YLW set to break passenger record

Kelowna International Airport is set to break yet another passenger record.

Airport Manager, Sam Samaddar says airport traffic will be up significantly over 2012.

"We will have a record year in terms of passenger traffic at the airport," says Samaddar.

"We are projecting about a four per cent growth increase which will put us at about 1.5 million passengers."

More than 100,000 of those are expected to flow through the airport between Dec 19 and Jan 5, the busiest time of year at YLW.

Samaddar says 2013 has been an unprecedented year in terms of air service connecting Kelowna and the Okanagan with other communities.

Service to Los Angeles began in late 2012 while direct service to Whitehorse and Cranbrook were both introduced this year.

"The Whitehorse service commenced as a seasonal service in the summer," commented Samaddar.

"It was due to end in mid October but was so successful with the community in both Whitehorse and the Okanagan that the service has gone year round.

The success of the Kelowna to Cranbrook route has also exceeded expectations.

"Their load factor was expected to be about 35 per cent. They are currently at 65 per cent. They have added extra sections of flights over certain periods of the week."

While the yield on the Kelowna to LA run isn't quite where the airline (United) wanted it, Samaddar says he is working with the airline and tourism partners in promoting that service.