General Manager appointed at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo International Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of former Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Consulting Services Manager Chris Wood to the position of Airport General Manager effective today.

"We are pleased to welcome Chris to the Airport team," said Chief Administrative Officer for the Region of Waterloo, Mike Murray. "Chris brings with him a wealth of aviation experience which we feel will benefit Waterloo Region and the neighbouring communities who utilize the Airport."

Chris was previously employed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), holding positions in Operations, Strategic Planning, Facility Activation and Consulting Services at Toronto Pearson Airport. During the opening of Pearson's new Terminal 1, he managed the logistics, resources, and the execution of trials, and oversaw the shutdown and deactivation of Terminal 2. Through GTAA Consulting Services, Chris conducted peer reviews for the British Airports Authority and the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, and recently managed the successful activation of Terminal 5 for JetBlue Airways at JFK International Airport. Chris also spent a summer at the Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club and is excited to return to the airport where he began his aviation career as a ramp attendant 15 years ago.

"The Region of Waterloo International Airport is a key infrastructure asset and driver for economic development within the community," said Chris Wood, newly appointed Airport General Manager of the Region of Waterloo International Airport. "I look forward to adding significant value and continuing to work with airport stakeholders to grow air service and enhance our community."

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technical Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an honours diploma in Airport Operations and Management from Georgian College. He is an accredited member of the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE), and holds a private pilot's license. Chris has taught various aviation courses at Georgian College, and is a member of the industry-sponsored Aviation Advisory Board.

Chris has over a decade of experience in the aviation industry. Originally from Brantford, he currently lives with his wife and two children in Burlington. They are thrilled to be returning to the Waterloo area.

 The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is owned and operated by the Region of Waterloo. Year-round daily scheduled service: WestJet, offering daily non-stop flights to Calgary with connections to Western Canada; and Bearskin Airlines, offering daily flights to Ottawa with connections to Northeastern Ontario. Seasonal sun vacation charter service is available from December through March with Sunwing Vacations. For more information contact your local travel agent.