Swoop Announces Major Expansion and Investment in Edmonton and Brings Nine New Routes to Alberta Capital

• Ultra-low fare airline announces its largest expansion ever with eight new domestic routes as part of summer schedule and new non-stop service to Palm Springs
• Brings enhanced connectivity to Atlantic Canada with first ever non-stop flights from Edmonton to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and new non-stops to Nova Scotia
• Reaffirms commitment to city by naming its newest aircraft #Edmonton

Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport welcomes Swoop’s newest aircraft #Edmonton (CNW Group/Swoop)

EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low fare airline, reaffirmed its commitment to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region with the announcement of new service to one U.S. and eight domestic destinations from its Western Canadian base. The airline’s significant new investments were celebrated this morning alongside the unveiling of Swoop’s newest aircraft, which will fly with the name #Edmonton.

The airline’s growth will see Swoop’s flight capacity in Alberta’s capital increase 76% compared to pre-pandemic levels, supporting the creation of 140 additional direct and spin-off jobs and an anticipated $120M of economic output activityⁱ in 2022.

From left to right (Juanita Marois, CEO, Métis Crossing, Tom Ruth, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport, Charles Duncan, President of Swoop, Rajan Sawhney, Alberta Minister of Transportation, Rick Smith, Deputy Mayor of Leduc County, Tim Cartmell, City Councillor, City of Edmonton) (CNW Group/Swoop)

“This is a major milestone for Swoop as we underscore our commitment to leading the way for ultra-low fare air travel in Canada and reaffirm our position as the airline with the most destinations from Edmonton,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “With a strong focus on growth and Edmonton as our partner, we will continue to provide our travellers with more non-stop flights and ultra-low fares while supporting the recovery of Canada’s travel and tourism economy.”

New non-stop flights to eight Canadian cities 

The addition of eight new Canadian destinations to Swoop’s summer schedule will see non-stop service from Edmonton to Charlottetown, Comox, Halifax, Kelowna, Moncton, Ottawa, Regina and Saskatoon. Swoop will be the first carrier to bring non-stop connectivity from Edmonton International Airport to Charlottetown and Moncton and the airline’s summer schedule will also see the restoration of service to London, Ont. 

Hello, Palm Springs!

Beginning December 16, Swoop’s transborder presence is growing from Edmonton with the addition of new service to Palm Springs. The scheduled non-stop service to Palm Springs will operate twice weekly.

#Edmonton

To commemorate its history and commitment to Edmonton, Swoop celebrated the naming of its newest aircraft #Edmonton alongside key government leaders and business stakeholders at Edmonton International Airport.

Following the event, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft entered service for the operation of flight WO 770 departing Edmonton at 12:00 local time, en route to Phoenix (Mesa), Arizona with a scheduled arrival of 3:30 PM local time. Edmontonians can expect to see #Edmonton operating several of Swoop’s newly announced routes.

Full schedule details of Swoop’s service from Edmonton can be found below.

 Domestic Routes

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	Start Date	Total one- way fare (CAD) †	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes and Fees (CAD)
Edmonton – Halifax*	5x weekly	May 1, 2022	$159	$104.35	$54.65
Edmonton – Charlottetown*	2x weekly	June 16, 2022	$159	$104.35	$54.65
Edmonton – Kelowna*	7x weekly	May 5, 2022	$49	$1.59	$47.41
Edmonton – Ottawa*	4x weekly	April 25, 2022	$59	$9.12	$49.88
Edmonton – Comox*	3x weekly	June 9, 2022	$49	$1.59	$47.41
Edmonton – Regina*	2x weekly	June 16. 2022	$49	$1.59	$47.41
Edmonton – Saskatoon*	2x weekly	June 14, 2022	$49	$1.59	$47.41
Edmonton – Moncton*	2x weekly	June 17, 2022	$159	$104.35	$54.65
Edmonton – London	3x weekly	June 2, 2022	$59	$9.11	$49.88
Edmonton – Winnipeg	4x weekly	Continuing	$160	$105.30	$54.69
Edmonton – Toronto	14x weekly	Continuing	$59	$9.12	$49.88
Edmonton – Hamilton	7x weekly	Continuing	$60	$10.06	$49.94
Edmonton – Abbotsford	7x weekly	Continuing	$49	$1.59	$47.41
Edmonton – Victoria	7x weekly	Continuing	$60	$12.06	$47.94

†Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by November 29, 2021 for travel between May 2 and June 22, 2022.

