EnviroTREC’s 2026 Annual General Meeting brought Board members from across North America to Thompson, Manitoba, on September 16 to review the past year’s performance and prepare for an expected increase in gas turbine engine testing.
Figure 1: EnviroTREC’s Board of Directors meets at the new Thompson, Manitoba Airport for its Annual General Meeting
The Board Meeting took place in Thompson’s new airport terminal, ahead of this facility’s official opening. Board members took a brief walk-through of the main area of the airport, then went upstairs, where they were presented with a beautiful view of the airport’s north side. They then settled into the Thompson Airport boardroom, now fully equipped to support meetings like ours.
Figure 2: EnviroTREC Board AGM in session
Looking ahead to increased testing
During the AGM, the Board reviewed EnviroTREC’s program performance, approved the past year’s results and extended their best wishes to the team for a successful year ahead.
Additionally, gas turbine industry representatives advised the EnviroTREC Board that a new engine development cycle is now underway. Technical advances from the past five years are now being integrated into a new generation of engines. The EnviroTREC Board expects that follow-on certification testing at the GLACIER site will increase in the coming years. (NB: See web page listings below to follow up on some of those stories)
Fuel efficiency improvements are a major outcome of several recent technical developments. Modern engine families will deliver 15–20% fuel savings compared with previous Gas Turbine eras – depending on the engine and application. For instance, Pratt & Whitney reports up to 20% lower fuel burn per trip for its GTF engines. These improvements will help airlines reduce operating costs and GT engine emissions.
For EnviroTREC, the anticipated increase in testing brings a renewed focus on supporting engine development as new technologies advance and proceed through their certification cycles.
Exploring Area 55
Following the AGM, Board members visited Thompson’s Area 55, which sits on the airport grounds. This site had been off limits to most visitors in previous years. But now it is readily accessible.
Figure 3 – Dropping in on Area 55
As part of the airport’s redevelopment, management ot the Thompson Airport assumed responsibility for Area 55. This area is now opened to customers seeking winter testing facilities and other services. The tour of Area 55 gave EnviroTREC Board members a chance to now see this space firsthand and learn about its current uses and planned future.
Area 55 currently supports trades education for the University College of the North, which leases part of the facility for its journeyman classes.
Figure 4 – EnviroTREC Board
EnviroTREC’s Board gathering at the front of the new Thompson Airport
EnviroTREC Stories related to the upcoming engine test and development cycle:
Ideas from Farnborough 2026: Efficient Aircraft, Hydrogen Propulsion and SAF
Ready for Takeoff: Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Regional Aircraft by 2030
Understanding Elastomer Compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Liquid Hydrogen for Flight: The Dawn of Zero-Emission Aviation