WestJet Penticton flight, Sunday

Photo: Contributed

There will be plenty of excitement in the air this Sunday, when the inaugural WestJet Encore flight from Calgary to Penticton lands at the airport.

On board, will be WestJet representatives, as well as Penticton MLA Dan Ashton. They will be greeted by local government representatives, including Mayor Garry Litke.

"I am totally excited," said Litke. "Just that flight alone will be a huge economic generator for the entire South Okanagan region."

WestJet Encore announced back in April that the new non-stop flight would begin in October.

Litke said at the time the most important step in getting it was community involvement.

A flash mob was initially held on the tarmac at the airport a few years ago, and he, as well as city staff kept up the pressure to make this happen.

Penticton Regional Airport was ultimately selected by the Calgary-based airline as part of its regional carrier expansion program. The non-stop service will be on Bombardier Q400 NextGen planes.

Chris Bower, the executive director for Tourism Penticton, which is now taking the lead in promoting air service at the airport, said this is something that was needed to service the Albertans who come to visit  and Penticton residents.

"It's a great convenience for local residents who are looking to travel east," he said. "It opens up better travel options for us here in the Okanagan."

The inaugural flight is expected to arrive at the airport at 2:26 p.m., Sunday.