Niagara District Airport-CYSN | 24 March 2021
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, March 23, 2021 – The Niagara District Airport Commission (NDAC) today announced that Dan Pilon has been named as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pilon has been serving as interim CEO on a secondment from the Niagara Region since February 2018.
Pilon has 20 years of experience with the Niagara Regional government providing strategic communication and business support services. He has been an advisor to the Regional Chair and CAO, managing multi-million dollar budgets and liaising with all levels of government.
“Dan has proven to be the right leader for the Niagara District Airport,” said Robin Garrett, Chair of the Commission. “Dan’s diverse experience enables him to see the big picture opportunity for growth at our airport. We believe his strong connections across the Niagara Region will help NDA secure the governance structure and financial investment required to maximize our potential.”
“The airport has an important role to play in supporting key business areas in Niagara, and we have lots of work to do in building upon the prior efforts of the Commission,” highlighted Pilon. “We’re all looking forward to the days when travel and tourism can return, and the value that all transportation connections play will only be magnified. We hope to ensure Niagara District Airport is well positioned to take advantage of our location and existing facility as we chart our future path.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has been especially challenging for both the aviation and tourism sectors. The Niagara District Airport has seen a 39% decrease in movements over the past year. Demonstrating nimbleness and innovation will be a key aspect of opportunities at the airport, such as rebuilding scheduled service opportunities to key areas such as downtown Toronto, and continuing to support businesses at NDA with growing and expanding business models.
The Niagara Region is currently undertaking a master plan for the airport that will provide a 20-year vision for growth. Opportunities include building hangars on the 50 acres of available land to house aviation related businesses and private aircraft, as well as expanding the terminal building and airside assets to accommodate increased charter scheduled service.
About the Niagara District Airport
The Niagara District Airport has recently celebrated 90 years of operations, meeting the needs of the business and aviation communities in Niagara. The NDAC’s vision is to be the Region’s hassle-free aviation hub offering VIP service to leisure and business travellers, and recreational flyers. Nestled in among the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake, within view of the engineering marvel of the Welland Canal, and minutes away from Niagara Falls and Lake Ontario, the airport supports the continued growth of the tourism industry in Niagara through greater connectivity.
Canadian Aviation News 