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Airport Web Site . Master Plan PDF .Airshow . Firefighting . Tourism Abbotsford Airport- in the Middle of Everywhere By Jerry W. Bird When I first heard the expression, "In the middle of everywhere," spoken in reference to Abbotsford Airport, it really hit home.The ideal slogan for a complex that straddles the Canada - USA border and is central to key population centres of the Fraser Valley, BC Lower Mainland and Northwest Washington State. That's why this airport's future success is assured by simple arithmetic. Over 700,000 people live closer to Abbotsford Airport (YXX) than to Vancouver International (YVR). Abbotsford is truly in the middle of everywhere. It's on the Trans Canada Highway midway between Vancouver's Waterfront and the Rocky Mountain gateway of Hope. A few hours south is the Seattle- Tacoma- Everett megacity, home of Microsoft and Boeing, the world's most concentrated aircraft manufacturing complex. Not to mention the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks. Letter from Airport Manager Rick Reed Flashback: Canada's National Airport Policy coupled with an historic Open Skies Air Agreement, laid the groundwork for a total revolution in general aviation and passenger travel. It came with a rush, no better example being the rapid sequence of events here at Abbotsford Airport. 1997 ushered in a bold new era, as the City of Abbotsford, represented by Mayor George Ferguson, and Abbotsford Airport Authority, under the leadership of President Herman Driediger, pledged to fully develop the airport's potential.Driediger's optimism was justified by the airport's history and prime location in the heart of a large, growing population centre, with the Trans Canada Highway bringing visitors, new business and development to the airport's very doorstep. Having earned world recognition for the Abbotsford International Airshow and Aerospace North America, the stage was set. As Herman Driediger expected, virtually overnight, Abbotsford Airport was on its way to becoming a successful, passenger gateway, with a brand new air terminal completed in record time -- and on budget. He had little doubt that this cause and effect situation would also be a magnet for general aviation and light industry. In addition to increased action on the airport property, such as the Conair Group's multi-million dollar complex, all one needs to do is drive down Mt. Lehman Road and spot the warehouses and commercial development springing up like wildflowers on the airport's perimeter. At the Trans Canada Highway's Mt. Lehman exit, are some further signs of important moves afoot, affected by the airport's strategic position. Much of that action has happened in three short years. Speak of positioning -- a glance at any map of the 100 mile stretch from Vancouver to Hope reveals that over 700,000 Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley residents are within the airport's marketing area, According to recent studies, that figure represents the number of persons who live closer to Abbotsford Airport than its biggest competitor, Vancouver International Airport. Just drive east from Vancouver any time and you'll see what we mean -- wall to wall cars. Small wonder, so many inbound and outbound passengers love our new terminal with its convenient parking and laid back atmosphere. Across the broad tarmac of Abbotsford Aiport, the Conair Group's new $50 million aircraft maintenance facility looks ready to go, and is scheduled to open in October. According to Conair Group, business volume is expected to double and employment to triple by 2004.For over 60 years, since World War II, Abbotsford Airport has been a key economic engine in the Fraser Valley. It has generated significant revenues and created employment throughout the region. Recently, Herman Driediger and the Abbotsford Airport Authority initiated an Economic Impact Study to measure the impact of the airport on British Columbia. Distance to: U.S. Border Customs: Chilliwack: Mount Baker: Bellingham: Vancouver: White Rock- Customs: Harrison Hot Springs: Tsawwassen Ferry: *Victoria & Nanaimo Horsehoe Bay Ferry: Nanaimo, Bowen Island, Langdale, Sunshine Coast. 3 Km (2 miles) 28km (17 miles) 70km (42 miles) 70km (42 miles) 72km (43 miles) 48km (29 miles) 68 km (40 miles) 75 km (45 miles) 100km (60 miles) Population Primary Market: - . Secondary Market:--- 381,000 322,000