What’s a day in the life of an airport CEO?

To find out, we spoke with Courtney Burns, President and CEO of Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), about her career path, the airport’s growing cargo operations, and more.

Courtney has been a key member of YQM’s leadership team since 2017, when she joined as director of finance and administration. In 2022, she stepped into the role of president and CEO of YQM and a valued Vantage Group senior leader.

Our Fast Five interview covers:

1. Courtney’s career journey
2. The most exciting parts of her job
3. Success factors for Moncton’s cargo operations
4. The increase in cargo volume at YQM
5. Her favorite part of working at Vantage

What was your career journey like? Did you always know you would work in aviation?

My career started at an accounting firm, Doane Grant Thornton, this was where I first learned the importance of coaching and leadership in business — lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career. It also served as the foundation for my technical training as a CPA, which has supported every step of my professional journey since. While I truly valued the experience, after six years I felt ready to explore something new and made the decision to transition to the client side. That shift brought me to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in Moncton.

When I was ready to take the next step in my career, I came across the director of finance role at YQM. Having the chance to work in my community’s airport seemed like a really exciting next step.

I never anticipated working in aviation — but it’s been an incredible journey. I joined eight years ago and have experienced the lows of the pandemic as well as the exciting growth we’re seeing today. My three years as president and CEO have been incredible and I look forward to where this journey takes me and YQM!

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

No two days are the same. Airports are dynamic places where there’s always something happening, and that unpredictability keeps things interesting.

One day, we could be launching a new route or welcoming a new airline, the next we could be opening a new concession. There’s also the day-to-day operations to keep everything running smoothly, but it’s really the unexpected opportunities and challenges that come with the job that keeps me on my toes!

What has made YQM so successful when it comes to expanding cargo operations?

The key decision to significantly invest in runway infrastructure, allowing for a 10,001-foot runway which opened in 2013, was instrumental in expanding cargo operations. The expansion was supported by various levels of government funding and in many ways was a community-endorsed project. It laid the foundation for our remarkable cargo growth, which continues today.

To what do you attribute to the increase in cargo volume domestically and internationally?

It really comes down to partnerships. For example, the development of cold storage facilities, which are essential for transporting high-value products like live lobster, has been critical. Lobster is unique to our region and it’s a sought-after product on the world stage. By working with partners who can build the infrastructure to support this very specific type of cargo, we’ve been able to unlock significant growth.

What’s your favorite part of working at Vantage?

Vantage’s collaborative spirit sets us apart. Every day brings new challenges, but knowing that I can tap into a network with deep expertise makes all the difference. Our teams are just a phone call away.

I also value Vantage’s commitment to the employee experience and inclusivity. Becoming YQM’s first female CEO is a personal milestone I’m very proud of, and I’ve always felt supported in that journey. Vantage is deeply committed to ensuring fair representation across all teams, not just as a talking point, but as something we actively promote. Being part of an organization that empowers its people has made my work feel truly meaningful.