Transborder Routes

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	Start Date	Total one- way fare (CAD) †	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes and Fees (CAD)
Edmonton – Las Vegas	7x weekly	Continuing	$99	$8.84	$90.16
Edmonton – Phoenix (Mesa)	1x weekly	Continuing	$110	$18.36	$91.63

† Book by November 29, 2021 for travel between May 2 and June 22, 2022.

New Service to Palm Springs

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	Start Date	Total one- way fare (CAD) †	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes and Fees (CAD)
Edmonton – Palm Springs*	2x Weekly	December 16, 2021	$99	$7.89	$91.11

†Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by November 29, 2021 for travel between January 10 and February 19, 2022.

Supporting Quotes

“Swoop’s commitment to Edmonton is a clear sign that there is confidence in Alberta’s Recovery Plan. The new routes across Canada and to Palm Springs open up exciting opportunities for tourism and business.”

• Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Transportation

“I want to thank Swoop for supporting the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Having increased connections across Canada and beyond through Edmonton International Airport is vital for our region. As a major city contributing to Alberta’s recovery, strong air service will help us create jobs and grow our economy.”

• Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton

“Next time you hear a plane passing over, look up, look way up, and you just might see #Edmonton flying by. Thank you Swoop for naming one of your fleet after our great community, we’re honoured you will help carry the name Edmonton across Canada and North America. Your dedication to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region is helping bring more low-cost travel options for our passengers and we can’t wait for these new destinations to start.”

• Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport

To learn more about Swoop please visit FlySwoop.com and for information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.

About Swoop

Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation. FlySwoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.     

ⁱ Source: Swoop 2022 Edmonton International Airport Economic Impacts performed by the Chris Lowe Group

Pacific Coast Airlines announces Summer 2022 Schedule

Thanks to MW

30 October 2021

Check Out our Summer 2022 Flight Schedule

Take advantage of additional flight options. Book your summer trip today.

Origin and Destination	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Weekly Flights	Highlights
Vancouver – Victoria	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	1x	21	Improved minimum connection times between YYJ and other destinations
Vancouver – Powell River	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	4x	2x	26
Vancouver – Bella Coola	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service
Vancouver – Trail	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	1x	13
Vancouver – Williams Lake	2x	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	1x	10
Vancouver – Comox	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	2x	0x	20	All non-stop flights (no more stops in YBL )
Vancouver – Campbell River	3x	3x	3x	3x	3x	3x	2x	12	All non-stop flights (no more stops in YQQ)
Vancouver – Port Hardy	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	2x	1x	10	Evening flight Sunday to Friday will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Bella Bella	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service – all flights will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Tofino	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	Flights will operate on Saab, Sunday to Friday. New Saturday service.
Victoria – Kelowna	2x	2x	1x	2x	2x	2x	0x	11
Victoria – Prince George	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6
Vancouver – Cranbrook	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6
Vancouver – Masset	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service – all flights will operate on Saab
Vancouver – Penticton	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	7	New daily service
Vancouver – Kamloops	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	1x	0x	6

Book With Greater Peace of Mind.

We’re offering unlimited ticket changes for customers who purchase flights by January 31, 2022. Travel worry-free. Learn more.

For ultimate peace of mind and the ability to cancel and receive a refund to the original form of payment, we recommend booking a refundable Encore Fare.

Canada’s only Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), Flair Airlines selects Comox Valley Airport as the first of seven new domestic destinations

Thanks to CW

19 October 2021 | Comox Valley Airport

The Comox Valley Airport looks forward to welcoming Flair Airlines to the region commencing March 29th, 2022, with three weekly non-stop flights to both Edmonton and Calgary.

“We’re very excited that Flair Air has chosen Comox as the gateway to central Vancouver Island,” said Mike Atkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Airport Commission. “As air travel continues to rebound, Flair’s service to Calgary and Edmonton provide incredible low-cost options to visitors, businesses and friends and family alike. We can’t wait to share the beauty of Vancouver Island with Flair’s passengers.”

