City of Kelowna - YLW Airport News Releases

Aircraft Incident

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:45:00 PDT

Dash 8 passenger aircraft lands safely without incident

At approximately 2:34 pm May 22, 2012, a Dash 8 passenger aircraft advised the air traffic control tower shortly after takeoff that it appeared to have a mechanical issue. As a precautionary measure the pilot requested to return to YLW.

Kelowna Airport's Aircraft Rescue Firefighters, Kelowna Fire Department, BC Ambulance and RCMP were on scene for standby. The aircraft containing 55 people and 3400 lbs of fuel landed safely at 2:48 pm without incident and taxied to the Gate.

The aircraft will have a mechanical review before continuing to its destination.

Youth can experience the freedom of flying

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 PDT

Participate in the COPA for Kids Junior Aviation Event

Those who have an aspiring pilot at home or a young person longing be in the front seat of an in-flight aircraft will want to take part in the COPA for Kids Junior Aviation Event on June 9.

"We are very proud to be a part of this program which allows students to gain new perspectives into the world of flying," says Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. "This program gives young people the opportunity to learn first-hand what it means to be a pilot or to simply discover the art of aviation." By participating in the program, children will experience a close-up examination of an aircraft, a short on-ground school session, and a flight in the front seat of the aircraft from take-off to landing. Those interested in taking part in the family fun Saturday, June 9 must pre-register their child(ren) on the Kelowna Flying Club website - www.kelownaflyingclub.com.

Pre-registration is required for all kids who will be taking flight. Family and friends of the participants are encouraged to attend, but must bring their own folding chairs and outdoor attire. A pancake breakfast and barbecue lunch will be on sale courtesy of the Mission Lions Club. Other airport equipment and fire trucks will be on hand for kids of all ages to check out. Check-in is at 8:45 a.m. with flights beginning at 9:30 a.m.

This annual event is put on by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). The Canadian non-profit association represents 18,000 pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts across Canada.

The event is subject to change based on weather conditions. If weather does not permit, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, June 10.

For more information about COPA for Kids Aviation Program, visit kelownaflyingclub.com. For more information about Kelowna International Airport flights and service information, visit ylw.kelowna.ca.

More food options for travellers at YLW

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 PDT

Skyway Atrium Lounge converting to White Spot Restaurant

Skyway Ventures, in partnership with Kelowna International Airport (YLW), will be converting the Skyway Atrium Lounge to a White Spot Restaurant.

"Friends and families dropping off passengers, area residents and passengers themselves are looking for more food options at the airport," say Airport Director Sam Samaddar. "We are pleased we will soon be able to offer more services before heading through security with the additional full service White Spot Restaurant."

Renovations on the new restaurant begin Monday, May 14, with a planned opening date of Friday June 1. During construction, the lounge will be completely closed. However, food and beverage services will continue to be available at Tim Hortons, located across from the Air Canada check-in desks, and at White Spot Restaurant and the Skyway Caf and Wine Bar after security in the Departures area.

Once this project is completed, food services at YLW before security clearance will include Tim Hortons (4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and a full-service White Spot Restaurant complete with take-out service (5 a.m. to 8 p.m., effective June 1). In the Departures area after security, the White Spot Restaurant and the Skyway Caf and Wine Bar are both open between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Visit the airport's website ylw.kelowna.ca for information regarding flights and airport services.

The Red Deer Connection

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:15:00 PDT

Service beginning April 20

Commuting between Central Alberta and the Okanagan just got easier. Northwestern Air will launch its non-stop service between Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) April 20, 2012.

Northwestern Air will fly a Jetstream 32, 19-seat passenger pressurized turbo-prop aircraft Fridays and Sundays between YLW and YQF:

Friday
Red Deer Departure 8 a.m. (MST)
Kelowna Arrival 8:15 a.m. (PT)

Kelowna Departure 8:45 a.m. (PT)
Red Deer Arrival 11 a.m. (MST)

Sunday
Red Deer Departure 2 p.m. (MST)
Kelowna Arrival 2:15 p.m. (PT)

Kelowna Departure 4:45 p.m. (PT)
Red Deer Arrival 7 p.m. (MST)

Serving 1.39 million passengers in 2011, YLW offers 62 daily non-stop commercial flights with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Northwestern Air and WestJet to Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Toronto, and Seattle, including seasonal service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cancun.

