February 27, 2007
LANGLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT

In 1947 Art Seller, the first tenant of the Langley Municipal Airport, established a flight school, a spray service and a fire-bombing operation. Since that time, Langley's airport has developed a reputation as a progressive, community-owned airport that supports a valuable high-tech source of jobs and opportunities in the lower mainland. It is now home to 350 aircraft and 41 companies.

But the economic benefits of Langley's airport reach far beyond the 120 acres of land it occupies. Every year approximately $6.1 million is spent for local goods and services.

Langley Regional Airport is a jewel of an airport in a perfect setting. However, not too many years ago its future viability was in doubt. But thanks to the work of airport manager George Miller and a dedicated team, Langley Regional Airport now boasts commercial and recreational areas buzzing with activity. It is recognized as a high-tech leader in the helicopter industry not just in British Columbia but across Canada and around the world. Of the 41 companies that call Langley Airport home, half are helicopter-related, covering nearly all activities of the industry.

Recently it was my privilege to welcome the Minister of Small Business and Revenue on a tour of Langley businesses. We toured helicopter maintenance and construction operations that are available in only a select number of locations in the world.

In our current economic climate, opportunities abound for small, innovative high-tech companies in all areas of British Columbia. In Langley the pride we take in the success of our airport is matched only by our enthusiasm for its future. Langley Airport's improvement plan sets forward a vision to be the best community airport in the province. Certainly the contributions of individuals like George Miller and his team, along with countless others in British Columbia, are what make this the best place on earth.