage. Learn more about Flair Airlines, their low fares across Canada and book your flights today! Visit: flyflair.com & choose "Kitchener-Waterloo!" Read the full press release here: bit.ly/FlairYKF

Thank-you to our colleagues at the Region of Waterloo for putting together this awesome recap of Flair Airlines first flight out of YKF last Saturday May 1st! It was a sunny, chilly, & exciting morning as #EssentialTravellers boarded their flight to Edmonton International Airport. It gave us a small glimpse of everything we have to look forward to once travel restrictions are lifted. Thank-you to all who helped out that morning including airport staff, vendors, passengers, & crew! Everything went so smoothly, it was a proud day here at YKF.

#EssentialTravellers boarded the 1st Flair Airlines flight to Edmonton International Airport this morning. We thought the glowing sunrise in the distance was symbolic after this unprecedented year. Although travel is still limited until restrictions are lifted, there is progress happening all around us. Please continue to follow Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services guidelines. Continue to get vaccinated & stay safe. In time, with all our collective har...d work & patience... We will be welcoming you soon!

NOW BOARDING DONATIONS #EssentialTravellers flying out of YKF: Please bring your non-perishable food donations for the The Food Bank of Waterloo Region & Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank with you next time you fly with us! Drop them off on the counter as you enter our terminal (you'll see the signs) & don't forget to tag us @FlyYKF #ykfhungerdeparture for your chance to win free swag!

#comingsoon! In fact, Flair Airlines service to/from YKF begins in 2 DAYS! We're loving the bold colours on their counters. Aren't you? Please remember: Although air travel is still limited to #essentialtravellers only, we will be ready to welcome all once restrictions have been lifted. ... Stay safe!

#EssentialTravellers, please remember: "You must have a non-medical mask or face covering that covers your mouth & nose during your travel through Canadian airports & during your flight. You will be asked to wear the non-medical mask or face covering: At the security screening checkpoints... At the boarding gate During the flight when you can’t physically distance from others When asked by an airline employee, a public health official, staff from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, or a Canada Border Services Agency officer" Please visit the link below for more information & thank you for your diligence in keeping everyone you encounter throughout your journey, safe!

For YKF passengers connecting internationally in YYC Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport & beyond. Please remember to download & use the #ArriveCAN app to submit your #COVID19 info. It will speed up your connection/arrival process & limit physical contact at these larger hub airports. #SafeTravels http://Canada.ca/ArriveCAN

It's beginning to look a lot like winter maintenance! #DYK it takes between 8-10 hours to clear our YKF runways, taxiways, aprons, etc. Not including any continually falling snow?! These fluctuating warm/cold temperatures are tough for us, but the warm days give our Airport Operations Specialists time to work on other projects.... No matter the temperature, stay safe everyone as winter slowly descends upon us. #airport #airports #airportoperations #winter #wintermaintenance #snowremoval #snowplough #airportrunways #airportviews #airportlife See more

After moving to Ontario in 2009, Neil Laubach identified a shortage of gyro schools & instructors. Now, Neil has trained hundreds of students from all over the world to fly the gyro right here at YKF! In today’s video, learn more about Neil’s story & the path that led him to opening Gyro Ontario southern Ontario’s first gyro pilot training facility. #airport #airports #gyro #gyrotraining #pilots #pilot #rotocraft #pilottraining #waterlooregion #wrawesome

As our Region enters the orange "restrict" category today, we will keep you updated on how these measures directly affect the airport. In the meantime, please follow our colleagues at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services for the most up-to-date #COVID19 information & guidance. Help flatten the curve: wash your hands, stay 6ft/2m apart, wear your mask, & follow the rules. The road continues to be long, but we are still #inthistogether

#DYK Student pilots learning to use the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) instruments often learn a rhyme to help remember the correct pattern they need to see for a safe landing? Learn that & more in today's video on calibrating the PAPI system at YKF! #airport #airports #airportsystems #airportmaintenance #airportlife #airportdiaries #aviation #aviationeducation #pilottraining #pilots

The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre - WWFC Wings Banquet has a history that can be traced back over 80 years. It's an opportunity for the organization to present each of their students who've earned their Private Pilot's Licence with their Gold Pilot’s Wings." A momento for their achievement & an honoured tradition for WWFC. Normally this banquet would be held in the spring, but like all events this year, it had to look a bit different. We are happy to hear the evening was still a success & offer our sincere congratulations to all the recipients! #aviation #aviationeducation #pilots #pilotslife #aviationlovers #aviationdaily #privatepilot #wrawesome

