St. Andrews Airport celebrates 50 years of flight

CTV Winnipeg: St. Andrews Airport turns 50 The St. Andrews Airport is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.

The St. Andrews Airport is celebrating its golden anniversary this weekend. The airport built in 1964 is turning 50 years old.

Kids got the chance to climb inside cockpits, try a machine that simulates flying, tour the air traffic control tower and view military vehicles from the Second World War.

The evening concludes with a dinner and dance featuring the Royal Canadian Airforce Band.

"I think this really brings the community together, how were here, how everyone else is here, how they are hosting the pancake breakfast. I think it's a really good thing for the community," said Air Cadet Matthew Bonderlique.

The airport was built to ease congestion at the rapidly expanding Winnipeg International Airport. The St. Andrews Airport handles mostly smaller aircraft and services many northern First Nation communities.

The airport also houses three flying schools, repair shops, charter operators, two helicopter companies, and a helicopter school. Around 130 aircraft are based at St. Andrews.