Kelowna Airport Booming

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AIRPORT FLIES HIGH ON LOW-COST FARES

Passenger traffic at Kelowna International Airport increased a whopping 16.32% in January 2005 compared to January 2004, making it the busiest month in the airport’s history. 89,656 passengers used the airport that month, 12,580 more than in January 2004.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in visitor activity from Alberta, Ontario and the western United States,” says Airport General Manager Roger Sellick. “The growth in the southern Ontario market, since WestJet and Jetsgo started their direct services on January 10, is particularly gratifying. The larger aircraft being utilized by Air Canada and Horizon Air on their Vancouver and Seattle flights over the mid-day period has also improved visitor connectivity from both of these cities,” adds Sellick.

No one is happier about the boom than ski industry representatives. “We are extremely pleased with the additional skier days that have been generated since WestJet and Jetsgo started daily direct services to Toronto,” says Michael J. Ballingall, Vice-President of Big White and Silverstar. “Improved air links are the key to the future growth of our industry.”

“Improved air access is an important element in making Kelowna a year-round visitor destination,” says Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray. “The airport is a major economic engine for our community, providing 1,865 permanent jobs and generating over $265 million a year in economic activity,” he adds.