It's #DroneSafetyDay! Drones are aircraft if you're flying one, that makes you a pilot! It also means you’re sharing the skies with other drones & aircraft. Before you fly a drone, you need to understand the rules. As part of Drone Safety Day, Transport Canada has produced a webinar series aimed at providing an overview of drone safety basics & showcasing unique Canadian drone use-cases. Follow the link below to access this free webinar & follow our friends at Transport Ca...nada on Facebook & Twitter for more #DroneSafetyDay tips! https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety

Thank-you to our friend Ramona who brought the idea of this reverse advent calendar to our attention. We looked into it and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region just happens to have a calendar of their own! Over the past 5 years, YKF has supported the food bank through our annual Aviation Fun Day (AFD). AFD was cancelled due to #COVID19 this year, so we are always looking for creative ways to show our support. ... Why not turn the calendar into a fun game for kids, a grocery shopping challenge within your bubble, an online ordering mission, etc.! It's a great way to support our community & jump start some much needed holiday spirit. #FeedWR #foodbankscanada #foodbank #community #communitysupport #waterlooregion #wrawesome

What a month of growth we've had here at YKF! Please join us in welcoming baby Avery Grace. Born to first time parent & YKF Senior Project Manager, Jordan Vander Veen & his wife just a few weeks ago. Isn't it wonderful how the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts? We're sending our warmest congratulations to the entire Vander Veen family.

If you are heading to the Region of Waterloo International Airport, please protect yourself & others during your journey: Ask your ride to stay outside Bring & wear a non-medical face covering large enough to cover your nose & mouth... Be aware of your surroundings & practice physical distancing Stay safe & thank you for doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. WestJet Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Canada Border Services Agency

Introducing Charlotte. Charlotte is an ultraviolet robot (VioBot) designed with Engineered Infection Prevention (EIP) technology & she's made right here in Cambridge, Ontario. Prescientx EIP technology is already revolutionizing healthcare infrastructure. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, airports are now turning to them for these same solutions. This week, Prescientx used YKF to film Charlotte's upcoming airport launch video & we learned so much while she was here! For insta...nce, Charlotte is completely autonomous. She can map a facility & will navigate her way around killing 99.9% of pathogens with her UV light technology. Charlotte is intelligent. She knows the difference between a human & a table. She will shut down as you pass her in the hallway - protecting you from her UV rays. Think of what this could mean for hospitals, long-term care facilities & airports! Safe, round-the-clock disinfection. Thanks so much to Prescientx for highlighting YKF & introducing us to Charlotte. Another thanks to Huckleberry Films & their crew for allowing us to peer in behind-the-scenes. We can't wait to see the final cut.

"Happy, helpful, fabulous." Thank-you for the glowing review, Charlotte! It's nice to know that during these unprecedented times, together with our airline partners at WestJet, we're able to put #essentialtravellers at ease & send them off with a smile. #airport #airports #airtravel #airlines #reviews #FlyYKF #SafeTravels

Today we welcomed the City of Cambridge Fire Department for a mutual aid familiarization tour! Our YKF Airport Operations Specialists had the opportunity to show them around (at a safe distance) our Operations Centre & reviewed essential airfield emergency access points, tools, procedures & expectations with them. If ever there should be an emergency requiring the support of external services, this ensures all parties are prepared & on the same page. Thank-you so much for coming! #airport #airports #airportoperations #aviation #aviationeducation #firesafety #firefighters #emergencyservices #firstresponders

YKF is a unique airport community. We are home to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre - WWFC, one of the largest & most experienced flight training centres in Canada. We are home to the Canadian Owners & Pilots Association COPA Flight 26, a local chapter of COPA - All for Flight / À plein ciel. There are two Fixed Base Operators (FBO), Flite Line Services & Chartright Air, located here. These are to name a few! All in all, there are over 25 businesses that employ 300 peopl...e at YKF. Because of them, YKF was the 3rd busiest airport in Canada & the busiest airport in Ontario this past October. Our colleagues at NAV CANADA recorded 15,004 take-off/landings last month. Together, we're playing a vital role in the Region of Waterloo economy. #wrawesome https://www.waterlooairport.ca/

Welcome to the YKF Sand Hall! Located on what we refer to as "Apron 4" the sand hall is full of, you guessed it: SAND In less desirable weather (snow, ice, etc.) airports use sand on their runways & around their facilities instead of salt to protect aircrafts from erosion. ... Here at YKF, in a typical winter season, we will order over 80 tons of sand. And we're already stocking up for this coming winter. FYI, in case you're wondering, it's 156 days until the first day of Spring...

