Chamber welcomes international flights

VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is excited about a return to international flights touching down in the Okanagan Valley.

On Nov. 2, the federal government announced that starting Nov. 30, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

“YLW is the gateway to Vernon and the North Okanagan, providing easy access to the region for investors and visitors, while local businesses are able to connect their products and services with the rest of the world,” said Robin Cardew, Greater Vernon Chamber president.

“The resumption of international flights will not only support economic recovery of the entire region, it helps stabilize operations at YLW, which experienced a $2.5 million loss due to the lack of international flights. The federal government’s decision also tells airlines that the Okanagan is open for business.”

YLW is one of Canada’s fastest recovering airports, nearing 850,000 annual passengers and offering more than 60 daily non-stop commercial flights with seven airlines. As of Nov. 1, YLW is connected to 14 domestic destinations.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the world back to the North Okanagan to experience our winter activities, our dynamic cultural scene and amazing landscape,” said Cardew.

“Thank you to the administrative team at Kelowna International Airport for their leadership and perseverance in representing the entire Okanagan region. We also want to thank Transport Canada, Canadian Border Services Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada for resuming international flights.”
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:    
Dan Proulx, General Manager    
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, E: manager@vernonchamber.ca  P: 250-545-0771