Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

WestJet will be reducing service from Penticton to Calgary as of Feb. 15.

On a weekly basis, service will decrease from twice daily flights to three days of twice daily flights per week.

WS3280 from Penticton to Calgary and WS3281 from Calgary to Penticton will operate daily.

WS3132 from Penticton to Calgary will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and flight WS3276 from Calgary to Penticton will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"We base our service in part on supply and demand and review our schedule and network on a regular basis to ensure we are meeting guests' needs while maintaining profitable flying on behalf of our shareholders," said Lauren Stewart, in media relations.

"With the downturn in the economy we are seeing less demand for travel to and from energy markets into areas across Canada, including Penticton."

Stewart added that in the past, they have adjusted service as part of their capacity deployment strategy where many routes are updated to provide the most effective and efficient schedule that meets the needs of guests.

"The changes we have made still ensure that our guests have the ability to conveniently connect to the WestJet network," she said. "We appreciate and recognize that this is unfortunate news for the communities affected and we will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary."

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said the city recognizes WestJet is a business adjusting to market conditions and that it is still three more flights per week, going east and abroad.