Earlier today, Flair announced 14 new domestic and US routes, including Comox. The airline not only strives to achieve the lowest cost per seat mile of any Canadian airline, it also uses a fuel-efficient fleet of new aircraft, to achieve fuel savings and reduced C02 emissions, a vital step in lowering Flair’s carbon footprint.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 28 cities across Canada and the U.S. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com

Flair Airlines grows schedule 33% in Canada and the U.S. with four new aircraft

• Service will launch in Spring 2022 to San Francisco, Nashville, and Denver in the U.S., between Toronto and Victoria and to Comox, B.C., in Canada
• Canadian ULCC adds four aircraft to bases in Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver
• 150 new jobs created from schedule and fleet growth

Edmonton, Alberta, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), continues its unprecedented growth with the deployment of four brand new 737 MAX aircraft in April and May 2022. Two additional aircraft will be added to Flair’s Toronto base, bringing the total there to five.  A second aircraft will be added to Flair’s Edmonton base and a third aircraft to its Vancouver base. Flair’s Spring 2022 schedule will expand from twelve aircraft to sixteen, delivering 33% schedule growth.

A whopping 14 new routes will be added, including service to four fantastic new destinations. Three new cities will be added to Flair’s network in the US, allowing Canadians to finally travel affordably to San Francisco, Nashville, and Denver.  Flair will also launch Comox as a second gateway to Vancouver Island, complementing existing service to Victoria and allowing visitors to explore even more of the island.

“Travelling and reconnecting with friends will be among the top priorities for many Canadians in the coming months, and Flair is continuing our growth by adding more aircraft and routes so we can bring sustainably low fares to even more iconic destinations across North America,” said Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. “Whether you’re looking for a weekend break on Vancouver Island or hiking in the Rockies, Flair will get you there affordably.”

With the addition of these four aircraft, Flair will create 150 new jobs for flight attendants, pilots and operational support staff. Flair is currently recruiting for 100 pilot positions to meet the needs of its growing fleet.

Flair is adding new 737 MAX aircraft as it strives to achieve the lowest cost per seat mile of any Canadian airline. The aircraft deliver fuel savings and reduce the airline’s CO2 emissions by 14%. Lower per passenger emissions are a vital step in lowering Flair’s carbon footprint as it works to become Canada’s greenest and most sustainable airline.

Fares to US destinations start between $99 and $129 CAD one-way and several of the new domestic Canadian routes have fares as low as $49 CAD one way, including taxes and fees. All routes and schedule details can be viewed at https://www.flyflair.com.

Flair is also starting service to 6 US destinations this Fall and currently serves 18 destinations in Canada. Flair is growing to serve 28 destinations by spring 2022. 

Toronto Pearson Base Grows to 5 Aircraft

The addition of two aircraft based in Toronto will grow Flair’s footprint to five aircraft. Flair will be providing low fares on nonstop flights to 19 destinations from Toronto Pearson Airport.

“We are excited to welcome Flair’s new routes as they expand their network and offer Canadians more options to travel to the U.S. as well as the picturesque destination of Victoria, BC. Passengers travelling through Pearson can do so confidently with many measures in place to keep them safe, such as no- and low-touch check-in and bag drop, improved air quality and contactless shopping and dining options,” said Craig Bradbrook, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

Edmonton Base Opening in December

In December, Flair will be opening a base in Edmonton with the addition of a new aircraft and adding new nonstop service to Hollywood-Burbank, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Phoenix-Mesa. The spring addition of routes to Nashville, San Francisco, Comox, Regina, Montreal, Winnipeg and Saskatoon will join the nonstop flights Flair currently provides to 7 domestic destinations from Edmonton.

“Grab a guitar and get ready to go! Edmonton loves country music and we’re excited to have Nashville joining our list of non-stop destinations. All new and added service supports our recovery which is important for both our business community and leisure travellers. I want to thank Flair for adding these American destinations along with significant increases in service for several Canadian cities. I’m confident our community will embrace these flights and this increased service from Flair,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport.

