When the first rays of sunshine touch the runways at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC), chances are Randy Chessie is already thinking about safety. As the Manager of Operations & Safety, he notices details most travelers won’t: loose hardware on the apron, or lights on runways that make all the difference for a safe flight. 

Randy and his team are on the ground every day making sure the runways and apron are safe and ready. Their responsibilities range from daily inspections and wildlife control to monitoring equipment, managing resources, and responding quickly when something unexpected comes up. It’s a role that requires constant attention and teamwork to keep flights running smoothly. 

But if you ask Randy, safety isn’t just about his team. “What really stands out to me is our team’s continued dedication to safety, not just the Operations team, but everyone at YFC,” he explains. “Whether it’s Commissionaires at the doors, CATSA at screening, or MaintAir on the apron, safety is a shared commitment.” 

Safety is the top priority year-round for everyone working at YFC, and every September, they join airports across Canada for Canadian Airports Safety Week to enhance their knowledge. Safety Week includes activities like walking the apron to remove debris, safety presentations, and evacuation drills. For Randy, these activities are a reminder of why preparation matters: “We train for the worst, always hoping it never comes. But if it does, we’ll be ready.” 

At YFC, safety is built by many hands, often in ways travelers will never see—the early runway inspections or reviewing of emergency plans and procedures. What they do experience is the result: a smooth, safe journey made possible by a team that prepares together, every day.