Drive to 1.6 Million Passengers Development Program
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) passenger activity is forecast to grow to 1.6 million passengers by 2015.
To accommodate this growth the airport is putting in place a phased approach where construction will be triggered by passenger traffic demand. “If we are ahead of schedule and passenger numbers are closer to 1.6 million then we expect we will move on these projects at a faster rate,” explains Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “However if passenger numbers start to level out these projects will be completed as planned over the next five to six years. By having a phased approach to the construction we can trigger each component of the project based on actual passenger demand.”
With 2010 ending the year with 1,391,725 passengers, YLW has seen a passenger increase of 55 percent since 2004.
The Drive to 1.6 Million program includes elements such as the runway overlay, relocating and upgrading utilities, upgrade to the outbound baggage system, improvements to the Highway 97 intersection, Apron 1 expansion and large aircraft taxiway, the new International Arrivals Concourse and renovation to the existing arrivals area will take place between 2011 and 2016.
The order of magnitude cost estimated for these projects is budgeted at $50.5M and will be paid for through the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). The AIF at Kelowna International is $12 per departing passenger. As elements of the program are completed the AIF is expected to increase to $15 per enplaned passenger effective January 1, 2013. Despite the increase, Kelowna Airport will continue to have one of the lowest AIF rates among Canadian airports.
Airport design receives environment award
DIALOG, an integrated design company retained to help YLW plan for this expansion project, was recently recognized by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) for the design of the airport. The submission entitled Kelowna International Airport ATB Expansion Energy Audit/Energy Model and Sustainability Analysis was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the category of Concept and Assessment. This includes the design for the Installation of geothermal field and associated systems, including radiant flooring in new building areas, capital replacement of mechanical systems and BMS processes identified in the 2010 Air Terminal Building Energy Audit and Thermal massing, displacement ventilation and high performance envelope (insulation, glazing) in new building areas. With these changes the airport will produce less CO2 even though it will double in size.
The Environment Awards highlight the role of professional engineers and geoscientists in responsible environmental management and recognize outstanding contributions towards environmental protection and/or sustainable development.