For more information on airport news and services at YLW, visit our website at ylw.kelowna.ca.

Spring in full flight at YLW

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:45:00 PDT

Passenger numbers up

As spring moves in, snow equipment is moved out and that means it's time for a little spring cleaning at YLW - Kelowna International Airport - with new flight schedules, parking rates and new service updates. Recent passenger numbers at YLW reached record-breaking levels, with January and February 2012 becoming the busiest for those respective months in YLW history. There was a 2.04 per cent increase over January 2011 and 6.22 per cent increase over February 2011. This jump-started the year with an increase of 9,865 passengers (4.08%) over 2011's year-to-date numbers. As the Okanagan starts to warm up, the winter flight schedule to Mexico, Las Vegas and Phoenix will go on hiatus at the end of April - except for weekly service to Mazatlan, which Sunwing Airlines/Signature Tours will continue to offer until May 15.

Domestic air service will see a new dot on the YLW destination map for Red Deer, Alta. when Northwestern Air begins non-stop flights every Friday and Sunday April 20. More daily options to Toronto will be available in May when Air Canada increases its service back to daily from the current weekend service.

As announced October 3, 2011 vehicle parking fees will increase effective April 2, 2012:

Short Term Lot:
First 15 minutes will continue to be free
$1.25 for the 1st hour or part thereof (includes first 15 minutes), $2.25 for each additional hour or part thereof to a maximum of $15.00 per 24 hours
For the more frequent traveller the "Gold Pass" is available for $800 for the six month pre-purchase program.

Long Term Lot:
First 15 minutes free
$1.25 per hour or part thereof (includes first 15 minutes) to a maximum of $10.00 per 24 hours and a weekly maximum rate of $50.

Curbside Parking Meters:
$1.50 per 30 minutes

Passengers will be happy to learn that luggage carts at YLW will be available free of charge effective April 2.

Construction of the new International Arrivals Hall extension is making great progress and continues to be on-time and on-budget. Official opening of the new expansion is expected early in September before seasonal service to Mexico, Las Vegas and Phoenix resumes.

With another successful winter season coming to a close, YLW is looking forward to providing Okanagan passengers and visitors with an ever-increasing choice of year-round and seasonal domestic and international flights in 2012 and beyond.

Visit ylw.kelowna.ca for flights and airport service information.

Carry your bags for Free at YLW

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:45:00 PDT

Effective April 2

It's been a slight annoyance for some passengers: arriving at the airport with suitcases, children, car seats and a pet cage, and reaching for a luggage cart only to find you need to fish out a loonie to rent the cart. YLW - Kelowna International Airport is pleased to say "no more!".

Effective April 2, luggage carts at YLW will be available for passenger use free of charge. "Paying for luggage carts is a constant mumble of discontent," says Airport Director Sam Samaddar. "Most people use carry-on or wheeled luggage, but for the few that don't and who need the assistance of a cart, it just makes a bigger impact on a dissatisfied customer when they find they need to have the right change to rent a cart. Many people returning to the Okanagan from a holiday or our visitors from Mexico, US or Europe may not have the right currency. Having free carts available will help make their experience at YLW just that much more positive." It is expected with the free carts more people may be using them so YLW has ordered double the amount of carts to meet this expected increased demand.

YLW prides itself as a low-cost airport for passengers and airlines while trying to offer the best in customer service. In 2010 YLW introduced free WiFi for its passengers. In order to offset the costs of providing the free carts to passengers, an advertisement partnership was struck with Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos.

Ingrid Jarrett, General Manager at Watermark Beach Resort is thrilled to partner with YLW: "We know all about getting away at Watermark Beach Resort and we know that so many travellers in and out of YLW are doing just that, escaping to a great getaway - a place to disconnect. And that is exactly what we offer at Watermark. We are very pleased to be a small part of YLW's continuing growth in the regional community of the Thompson, Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys and the Kootenays. There is no doubt that YLW is one of the most vital and growing strengths of our beautiful region."

