After 28 years on the job, Roger Sellick is retiring as general manager of Kelowna International Airport.

Sellick's last day at the airport will be October 31, 2008.

Sellick will step down as Airport GM effective immediately and will focus on air service development initiatives over the next eight months.

Sam Samaddar will take over as interim General Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations during the transition period.

Samaddar held the post of Assistant General Manager, Airport Development prior to his new appointment.

"Non-stop air service is a key to economic development," says Sellick. "This is particularly important for tourism destinations like the Okanagan Valley. With the runway extension coming on line later this year, we need to be ready."

Sellick says the $36 million 2010 Development program and the 2025 Master Plan have both been completed which he says outlines a sound, phased approach to accommodating the airport's growth.

Sellick will assist in the transition period while the search for a new general manager is underway.

In 1980, Kelowna Airport offered non-stop scheduled service to Vancouver and Calgary.

Today, the airport offers over 30 departures per day to eight different international destinations utilizing five different carriers.

"When he took the helm in 1980, passenger volume averaged 410,000 annually," says City of Kelowna Manager, Ron Mattiussi.

"Under Roger's stewardship, and due in large part to his unbridled enthusiasm and dedication, Kelowna is now consistently ranked as one of the top ten busiest airports in the country."

More than 1.3 million passengers went through the terminal doors in 2007.