Kelowna welcomes largest aircraft

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome one of the world’s largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-124, when it arrives on Saturday September 26 at approximately 7 a.m.

The Antonov AN-124, arriving non-stop from Kazan, Russia, will deliver helicopters to Kelowna Flightcraft for maintenance and modification services.

Accommodating the Antonov at Kelowna airport was made possible because of the runway extension from 7,300 feet to 8,900 feet in November 2008. “The arrival of the Antonov is a great opportunity for YLW to attract other long haul flights for commercial passenger and cargo flights and for very specialized aviation maintenance work by companies such as Kelowna Flightcraft and AVM Solutions Inc.,” says Sam Samaddar, Airport Director.

Avionics Modification Solutions (AVM) Bob Monaghan, President and CEO states, “YLW may see one or two AN-124 operations a year for similar helicopter deliveries.”

The Antonov AN-124 will be the largest aircraft to land at Kelowna International and may be one of the noisiest aircrafts residents within the airport’s flight path are expected to hear. The aircraft is expected to depart Saturday at 10 p.m. The Airport, Kelowna Flightcraft and AVM Solutions apologize in advance for any noise disturbance experienced.

Aviation enthusiasts hoping to watch the aircraft land and take off are reminded there is no parking or stopping along Highway 97 or the north section of the airport on Old Vernon Road. Sections of Airport Way will be cordoned off, but still accessible from the North and South entrances of Highway 97.

Recommended vantage points to view the aircraft’s arrival include the Ellison baseball field and the far east extension of the long-term parking lot (airport parking rates will apply).