Close co-operation with Canada’s main hub airports keeps Kelowna International connected to the world.SUPPLIED
As the Canadian winter closes in and Australian snow-seekers escape from their southern summer and head once again for the silky powder that blankets the mountains of British Columbia’s interior, they look for the quickest and most direct route to Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
They are not alone. Travellers from South America and New Zealand, Europe and Japan, and dozens of states in the U.S. have the same idea. That’s why Kelowna International works closely with Canada’s hub airports like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto Pearson International to ensure that connections for international passengers are frequent enough to keep lay-over times to a minimum.
While winter is an important season for the regional tourism industry, connectivity is a year-round priority for Kelowna International, says airport director Sam Samaddar, who is also chair of the board of the Canadian Airports Council.
For one thing, the Okanagan is a four-season tourist destination, so there’s a constant flow of visitors. On the other hand, residents in the region need to know that they too have quick and efficient global destination access through hub connections when they need it.
“We’ve spent a lot of time working with Toronto Pearson, for example, to develop a connectivity that gets our passengers around the world as quickly as possible with the fewest number of stops,” says Mr. Samaddar. “From Kelowna, travellers have one stop in Toronto and then access to 180 destinations globally.”
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On the West Coast, Mr. Samaddar’s team has worked closely with Vancouver International to enhance connectivity with Australia – YLW’s second biggest international market – by developing service to and from more Australian cities, and the effort has paid off.
“For example, visitors to Kelowna’s Big White ski resort grew nine per cent from 2015 to 2016, 30 per cent from 2016 to 2017 and then another 11 per cent this last winter,” he says. “Over three years, the resort had a 22 per cent increase in traffic coming out of the Australian market, and that’s a function of the air service and the connectivity. Those Australian passengers know that in Vancouver they don’t have to claim their bags or go thru re-screening. They can go through customs and then board a domestic flight to Kelowna.”
As Canada’s 11th busiest airport and with passenger numbers expected to reach two million by the end of 2018, YLW’s contribution to the regional economy includes 4,545 direct and indirect jobs and $789-million in total economic output.
Operated by the City of Kelowna since its inception in 1946, Kelowna International is the largest municipally owned airport in Canada and offers more than 70 daily non-stop commercial flights with nine airline partners.
By 2045, YLW is expected to have 100,000 aircraft movements and be serving 3.5 million passengers annually. A master plan to cope with the anticipated growth includes expanded infrastructure, commercial development and collaboration with the private sector where appropriate.
In the meantime, the airport will continue to focus on connectivity, bringing visitors into the region and helping local residents get to their destinations. At this time of year, direct flights to Mexican resorts tend to be show stoppers at YLW’s annual winter travel event, where locals can plan a sun break for a week or two’s respite from the winter chill.
The latest event this past October provided opportunities for attendees to learn about travel options from YLW, says Mr. Samaddar. A similar event is held in spring.
Produced by Randall Anthony Communications. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved in its creation.