This Halloween, we hope to see all our passengers (big & small), airline crew & staff wearing a face mask! Our adorable passengers, Charlotte & Quinn, would like to remind you that your mask should: Be made of multiple layers of absorbent fabric.... Cover the mouth & nose. Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops. Allow for easy breathing (without valves). Be changed if damp or dirty. Stay the same shape after machine washing. Thank-you for adhering to the mandatory mask restrictions set by Transport Canada. Have a spooktacular flight! #safetravels

Every year, as part of the CARS certification requirements, our Airport Operations Specialists (AOS) are tested for live fire skills. In 2020 they attended a testing session at FESTI - Fire & Emergency Services Training Institute located on the grounds of Toronto Pearson International Airport. Today's video highlights their experience & the testing process. #airport #airports #airportoperations #emergencyservices #firstresponders #aviationtraining #aviationjobs #aviation #airprotlife #airportdiaries

If you're driving by our airport at night & you think our runways are twinkling a bit brighter - you're right! This summer our two airport runways received a huge upgrade with the installation of an LED lighting system. Learn about the process and all the benefits in this week's video! #airport #airports #airportoperations #airportrunways #airportupgrades #airportmaintenance #waterlooregion

Find out how & why our two runways received the names "14-32" & "08-26!" This runway names & numbers video will set the foundation for some of the upcoming content we'll be sharing on our feed in the coming months. Is there something you'd like to learn about YKF or airports in general? Let us know in the comments below! #airport #airports #aviation #aviationeducation #airportoperations

We were happy to play a part in this chartered air service with Pivot Airlines last week! See the full story below. Pivot Airlines announced last month that they will be offering commercial service to Ottawa, Montreal, Windsor, & Toronto out of YKF in the coming months. Please stay tuned for upcoming dates & special announcements regarding these new routes. In the meantime, follow their page for some great content & the latest on the start-up of this innovative airline. ... #airport #airports #airlines #airtravel #safetravels #canadianairline #wrawesome

To our passengers, team, crew members & beyond: We are grateful for your patience & willingness to follow COVID-19 safety procedures. We know it isn’t easy, but it’s essential to protect yourself & others. Your continued support reminds us that we always have something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving from YKF to you & yours!

We're "feelin" all these touchless travel tips from our friends at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority #timetotravel #SafeTravels #airport #airports #airportsecurity #airportscreening #TravelWise #airtravel

Airline Pilot to passengers: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is we’re lost. The good news is we’re making good time. That's a little #FridayFun for you, but in all seriousness, here's our top 5 time-saving air travel tips: 1 Use a regional airport! We have shorter security lines, less traffic, more available parking & a faster check-in. ... 2 Check-in online & use a digital boarding pass. 3 Check your flight status with your airline, not your airport before you leave home. 4 Plan ahead to understand the rules & regulations of the airport/destination you're flying out/to so you can be prepared. 5 Minimize luggage & aim for one carry-on bag & one personal item only. #SafeTravels #airport #airports #airtravel #travel #traveltips #travelling #timetotravel

Meet Kurtis. Kurtis was always fascinated with the airport security process. Throughout his younger years, he flew out of YKF frequently & on a trip to Calgary, he struck up a conversation with one of the agents. Little did he know, that agent would soon become a colleague! Kurtis inquired about the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) & what it’s all about. He learned that the pre-board screening officers were responsible for intercepting threats & are the first... line of defence in aviation security. Well, that had a certain ring to it for Kurtis, so he went for it. Now, as a seasoned agent, we wanted to know what drives Kurtis to succeed & why he chose to work in Waterloo Region. Kurtis told us that CATSA is the type of place that when you put your best foot forward, it’s noticed & recognized. A strong work ethic has brought him many rewards within the company. That recognition drives him every day, but he emphasized that he wouldn’t be where he is without his team. They're like a family & have all helped shape him into a leader. Once the posting for a CATSA agent came up at YKF, he was elated that he could do the job he loved & be with his family. When he hears passengers say, "we came to YKF specifically because we love the security." That adds to his sense of hometown pride. Knowing that what he's doing is having a direct & positive impact on his community. When asked about what he loves most about his job, Kurtis shared that it’s the social aspect. You meet so many different people from all over the world. You provide not only a high level of aviation safety & knowledge, but the highest level of service. YKF is lucky to have Kurtis working on our airport frontlines. He brings a strong, reliable presence. We know our passengers, crews, and aircrafts are in good hands under his watch. Learn more about a career with CATSA here: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/careers

