Thunder Bay International Airport CEO Ed Schmidtke has announced his retirement (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)

After 35 years Thunder Bay International Airport Chief Executive Officer Ed Schmidtke has decided to call it a career.

His time with the airport saw it through improvements and expansions, such as the reconstruction of both runways and construction of the Air Terminal Building, as well as the establishment of a new commercial subdivision at the airport.

He also oversaw the transfer of the airport out of government operations and led the facility through the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a release Schmidtke says aviation has played a critical role in the lives of those living in the region.

“It has been an honour and privilege to have been a part of its growth and development over the past 35 years, the Airport is on solid footing with its best days still ahead of it.”

Schmidtke’s retirement will become official on March 1st, 2024.

The airport’s Board of Directors will now be seeking his successor and establishing a process for a smooth transition.