Summer flight not returning

Photo: Bombardier

The fourth flight between Penticton and Vancouver that traditionally operates in the summer will not be returning this year.

Air Canada announced earlier this month the route would be getting larger, more modern Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The airline announced the change would bump capacity up on the route by 17 per cent.

Company spokesperson Angela Mah confirmed Tuesday, however, that the larger planes would come at the expense of the fourth flight typically offered between the two cities in the spring and summer.

Starting May 1, flights will be available out of Penticton Monday to Friday on the new Q400s at 9:35 a.m., 12:40 and 7:35 p.m. The midday flight will not be available on the weekends.

“The schedule has been developed to maintain all of the connections at the YVR hub,” Mah said.

“These changes are as a result of the new capacity purchase agreement that was recently signed with Chorus Aviation, parent company of Jazz Aviation LP, and the ongoing transformation of Air Canada Express.”

The new larger planes mean the route will have greater capacity this summer even with the loss of the fourth flight. The new aircraft should also reduce delays and cancellations with more modern aviation equipment.