By Court Edeburn
I officially stepped into the role of president and CEO of Saint John Airport on Dec. 1. And before I ever sat down at my desk, I did what I always do when I’m trying to understand a new place – I got in the car and drove.
That drive happened during my initial visit to Saint John, when I was first exploring the opportunity to lead YSJ.
I wanted to get a feel for the region this airport serves. I wanted to see the communities, the landscape, and the places people here are proud of.
After arriving late the night before from British Columbia, I woke to the historic charm of uptown Saint John, rented a car, and started driving. I went to St. Martins, St. Stephen and Saint Andrews. I drove through Rothesay, Quispamsis and Hampton. And I was genuinely struck by what I found. This place is just unknown – and it needs to be known.
Before joining YSJ, my career had taken me through leadership roles in transportation, travel and tourism – often in larger markets where things can feel fast-paced and impersonal.
Saint John and the communities surrounding it felt different right away. There is a strong sense of place here, and a deep connection between the airport and the community it serves.
That connection matters to me.
Joining YSJ felt like a chance to do something of real value – not simply to manage an airport, but to help strengthen connections and support the growth this region is ready for.
I grew up in a small village in southeastern B.C. – about 200 people – and I didn’t step on an airplane until I was 18. When I finally did, it opened up the world in a way I hadn’t imagined. Travel gave me perspective. It gave me confidence. And it showed me how powerful access and connection can be, especially for people who live far from major centres.
That early experience shaped how I think about airports today.
Air travel can be stressful. Anyone who flies knows that. But I believe the airport itself can help change that experience. It can be welcoming. It can be supportive. It can be a place where people feel confident that their journey is going to be seamless. I have said it before, and I truly mean it – an airport should be a place of happiness along a journey.
What stood out to me almost immediately at YSJ was the people.
From the team members who keep the airport running day in and day out, to airline partners, to business and community leaders across the region, there is a shared pride in this airport and what it represents for southern New Brunswick. People care deeply about YSJ and about its future.
When I met the board and listened to their strategic vision, it was clear that our priorities aligned. This airport plays a critical role in the life of the community it serves, and there is real opportunity ahead.
Over the coming months, I’ll share more about our priorities and where we’re headed together.
When the chance came to step into this role, my wife and I spent a lot of time talking about what the next chapter should look like – not just professionally, but as a family. We have two young children, and making a move like this is something you think through carefully. We both used to work for Air Canada, and we’ve long been drawn to Atlantic Canada and the people who live here.
The quality of life here, the sense of community, and the opportunity to contribute something meaningful all mattered to us.
Joining YSJ felt like a chance to do something of real value – not simply to manage an airport, but to help strengthen connections and support the growth this region is ready for.
Over the coming months, I’ll share more about our priorities and where we’re headed together. For now, I wanted to start by saying how grateful I am to be here – and how much I’m looking forward to getting to know this place, this community, and the people who make YSJ what it is.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
Court Edeburn
President & CEO
Saint John Airport