More flight options & flexibility to help plan your holiday season.
Additional flights are available to destinations like Powell River, Trail, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George. Learn more about the holiday schedule flight options at https://flights.pacificcoastal.com/en/winter-holiday-schedule
From December 16, 2022 to January 03, 2023
Up to four daily flights between Kelowna and Victoria
Daily flights between Prince George and Victoria
Additional daily flight between Cranbrook and Vancouver
Up to four daily flights between Powell River and Vancouver
Additional second flight on Saturdays between Trail and Vancouver
New flight between Cranbrook and Kelowna (starts 14 Nov 2022)
PRINCE GEORGE, BC, July 20, 2022 /CNW/ – Canadians rely on safe and well-maintained local and regional airports to keep their communities connected. These airports also support essential air services including air ambulance services, search and rescue, forest fire response, and delivering essential goods to communities. As Canada works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our airports continue to be crucial to maintain the safety and security of our transportation sector.
The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million in the Prince George Airport through Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain important airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Prince George and surrounding communities.
The Prince George Airport also received over $1.4 million from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program for the purchase of a 4×4 snowplow truck and a wet/dry material spreader. This equipment will help the airport maintain safe operations for aircraft, passengers, crews and airport workers by keeping runways and taxiways clear of snow and ice. The funding will also support the expansion of a shelter to house and protect the airport’s aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle from the elements, ensuring it is ready for immediate use in case of an emergency.
These investments are in addition to the over $1.4 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding provided to the airport in May 2021 for the purchase of an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle and a runway ice sweeper.
Quotes
“As we move forward with the safe and gradual return of air travel, it is our government’s priority to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector that keeps travellers and workers safe. These critical investments will allow the Prince George Airport to have the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry in the communities it serves, and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
First introduced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Airport Relief Fund is part of a federal stimulus recovery plan designed to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient economy post-COVID-19.
The Airport Relief Fund, launched in May 2021, provided $64.8 million in funding in 2021-2022 for targeted airports whose 2019 revenues were less than $250 million.
As announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Airports Capital Assistance Program received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years.
The Fall Economic Statement 2020 also announced the temporary expansion of eligibility for the Airports Capital Assistance Program to allow National Airports System airports with less than one million annual passengers in 2019 to apply for funding under the Program in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
The eligible National Airports System airports are: Gander; Charlottetown; Saint John; Fredericton; Moncton; Thunder Bay; London; and Prince George.
Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.2 billion for 1,215 projects at 199 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country. Funded projects include runway and taxiway repairs/rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife control fencing.
Flair Airlines, Visit Tucson, and Tucson International Airport announce long-term partnership to connect more Canadians to Arizona
Service to Tucson begins in November and December from five Canadian airports, including Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Prince George, and Windsor
The Tucson winter base furthers Flair’s mission of providing affordable leisure travel to Canadians
To celebrate its first week of sales, one-way fares on Flair flights to Tucson, including taxes and fees, begin at $99
Edmonton, Alberta, March 29, 2022 – Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, is excited to announce a long-term partnership with Tucson, Arizona to connect underserved Canadian communities with affordable, non-stop, winter flights to sunshine and warmth. As the first step in the partnership, Flair will overnight an aircraft in Tucson next winter and today is opening sales for five new routes: Edmonton International Airport, Fort McMurray International Airport, Lethbridge Airport, Prince George Airport, and Windsor International Airport to Tucson International Airport.
“Basing winter operations in Tucson, Arizona offers an exciting new option for Canadians. We know that Canadians in communities across the country will be keen to soak up the winter sun in Tucson. With consistent service for years to come, we think this is the beginning of an excellent yearly tradition for Canadians,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “For too long, many communities in Canada have been without service to warm weather destinations. Flair is looking forward to stimulating new demand with our everyday low fares.”
Tucson, Arizona
“We are excited about the many benefits to our community through this relationship with Flair,” said Danette Bewley, President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority. “Not only have we found a way to achieve a long-time goal of adding nonstop flights to and from Canada, TUS will be the only Arizona – or U.S., for that matter – destination from four of those airports. We look forward to welcoming and introducing Canadians to our beautiful region.” Bewley added, “In addition to new air service, there is tremendous added economic potential for Southern Arizonans and Canadians to develop new connections and relationships.”
Edmonton, Alberta
“Flair’s continued growth and success is a great story for aviation and for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Adding another non-stop sunny destination and a US winter base in Tuscon is a great complement to Flair’s headquarters at Edmonton International Airport,” said Myron Keehn, Vice President, Air Service and Business Development, Edmonton International Airport. “Congratulations on your continued growth and we look forward to the service starting later this year.”
