Saskatoon's Skyxe airport named best in North America

People flying out of Saskatoon are now taking off from a world-class airport.

Skyxe Saskatoon airport was recently named best in North America in the under 2-million passenger category by the Airports Council International (ACI).

ACI develops standards, policies and training opportunities to raise airport standards around the world.

“We are so honoured to be recognized,” Skyxe president and CEO Stephen Maybury said on the Brent Loucks Show Thursday.

Maybury said he’s proud of the airport’s growth, which helped the facility earn the award for most improved in 2015.

Despite two awards in two years, Maybury said they are not resting on their success, adding the airport authority is constantly looking at ways to improve services for customers.

“Strategically, the customers are central to our business, so that’s all we think about all the time,” he said.

Parking is one area they want to make better. Maybury said in addition to adding more capacity, they want to enhance the overall parking experience for customers. A valet parking service is one option they are considering.

“Walking distance is key to your value-added experience. We look to minimize that, make it comfortable and reduce stress,” Maybury said.

The airport handled 1.45 million passengers in 2016, its second busiest year on record.

Maybury said they continue working on attracting more flights, but noted no announcements were imminent.

A rebrand in fall 2016 changed the name of Saskatoon’s airport authority to Skyxe. The building is still known as John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.