Record numbers at YKA

Photo: Kamloops Matters

Kamloops Airport had another strong quarter, according to its latest numbers.

The second quarter saw 185,226 passengers come through the gates at Fulton Field. That's up 8.1 per cent when compared to Q2 in 2018, when 170,311 people used YKA, making it the highest-ever second quarter, according to a news release.

Managing director Ed Ratuski attributes the growth to Air Canada, WestJet Encore and Central Mountain Air meeting the needs of the community. 

Last week, Air Canada Rouge's non-stop service from Kamloops to Toronto took flight. It's offered every Thursday throughout July and August.

Ratuski notes the July 4 flight was booked at "near capacity."

"The forward bookings are looking really good. ... We're watching the numbers really closely. It was really positive to see," he says.

Kamloops Airport has also confirmed Air Canada Express will be providing additional frequency on its Vancouver route starting in October. In February 2018, the airline added more Bombardier Q-400 aircraft to its fleet and cut its Vancouver-to-Kamloops service from fives times a day to four times a day.

"They're reintroducing that fifth frequency to Vancouver to coincide with their winter schedule, so we're really excited that they're returning, adding that flight back into the mix," says Ratuski. "It just gives another travel option to making connections out of Vancouver." 

Ratuski adds Vancouver is one of YKA's strongest markets.