Additional Vancouver Growth

Adding a third aircraft to the Vancouver base allows Flair to expand service in Western Canada. The nonstop flights to San Francisco and Kelowna will follow new service starting this Fall that includes nonstop flights from Vancouver to Hollywood-Burbank, Palm Springs, Phoenix-Mesa and Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to support the growth of Flair’s network from YVR. This latest announcement will mean new options out of YVR to popular destinations to BC’s interior and south of the border,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development, Vancouver Airport Authority. “With more people being vaccinated and travel measures easing, we look forward to continued increased service from Flair which will benefit the community and the economy that supports it.”

ULCC Growth Benefits Canadian Travellers

With the addition of new aircraft and more capacity, Flair is providing more affordable air travel options across Canada and to the USA. As travel returns, Flair’s low fares will help kickstart tourism and reconnect families.  

“We’re excited to welcome Flair Airlines to Nashville International Airport^®, which means more connectivity between Nashville and Canadian destinations,” said Doug Kreulen, Nashville International Airport president and CEO. “Edmonton is an outstanding new addition to BNA’s^® portfolio of international flights, and more service to Toronto is great news for everyone. We look forward to welcoming Flair passengers to Nashville next April with ultra-low fares.”

“Expanding Denver’s global connectivity not only aids in our economic recovery, it also continues to elevate our city as a global hub,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “As borders reopen and we begin to welcome back international travel, the investment by Flair into Denver is a big boost for our community and local businesses.”

“We’re excited to see our partnership with Flair continue to evolve as we work to restore in-demand travel options interrupted amid the pandemic,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The return of this route will provide travellers with additional, convenient options when flying between Winnipeg and Edmonton, whether to visit family and friends or pursue business or study opportunities. We look forward to welcoming back this popular route, meeting our community’s needs through services at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.”

“Skyxe is excited to be expanding our relationship with Flair Airlines. Edmonton is a high traffic market for Saskatoon, and we hope the addition of Flair’s low cost service option will allow many of our residents to visit friends and family in Edmonton more often,” said Stephen Maybury, CEO of Skyxe Saskatoon Airport.

“We’re very excited that Flair Air has chosen Comox as the gateway to central Vancouver Island,” said Mike Atkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Airport Commission. “As air travel continues to rebound, Flair’s service to Calgary and Edmonton will provide incredible low-cost options to visitors, businesses and friends and family alike. We can’t wait to share the beauty of Vancouver Island with Flair’s passengers.” 

“We are delighted to see more options for passengers on the very popular Vancouver – Kelowna and Victoria – Kelowna routes as we continue to see more growth by Flair out of Kelowna,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport.

About Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 28 cities across Canada and the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.flyflair.com.

New Destinations for March & April 2022:

USA

• Nashville, TN (BNA)
• Denver, CO (DEN)
• San Francisco, CA (SFO)

CANADA

• Comox, BC (YQQ)

New Routes

USA

• Toronto – Nashville (YYZ-BNA) – 2x weekly starting April 14, 2022
• Toronto – Denver (YYZ-DEN) – 3x weekly starting April 15, 2022
• Edmonton – Nashville (YEG-BNA) – 2x weekly starting April 14, 2022
• Edmonton – San Francisco (YEG-SFO) – 2x weekly starting April 14, 2022
• Vancouver – San Francisco (YVR-SFO) – 3x weekly May 17, 2022

CANADA

• Calgary – Comox (YYC-YQQ) – 3x weekly starting March 29, 2022
• Edmonton – Comox (YEG-YQQ) – 3x weekly starting March 29, 2022
• Edmonton – Regina (YEG-YQR) – 2x weekly starting April 14, 2022
• Edmonton – Montreal (YEG-YUL) – 3x weekly starting April 15, 2022
• Edmonton – Winnipeg (YEG-YWG) – 3x weekly starting April 15, 2022
• Edmonton – Saskatoon (YEG-YXE) – 3x weekly starting April 15, 2022
• Toronto – Victoria (YYZ-YYJ) – 1x weekly starting May 7, 2022
• Vancouver – Kelowna (YVR-YLW) – 3x weekly starting May 16, 2022
• Kelowna – Victoria (YLW–YYJ) – 3x weekly starting May 16, 2022

Suspicious item in luggage triggers emergency response at Comox Valley Airport

From Comox Valley Record – link to source story – Thanks CW

Comox Valley Airport. File photo

Incident did not cause any delays at YQQ

ERIN HALUSCHAK | Oct. 13, 2021

A suspicious item in a piece of checked baggage activated an emergency response at the Comox Valley Airport Wednesday (Oct.13), however, the incident did not cause any delays to flights.