Together YLW and Watermark are not only offering the use of free luggage carts they are also giving you a chance to win a three night stay package at Watermark Beach Resort. During the month of April passengers using the free luggage carts are encouraged to post a photo of themselves and the luggage cart to the airport's Facebook page at ylw.kelownaairport. A random draw for the three-day package will take place on May 1.

More information on the Facebook contest will be available April 1 at ylw.kelowna.ca.

Win a European vacation from YLW and Air Canada

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:15:00 PDT

March 3

With one short connection, flying from Kelowna International Airport to Europe is easy and convenient - and YLW wants to show how easy it is.

On Saturday, March 3, between 12 and 4 p.m., Air Canada and Lufthansa airlines, travel agencies and tour operators who promote European travel destinations and experiences will have information booths on display in the airport terminal. Learn about flight specials, Mediterranean cruises, accommodation options and exchanging currency into Pounds and Euros. Slide presentations will also be held in the Airport boardroom.

If that's not enough reason to attend, YLW and Air Canada will give away a flight for two to London England and other door prizes including a $500 travel voucher with Transat Holidays.

Attend the event and purchase a ballot to enter the draws: 1 for $5, 3 for $10 and 6 for $20. The draw for the prizes will be made at the end of the event at 4 p.m. on March 3.

All proceeds will be donated to Hope Air. Since 1986, Hope Air has arranged free flights for financially disadvantaged Canadians to receive the healthcare they need. Kelowna is the No. 1 departure route for Hope Air in all of Canada - it arranged 780 flights through Kelowna International Airport last year.

Parking in the long-term lot is free for the European destinations event. To qualify for free parking, parking vouchers must be validated at the event.

For more information, visit the airport's website at ylw.kelowna.ca and click on Contests.

Eight months of Vegas baby

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:15:00 PDT

Service increases from 6 to 8 months at YLW

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will see more passenger traffic opportunities flying between Kelowna and Las Vegas (LAS) as WestJet service begins September 10 and runs through till the end of April.

"This is great news for the Thompson Okanagan," say Airport Director Sam Samaddar. "We have seen this service increase from four months to six month last year and now we have eight months of service." WestJet service between YLW and LAS will operate Tuesdays and Saturdays with a convenient day time departure time.

Scheduled service also allows for inbound traffic from the Las Vegas/Nevada market.

"This will open up our wine festivals, skiing and still catch some of the golf season for the Nevada traveller looking to experience the Okanagan," says Samaddar. "This also allows for more options for passengers. For those who want to vacation in Las Vegas it means travelling at a more reasonable time of day, plus making it easier for those who need to catch a connection from Las Vegas to another destination."

Las Vegas is the 22 largest airport in the world; 8th largest in North America with 39.4 million passengers. It's the main hub airport of Southwest Airlines which offers more than 230 departures a day to 72 cities.

For more information on flights and airport news visit ylw.kelowna.ca.

YLW - Your Link to the World

Background:
Las Vegas Non Stop: WestJet Scheduled service allows inbound traffic from Las Vegas/Nevada market and connection points Effective September 10 to April 28 (8 months)

September 10 - October 30 Tuesdays

Depart LAS 10:45 Arrive YLW 13:27
Depart YLW 14:30 Arrive LAS 17:00

Saturdays

Depart LAS 16:35 Arrive YLW 19:17
Depart YLW 20:15 Arrive LAS 22:45

B737-700 - 136 seat aircraft (total 272 seats per week to LAS September & October)

November 1- April 28 Tuesdays & Saturdays

Depart LAS 10:45 Arrive YLW 13:27
Depart YLW14:30 Arrive LAS 17:00

B737-800 - 166 seat aircraft (total 303 seats per week to LAS November to April 30)

Thinking of winter travel?

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:00:00 PDT

Winter travel you say? Summer has just begun! Working months ahead of the season, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is ready to announce its winter flight schedule.

For those still craving sun and beaches after what is expected to be a hot Okanagan summer, YLW's winter flight schedule will offer non-stop service to Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada as well as Mazatlan, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, Mexico.

"We are really pleased to be offering two new destinations to Phoenix and Mazatlan while still maintaining our regular winter hot spots and increasing the number of available seats this winter season," says Airport Director Sam Samaddar. "It's also important to note that the final stop doesn't have to be these destinations. Each of the airports we fly to is a great access point to so many other destinations."

