The new manager of Owen Sound’s Billy Bishop Regional Airport wants to increase the profile of the facility and make the community more aware of what a valuable asset it is.
Barry Lewin has been on the job only 10 days and already is working hard to add to the hangers at the airport and replace a flight school which has moved to the Wiarton Airport.
He says getting a flight school back is the number one priority at this point and he is in active discussions with two separate operators who may be interested in setting up their operations at the airport.
Lewin also wants to improve the airports relationship with the Central Land Forces Training centre in Meaford, a relationship he calls a natural fit.
He says the military already uses the airport on a regular basis, but he feels that could be increase substantially since the base is so close.
Lewin says some of the ways he plans to raise awareness of the facility is schedule different types of events like car shows or rallies at the facility and let the public know when interesting or unusual aircraft will be landing.
He also wants to increase aviation tourism at the airport and encourage more families to fly into Owen Sound and spend part of their vacation in the community.
Lewin also says a special committee is also looking at the future of the airport and whether the city should relinquish control of the facility.
He says the divestiture could see the facility sold, partner with another party or run it as a co operative.
A decision on the future of the airport could near the end of the year.