Mike Atkins, chief executive officer of the airport explained around noon, the airport’s emergency response plan was activated, which includes the attendance of the Comox Valley RCMP.

“Shortly thereafter, the owner of the luggage was identified and provided a description of the item in question, resolving the incident,” he noted in an email to The Record.

The airport returned to normal operations within approximately 45 minutes without delays to inbound or outbound aircraft or passengers.

Myers appointed to Comox Valley Airport Commission board

From My Comox Valley Now – link to source story – Thanks CW

Brendan Mayer, staff Thursday, Sep. 30th, 2021 

Photo of Miriam Myers supplied by the Comox Valley Airport Commission.

Miriam Myers has been appointed to the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) board.

Myers moved from Saskatchewan to the Comox Valley in 2017 and recently became the finance manager of the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

She previously held senior management positions in the property development, social services, banking, aerospace, and housing industries.

Myers obtained her Chartered Accountant designation and has a master’s degree in human resource management.

“Miriam’s broad experience in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors, along with her formal education provide the essential skills and well-rounded perspective our board strives for, making her an ideal fit,” said board chair Martin Crilly. “She will be filling the position recently vacated by Susan Toresdahl, who served the board faithfully for nine years on multiple committees. The CVAC is very grateful to both women for their talent and willingness to serve our local and aviation communities as board members.”

Her term is three years.

The CVAC has nine members who are nominated by representatives from the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland, the City of Courtenay, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Comox Valley Regional District.

Traffic starting to return at Comox Valley Airport

From Comox Record Valley – link to source story – thanks CW

July saw a big jump in passengers at the Comox Valley Airport over the previous month, though numbers are still down from 2019. Black Press file photo

Passenger numbers from June to July more than doubled

MIKE CHOUINARD | Aug. 25, 2021

Traffic is returning to the Comox Valley Airport, albeit a bit slowly.

During a presentation to the Comox Valley Regional District board at the Aug. 24 meeting, airport chief executive officer Mike Atkins provided an update on what is happening.

The number of passengers at the terminal is still well below the numbers from 2018 and 2019, but they are starting to recover from the massive drop-off connected to COVID-19 starting in 2020. The CEO noted that even between June and July, numbers were beginning to show increases, growing from 7,000 passengers in June to about 18,000 the following month. Seat capacity is increasing over that from 2020, which saw an 88.3 per cent drop from 2019. It has increased 105 per cent over last year but is still down over 2019.

“Routes and frequencies are starting to come back,” he added.

Still, the numbers are lower than normal, with 66,000 passing through the terminal during the last fiscal year compared with about 400,000 annually before the pandemic.

He said the next few years for the industry are still unclear and pointed to questions such as whether online Zoom meetings would replace in-person business meetings.

“The crystal ball is broken,” he said. “It’s very hard to look into the future.”

Atkins did not have statistics in response to a question from the board about the number of business travellers, but he said anecdotally that many of the people flying in and out do seem to be business customers. He linked the airport to the overall economic development of the region.

“Our vision is to be the aviation gateway to the north Island,” he said.

The drop-off last year meant an operating loss, but the airport was helped because of reduced costs by its being on military base land. As well, the airport was augmented with senior government funding to help the facility and keep staff employed.

One of the challenges Atkins cited was the uncertainty about the partners for tourism and economic development now that the tourism centre operation has been transferred from the Comox Valley Economic Development Society to the regional district. He expressed concerns about the marketing for the facility.

“It’s difficult for us to determine who to work with,” he said.

Another issue will be finding more Comox Valley Airport Commission board members as the local government representatives, he added.