Just "checking-in" (airport humour ) to remind you that our airline partners at WestJet fly 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) direct (meaning one stop in Calgary) to/from Waterloo Region to these Canadian west coast destinations: British Columbia: Abbotsford Comox ... Cranbrook Kamloops Kelowna Nanaimo Penticton Vancouver Victoria Alberta: Edmonton Fort McMurray Lethbridge Medicine Hat Saskatchewan: Saskatoon Regina Book your tickets & learn more about WestJet's committment to safety in air travel at www.westjet.com #SafeTravels #timetotravel #airtravel #WestJet #airport #airports #aviationdaily #airporttransfer #domestictravel #airlines #travelwise #wrawesome

In 1929, the Kitchener-Waterloo Airport opened at Lexington Field. The 83 acre airfield consisted of two grass runways - 1,800 and 2,000 feet. It extended along the southeast side of Lexington Road to University Avenue. These photos, circa 1949, were sent to us by Wayne Wilkie. Pictured here is his brother Allan Wilkie, age 3, next to a Fairchild Cornell at Lexington Field. At the time, the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre - WWFC, an organization with an over 80 year histor...y in our region, had two Fairchild Cornell's in their fleet. The Fairchild was a primary trainer airplane that served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. They would have been acquired by WWFC post war and were most likely used in training for their club members. Both of Allan's parents, Ed & Helen Wilkie, had an interest in aviation. Ed was a WW2 veteran. Helen worked at Electrohome during the war fabricating aircraft wings. Wayne & Allan recall that their parents brought them to many local airshows. These now timeless photos of young Allan are from one of their excursions. Thank-you so much to the Wilkie brothers for sharing these photos and this story. They're a testament to the steeped history Waterloo Region has in aviation. If you have a local aviation story you'd like to share, we want to hear from you! Please drop us a DM including your photo & a brief explanation of your story. An airport representative will connect with you directly. #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationdaily #aviationhistory #wrawesome #kwawesome #history #waterlooregion #airport

Winter ... We're so sorry, we had to say it! Winter starts at an airport just as summer comes to a close. Our airport operations specialists, fleet mechanics, facilities management & admin staff have all been busy prepping for the coming season for some time now. Watch for our Winter Prep video coming your way soon with all the behind-the-scenes on getting ready for... ... Winter (last time, promise, for now). #airport #airports #airportoperations #winter #winterprep #facilitiesmanagement #facilitiesservices #airportdiaries

This is a wonderful opportunity for students looking to jump start their career & make a difference in Canada! Canada Border Services Agency is now accepting applications for their student border services officer program commencing summer 2021. Follow the link below for more details or share this post with the young people in your life. Applications will be accepted until November 23rd.... #airportcareers #airportjobs #aviationcareers #aviationjobs #bordersecurity #borderpatrol #borderofficers #airports #airport

On this #InternationalDayOfTheAirTrafficController we encourage you to send a huge socially distanced THANK-YOU to your local Air Traffic Controllers! Air Traffic Controllers keep our skies safe by: directing aircraft efficiently to minimize delays managing the flow of aircraft in/out of the airport airspace... guiding pilots during takeoff & landing monitoring aircraft as they travel through the skies To our NAV CANADA YKF tower, thank-you for all you do. There are few positions that require the dedication, concentration & responsibility than that of an Air Traffic Controller. It is a rewarding career & highly respected in the aviation industry. Those interested in learning more about a career in Air Traffic Control or positions available, please visit: bit.ly/navcareers #ATCDay #airtrafficcontrol #AirTrafficController #airport #airports #airsafety #flightsafety #airportjobs #airportcareers #avaition #aviationcareers

