Celebrating the retirement of Brian Grant

After 42 years of service to aviation, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Brian Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the Grande Prairie Airport.

Brian began his airport career in 1982 with Transport Canada as a seasonal equipment operator at the Grande Prairie Airport. From those early days on the airfield, his dedication, work ethic, and determination set the foundation for a career that would leave a lasting mark on Grande Prairie and on airports across Canada. After a brief detour into the oil industry in Norman Wells, Brian returned to aviation, where his passion for airports clearly belonged.

Over the years, Brian advanced through a range of operational and leadership roles across Western and Northern Canada, including assignments in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John, as well as a regional role supporting airports throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. In 1997, he successfully led the transition of the Grande Prairie Airport from federal to municipal control. One year later, he guided the airport through its transition to an independent airport commission, serving as Chief Executive Officer, where his leadership continued to shape the airport’s growth, operations, and role as a vital transportation hub in Northwestern Alberta.

Beyond Grande Prairie, Brian’s influence was felt nationally. As a founding member and long serving leader with the Alberta Airport Management Association and the Regional Community Airports of Canada, he was instrumental in advocating for the needs of small and regional airports across Canada. Most notably, Brian helped spearhead industry efforts calling for long overdue increases to the Airports Capital Assistance Program. These efforts were realized in the 2025 federal budget, when Transport Canada announced a $55 million increase to ACAP funding, the first significant boost to the program in more than 25 years. This investment will support critical safety and infrastructure projects such as runways, lighting systems, safety areas, and essential equipment, strengthening the long term sustainability of regional airports across Canada.

Brian also made significant contributions behind the scenes to the development of national aviation policy. Transport Canada frequently sought his guidance and expertise during the development and review of airport regulations, exemptions, and advisory circulars. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of airport operations, he provided thoughtful and well grounded insight that helped ensure national policy and regulatory guidance remained practical and responsive to the realities faced by regional airports across the country. His experience, sound judgement, and collaborative approach earned him widespread respect as a trusted and influential voice in the advancement of national aviation guidance.

Those who worked with Brian knew him as a forward thinker, a problem solver, and a leader who never hesitated to advocate for what was right for regional airports and the communities they serve. Just as memorable are the many friendships, stories, and shared experiences built over decades in the industry.

While his day to day role in aviation may be ending, his legacy will continue to shape the Grande Prairie Airport and regional airports across Canada for years to come, and his commitment to public service and community continues.

Thank you, Brian, for 42 years of dedication, leadership, and service. We wish you every happiness in your well earned retirement.