The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) is removing the RCAF Snowbird aircraft from the road leading to the terminal.

The CT-114 Tudor flown by the RCAF Snowbirds has been a feature of the airport since the new terminal opened in 2014. FMAA says the aircraft was selected by the former leadership team aircraft to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Northern Alberta’s climate has taken a toll on the aircraft,” says Cuyler Green, Vice President of Operations & Infrastructure, FMAA.

“To ensure the safety of our passengers and employees, we have taken the display down. We are currently working to find an appropriate organization to donate the aircraft to.”

As the airport removes the aging bird, they are reaching out to the public for ideas on what to put in its place.

“We’re asking for input and suggestions from the folks who know our region best – our residents,” says Denean Robinson, CEO of FMAA.

The authority is looking for ideas which are both representative of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Region, and which align with YMM’s values of safety, sustainability, creativity, people and leadership.

The public is invited to email their ideas to [email protected]. An announcement will be made, followed by a call to artists once a concept has been decided upon.