We're helping our friends in airports across Canada spread the importance of the #ArriveCAN App. Travellers to Canada: you are now required to provide specific information upon entry, including an appropriate quarantine plan, contact information & updates on symptoms through self-assessment. This information is crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Input your information quickly, easily & securely within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. Spend less time in line & also... limit your physical contact with others. The App also enables the Government of Canada to reach you & to validate your 14-day quarantine or isolation plan, helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by verifying compliance. Please help us spread this message & the effectiveness of the program by: Sharing this post on your feed or with a known international traveller. Ensuring loved ones who are not inclined with their phones & have planned international travel download the app properly & understand how to use it. Keep the messaging clear: save time, limit contact & complete entry requirements to help slow the spread. #Airport #Airports #Travel #InternationalTravel #COVID19Travel #slowthespread #SafeTravels #AirTravel #CanadianAirports Download it here: bit.ly/arrivecanapp

Kindness ALWAYS matters. And your kind words matter SO MUCH to us! If you've had a positive experience at our airport, we'd love to hear about it: bit.ly/ykfreview

At the start of the school year enrollment was up about 60% and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre - WWFC was looking forward to one of the best years in the organization's 88 year history. Then, COVID-19 grounded the flight training of 600+ students. Checkout our interview slideshow with Shawna Atkinson, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor about building WWFC’s reopening plan & the road to recovery.... #pilottraining #flightschool #canadianairports #pilots #interviews #students #regionofwaterloo

In May 2019, YKF quietly welcomed the cast and crew of The Handmaid's Tale. Under a red cloak of secrecy, the season three finale of the award winning series was filmed right here in the Region of Waterloo. Earlier this week we learned YKF was featured in the latest edition of Compass the Official Magazine of the Location Managers Guild . The story provides a peak into the world of Gilead through the eyes of Anne Richardson/LMGI & her team. On page 32, Anne explains how YK...F served as the backdrop for a key scene in the finale, saying They were able to do it all at Waterloo." bit.ly/compassykf We have welcomed many film crews over the years - this was the most complex. Working closely with Chartright Air, NAV CANADA, Transport Canada & neighbouring property owners we were able to provide Anne’s team with what they needed to make their magic happen. In the end, clearance was gained for night-time high intensity lighting, drone footage, access to neighbouring lands, closures of a taxiway & road. It was one for the books & an amazing experience. Special thanks to Anne Richardson/LMGI, Jeremy Pinard/LMGI, Devon Hogue at the City of Cambridge We invite Location Managers Guild members to view our locations online at Ontario Creates & connect with us to discuss productions of all sizes. #filmproduction #filmlocation #TheHandmaidsTale #handmaidstale #locationmanager #locationmanagers #airport #airports #ontario #filminglocations

Congratulations to YKF tenant & Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Chartright Air Group (YKF) who tied for third in the 2020 FBO survey conducted by Wings Magazine. The survey recognizes the excellence of the top three FBOs across five Canadian regions. Well done!

Out of all the carry-on vs. checked item debates we bear witness to, where your lighter should be packed is probably in the top 3 most misunderstood. Disposable lighters (e.g. non-refillable Bic type) & non-torch lighters (e.g. Zippo type) are permitted in your carry-on baggage. Follow our friends at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for all the tips & tricks on safe & savvy packing.

It's Canadian Airports Safety Week & we're sharing a few of the key messages over on our Twitter account! If you're not following us there, we've pasted the link for you below. This year, staff is learning virtually on the following topics: Day 1 (Monday) Environmental & COVID Safety Measures Day 2 (Tuesday) Worker Safety & Hazard Reporting ... Day 3 (Wednesday) Airside Safety & Security Awareness Day 4 (Thursday) Foreign Object Debris This event is hosted by the Canadian Airports Council with 27 Airports from across the country participating (virtually) in the four day event. https://twitter.com/FlyYKF #airport #airports #airportsafety #airportoperations #airportcouncil #canadianairports #airportstaff #elearning

That might be a wrap on the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Opening Ceremonies, but there's still loads of time to participate in the festival & make a donation to the The Food Bank of Waterloo Region! It comes as no surprise, our local food banks need our help more than ever this year. Follow the link below to register for a FREE Oktoberfest Live Event or to purchase a kit. Upon checkout, it's easy to add your donation to your cart. We hope everyone enjoyed a safe & responsi...ble opening weekend at the local micro festhalls. Take a peek at our favourite highlights from last week's ceremony below. bit.ly/festdonate #foodbank #foodbankscanada #communitysupport #wrawesome #kwawesome #regionofwaterloo #Oktoberfest2020