In response to a question from the CVRD board, Atkins also said the facility is looking at its carbon footprint, saying they would be seeking professional advice about a carbon audit, but he added they have been looking for other changes to make such as switching to LED lights in the terminal to reduce energy demands. He also said they have been making progress toward acquiring land for more parking.

Atkins started the job in January, and CVAC board chair Martin Crilly commended him for the work he has been doing since starting.

“We were very fortunate to attract a senior executive of Mike’s calibre,” he told the CVRD board. “He’s been doing a great job.”

Firefighters battle grass fire at CFB Comox

From CTV News – link to source story and Video – thanks to CW

Gord Kurbis, Journalist, CTV Vancouver Island | Wednesday, August 11, 2021

The fire was on a part of the base property where training exercises are commonly held. (CTV News)

COMOX, B.C. — Fire crews from 19 Wing Comox and the Comox Fire Department battled a grass fire on the airbase Wednesday morning.

The fire began shortly after 11 a.m. when people heard a loud explosion and saw billowing smoke.

One witness at Kye Bay told CTV News he saw the smoke and spoke with a woman who said she heard an explosion and felt the ground shake.

“We came down to the beach and we saw the smoke and people were leaving” the witness said.

The fire was at the far end of the base property where training exercises are commonly held.

The fire was on a part of the base property where training exercises are commonly held. (CTV News)

The Comox Valley Airport Awarded Funds from the Regional Air Transportation Initiative

Thanks to CW

Comox Valley Airport | 30 July 2021

The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) is very appreciative of today’s announcement from Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages(B.C.) for the Honourable Mélanie Joly, of support for terminal enhancements under the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI).

The funding of $1,094,406 dollars to the Comox Airport, is part of a $206 million dollar national initiative that aims to help regional air transportation systems affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 and is supported in this region by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“Through the concerted efforts of airport staff and airline partners, the Comox Valley Airport was able to facilitate necessary health and safety measures during the prolonged downturn of passenger volumes, but as capacity and passenger volumes recover there is an immediate need to enhance our operation to provide faster screening, and additional space for physical distancing. The funding will allow us to enlarge the pre-board security area, and departure lounge in preparation of the return of passenger volumes.” said Airport CEO, Mike Atkins.

The project at Comox Valley Airport will begin this summer, with an estimated budget of two million dollars. The project will be staged in three phases, to ensure minimal impact for departing passengers and airport tenants.

“Air service is an important driver of economic activity”, said CVAC Board Chair, Martin Crilly. “This award will prompt construction jobs, but more importantly, speed the recovery and access to air service for our residents, and the growing visitor economy. CVAC is very grateful that the Federal Government has made this commitment to the restoration of this vital sector by supporting regional airports and the communities they serve.”

For more information on the RATI in Western Canada Please Click Here.

Vancouver Island airports part of $11.7-million federal injection package

From Comox Valley Record – link to source story – Thanks CW

The Victoria International Airport is one of three Vancouver Island regional airports receiving federal funding this summer, the government announced July 30. (Black Press Media file photo)

Funding aims to help Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley airports maintain regional connectivity

PENINSULA NEWS STAFF | Jul 30, 2021

Victoria International Airport is among 11 B.C. airports receiving an injection of federal dollars this summer.

In a statement Friday (July 30), the government announced $11,721,721 in funding through its regional air transportation initiative to help ensure connectivity and jobs to and from smaller regions in the province.

The Victoria airport (YYJ) will receive the largest sum, nearly $3 million.

“This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards,” said Victoria Airport Authority president/CEO Geoff Dickson.

“Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”

YYJ has seen an enormous drop in traffic during the pandemic, plummeting from nearly two million passengers through its doors in 2019 to less than 600,000 in 2020. Although there has been a small degree of bounce back in the last couple of months, numbers continue to sit at record lows. In June, 12,746 passengers went through the airport, compared to 169,825 in 2019.

Nanaimo will receive funding in two areas: approximately $1.38 million for the airport commission and $346,000 for the Port Authority. The Comox Valley Airport Commission has funding of about $1.1 million heading its way.

The remaining regions include Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Prince George, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Golden, Terrace and Cassidy.

“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet,” said Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary to the fisheries and economic development ministers.