The Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Rafter as the new Director General of the Gatineau Airport, effective October 1, 2022. Mr. Gilles Lalonde, Chairman of the Board welcomes Mr. Rafter "Mr. Rafter has all the necessary skills and qualities to continue to develop our Airport.
A former Brigadier-General in the Canadian Armed Forces, Mr. Rafter brings a wealth of aviation expertise to the Airport. During his 34+ year career, he was Director General Strategic Air Resources and Air Reserve at Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Headquarters and Chief of Staff to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS). He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) by the Governor General for his leadership in support of the NATO campaign in Libya. "I am joining a great team and a growing airport. I look forward to contributing to the economic development of the Airport and advancing the pilot training hub of the future," notes Michael Rafter.
The Board of Directors would like to thank Gaston Cloutier who is retiring and acknowledge his outstanding contribution to the development of the Airport during his 12 years as Director General. Mr. Cloutier has shown extraordinary dedication and passion for our airport, and the results have been tangible," said Mr. Lalonde. Gaston led the airport's largest expansion, which included the construction of taxiways and the expansion of the terminal building, which will house state-of-the-art flight simulators. Earlier this year, Gaston received the distinction of Emeritus Member of the Association québécoise du transport aérien (Quebec Air Transport Association) for his many regional contributions. "The development of our airport is the result of teamwork and the support of the Board of Directors and the three levels of government. I am retiring with a sense of accomplishment," concludes Mr. Cloutier.