WestJet will be flying scheduled service from YLW to Phoenix (PHX) beginning October 31 until April 30 every Monday. With 38.6 million passengers in 2010, PHX is the 24th largest airport in world (based on passenger volume) and the 10th largest in North America. It's a major hub for US Airways and Southwest Airlines. Using PHX as a connecting airport is easy with its 85 US connecting cities and 14 International locations and a convenient departure time of 3 p.m. from YLW and arrival to PHX at 6:43 p.m.

Alaska Airlines will offer three flights per day as of November 6 between YLW and Seattle (SEA) With 31.6 million passengers, SEA is the 39th largest airport in world, 18th largest in North America and the main hub for Alaska Airlines.

Beginning November 1, WestJet will offer non-stop service twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday between YLW and Las Vegas (LAS). The twice a week service runs until April 30. LAS is the 22nd largest airport in the world; eighth largest in North America with 39.4 million passengers. It's the main airport of Southwest Airlines which offers more than 230 departures a day to 72 cities and a convenient departure time from YLW at 2:30 p.m. and arrival in LAS at 5 p.m.

The winter sun scheduled and charter program will be exceptionally hot this year with four Mexico destinations to choose from. WestJet begins its seasonal scheduled service once a week to each Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas on November 1. The service runs until April 30. Starting December 17, Transat Holidays/Nolitours begins weekly charters to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. New this winter will be a Thursday weekly Sunwing charter to Mazatlan starting November 10 and running through to mid May 2012.

YLW connects to these Canadian airports:

Vancouver (YVR) - 83rd largest airport in world; 29th largest in North America; 2010 saw 16.9 million passengers. YLW offers 11 flights a day to YVR with eight of these flights on Air Canada and three on WestJet.

Calgary (YYC) - 108th largest airport in the world; 35th largest in North America. 2010 saw 12.5 million passengers. YLW offers eight flights a day to YYC with three flights on Air Canada and five on WestJet.

Toronto (YYZ) - 38th largest airport in the world; 17th largest in North America with 31.9 million passengers. YLW offers two flights daily to YYZ on Air Canada and WestJet.

YLW is also linked by non-stop service to Edmonton (YEG), four times daily and once per day to Victoria (YYJ) on WestJet; and Prince George (YXX) once a day with Central Mountain Air.

YLW is your link to the world by offering non-stop flights to seven of the top 110 airports in the world and seven of the top 35 airports in North America. For more information on flights and destinations, visit our website at ylw.kelowna.ca.

YLW's Economic Impact to the Thompson Okanagan

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:30:00 PDT

Report Highlights

On Monday, Kelowna City Council received the results of Kelowna International Airport (YLW) recent Economic Impact Assessment Report that highlights how operations at YLW financially benefit the communities it serves.

Growth at the City of Kelowna International Airport represents a significant achievement for the community, and is a shining legacy of the decision of civic leaders in 1946 to acquire the land that is now the airport. YLW today plays a key role in facilitating the growth of trade and tourism between British Columbia, the rest of Canada and the World by providing air links to connect Kelowna and the Thompson Okanagan to other business centres and destinations.

In 2010, YLW's total economic impact was 2,730 jobs or $140 million in wages and $610 million in total economic output to the province of B.C. The study demonstrates the significant economic contribution of YLW to the community, the Thompson Okanagan, and the province and underscores the importance of YLW's aggressive plan to grow its air service while expanding the terminal on a phased approach to meet the needs of passenger traffic demand.

"I am very pleased with the direction of Kelowna International Airport," says Chair of the Airport Advisory Committee and Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. "The numbers in this report reinforce the economic importance this airport has to our City, the Interior of B.C. and to the province as a whole."

Highlights of the research presented to Kelowna City Council showcased how ongoing operations at YLW contribute to employment in the transportation industry in the Thompson-Okanagan region. Direct and total jobs attributed to operations at YLW make up 14 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, of employment in the transportation and warehousing industry of the region.

Kelowna International Airport served 1.39 million passengers in 2010 while offering 62 daily commercial flights with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air and WestJet to Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Seattle, including seasonal service to Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

To review the full Economic Impact Assessment report or to download/request the summary brochure, go to ylw.kelowna.ca under Business at YLW. YLW - Your Link to the World.