WestJet announced Monday the launch of new non-stop daily service between Fort St. John, British Columbia and Vancouver, and Fort St. John and Calgary. 

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe

Penticton residents were hopeful the airline would be coming to their community, and a flash mob of approximately 500 residents gathered at Penticton Regional Airport back in March to make their plea via video.  Even Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton got in on the viral attempt.

It appears not to have worked.

"The announcement of the first two cities to be served by WestJet Encore is an historic moment for our new airline," said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice-President, WestJet, and President, WestJet Encore.

"We are very pleased to bring our new WestJet Encore service to the Energetic City," said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network and Schedule Planning. "The diverse nature of the region's economic base of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture creates a strong foundation for this new service. We believe the Peace Country will appreciate our unique blend of high value, low fares and remarkable guest experience."

Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton, however, remains optimistic that his city will get another chance in the near future.

"I'm hopeful we're still under consideration," he said.

"We've shown there's an opportunity here for WestJet and there's a good chance we'll be added in the future as the other aircraft come online.

WestJet has said that it will continue to expand its Encore network and release new schedules as it adds more aircraft to its fleet."