(Fredericton, February 16, 2015) The search is over for a new CEO of the Fredericton International Airport. FIAA Chairman Brent Melanson announced today that Johanne Gallant will assume her new duties at the end of this month. “We are extremely pleased that Ms. Gallant has agreed to accept the position” says Melanson, who adds “with our planned terminal expansion and the arrival of WestJet in two months, we are entering an exciting time and we feel Ms. Gallant is the perfect person to lead us through the next level of growth.”

Gallant comes to the job directly from the Moncton International Airport where she was Director of Airport Development and recently Acting President and CEO. Gallant says she’s looking forward to this new challenge. “I am excited for this opportunity. My track record shows I’m all about building relationships with stakeholders, empowering employees and about facilitating growth, and I look forward to doing this in Fredericton, and continuing the excellent work that has been done over the past years.”

Gallant spent the last decade at the Moncton Airport, where she was instrumental in developing and growing its cargo services to and from Europe. She also oversaw a major runway expansion, and negotiated new airline services. Before entering the airline industry, Gallant held key executive positions in sales, product and trade development in the Economic Development and Tourism sectors.

The new CEO will succeed David Innes, who had been President and CEO of the FIAA since 2001, when ownership transferred from the federal government. Innes announced his retirement last fall, but agreed to continue in that capacity until a replacement CEO was found. Says Innes, “I must admit I have been looking forward to retirement, but what really pleases me is that management of the airport is being left in such capable hands. I have known Ms. Gallant through our airports connection for many years; she is an incredibly competent lady and under her direction the future of Fredericton International Airport can be nothing but bright.”