Each year, Canadian airports across the country unite to celebrate and reflect on aviation safety. Canadian Airports Safety Week is September 23-27; at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) we have a busy week planned with safety presentations, equipment training, drills and more.

Keep reading to discover the critical role YFC employees play in ensuring a culture of safety.

Strong safety culture

“It’s a process of continuous improvement,” says Mike Ripley, Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) safety, security and systems officer. “Safety begins with every new employee, equipping them with the proper tools and training to allow them to do their job confidently and correctly.”

For over 33 years, Mike Ripley has been an active part of ensuring safety at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC). Since starting as a YFC firefighter in the 1990s, Mike’s knowledge and understanding of safety procedures has greatly expanded.

“The Safety Management System is a systematic way to manage risks here at the airport, which I’m in charge of overseeing,” says Mike. “Part of that system is to ensure we have a strong safety culture.”

Mike and the team at YFC take a proactive approach to safety, always staying vigilant in risk-management and re-evaluating any information that emerges.

Working as a team

GardaWorld Security Officer Karla Wagner has seen it all… even the kitchen sink! With over 24 years of experience in security screening at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC), Karla helps shed light on the significance of maintaining a safe work environment.

“Everything in this airport works as a team. Nothing can function on its own,” says Karla. “From the air traffic controllers to the cleaners, to us [security officers], to airline agents, to the Commissionaires—everybody has to work together.”

By keeping up with their training and being on top of the latest safety information available from CATSA and Transport Canada, Karla says the emphasise on safety for the travelling public is evident in everything the airport does.

P.S. There truly was a passenger who brought an entire sink through airport security!

Curious about what you can bring through security? Check out CATSA’s “What can I bring” page at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring

Patience is key

Safety first and teamwork—those are the core attributes of Air Canada according to ramp qualified Customer Service Agent Mike Tommy.

Travel can be overwhelming; Mike believes that patience from both the customer service agents and the passengers allows for a smooth journey.

“Air Canada prioritizes safety,” says Mike. “Every process that passengers go through at the airport is for their safety. We understand that when there are line-ups it can be frustrating, but the procedures are there to ensure everyone’s well-being.”

Mike has worked at the airport in various positions for around 10 years, ranging from fueling planes, to working on the ramp, and now behind the counter. Across these roles, prioritizing safety remains essential.

Passengers may check in from 24 hours before their trip either online at aircanada.com or using the Air Canada mobile app. Prefer to check-in at the airport? Remember to arrive with lots of time for parking, security, and grabbing a tasty treat!

Listen closely

Meet Ryan Curtis, a below the wing training officer who is also the head of Maintair Aviation Services LTD.’s YFC health and safety committee.

“We are the front lines for safety when the aircraft is on the ground,” says Ryan. “It’s vital to follow the correct procedures for getting the aircraft in and out.”

Through Maintair, Ryan has worked at four different airports. His advice to passengers is to listen closely to the airline employees, as all rules are designed to keep passengers safe during their journey.

“When you are on airside to board a plane, keep to the passenger corridor, follow the white lines as directed by the airline agent,” says Ryan. “Refrain from being on your phone, as it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings for your safety and those around you.”

Thank you Ryan, and the Maintair team, for helping keeping passengers safe on and off the ramp!

Safety comes first all year

An airport is an intricate system that requires all airport employees to work as a team to function effectively. We thank all employees who work tirelessly at YFC to ensure a safe passage for travellers, the public and aircraft.