Fort McMurray, Alberta
“This announcement is one we’re extremely excited about, and are confident the community will be too,” said RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “We’re pleased to welcome back Flair Airlines to YMM and will continue exploring new destination opportunities as we work to rebuild route capacity.”
Lethbridge, Alberta
“The City of Lethbridge has been proactively investing in our Airport to position us for an opportunity just like this and we are thrilled to welcome Flair Airlines to our community,” said Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We’ve heard from our residents that they want a sun destination from the Lethbridge Airport and Arizona was one of the top places they want to visit. I’m excited for this new partnership and I’m certain this will be a hot ticket for all southern Albertans.”
Prince George, British Columbia
“We are very excited to see this air service option for both Canadian and American travelers” says Prince George Airport Authority’s President and CEO Gordon Duke. “Tucson offers a warm getaway for Canadians during the winter and also provides an opportunity for Americans to experience ‘Bucket List’ winter activities here in and around Prince George. We are looking forward to continuing to develop our relationship with Flair and connecting the world to our region.”
Windsor, Ontario
“We are excited to welcome Flair Airlines to YQG – Windsor International Airport,” said Mark Galvin, CEO, Windsor Airport “and are thrilled to add a direct flight from Windsor to the Sun Corridor of the United States.”
All flights to Tucson are non-stop and offer a quick and easy way to explore Arizona. There is no shortage of national parks, such as Saguaro National Park, and natural attractions to explore around Tucson, as well as vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants.
To celebrate its first week of sales, one-way fares on Flair flights to Tucson, including taxes and fees, begin at $99 from Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Prince George, and Windsor. There are limited seats and availability for the fares. All routes are available for booking at flyflair.com. Flair looks forward to further connecting communities in Canada with non-stop service to exciting leisure destinations.
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide 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 over 30 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit flyflair.com.
New Winter Routes
Tucson (TUS) – Edmonton (YEG): 2x weekly, effective November 30, 2022 – March 24, 2023
Tucson (TUS) – Fort McMurray (YMM): 2x weekly, effective November 30, 2022 – March 22, 2023
Tucson (TUS) – Lethbridge (YQL): 1x weekly, effective December 1, 2022 – March 23, 2023
Tucson (TUS) – Prince George (YXS): 1x weekly, effective December 2, 2022 – March 24, 2023
Tucson (TUS) – Windsor (YQG): 1x weekly, effective December 1, 2022 – March 23, 2023
Kendra Mangione, CTVNewsVancouver.ca Reporter and Producer | January 10, 2022
A small airport in British Columbia may be the world’s first to open a cannabis retail store.
If a business licence is granted, those passing through the airport in Prince George may be able to pick up some bud with their baggage by the end of the year.
According to the Prince George Airport Authority, the business is called Copilot, and is “pioneering cannabis for travel.”
The company has applied for a licence to operate at YXS. The PGAA said in a news release last week that if all goes to plan, Copilot will be the first cannabis retail store in an airport terminal anywhere in the world.
According to the airport authority, the company’s been working with regulators on the provincial and federal level on its licence, and now it’s waiting on approval from the city.
Council is expected to give the licence application a first read on Monday.
“We see YXS as the perfect location to launch our initial store and fulfill our mission of making travel a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for our customers,” Copilot co-founders Reed Horton and Owen Ritz said in a statement through the airport.
While access to airport cannabis may make travelling less stressful for some, it could land others in trouble.
It is illegal to take cannabis across federal borders, meaning anyone on an international flight can’t pack it on their departing or arrival flights.
Canadians travelling within the country can bring cannabis in their carry-on, as long as the amount isn’t greater than 30 grams, and they’re of legal age in the provinces they’re travelling into and out of.
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.
Targeted Government of Canada support will be provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada
VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Regional air transportation is crucial to ensure merchandise circulates, supply chains are maintained, and regional economic growth continues. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities, and local businesses.
BC’s regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada)
The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, fosters access to air transportation and supports regional ecosystems. In particular, it enables regional air carriers and airports to remain operational in these difficult times and to continue to contribute to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.
B.C. airports to benefit from funding
With this in mind, 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.), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $11,721,721 in RATI funding for 11 regional airports in B.C.
This funding will enable these airports to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. Since it helps draw Canadians to rural and remote communities to work and raise their families, while also providing reliable connectivity with urban centres, it plays a crucial role in a just, inclusive recovery for all, throughout the country.
Quotes
“It is important to protect our regional air transportation for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. Air connectivity makes our regions accessible to Canadians who want to settle there and is key in moving our businesses’ products to their destination markets. That’s why, as part of our plan for a strong economic recovery, our government supports this connectivity, indispensable to healthy, inclusive growth.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
“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 and ready to deliver on the needs of British Columbians as we look towards a brighter future.”
– 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.)
“Victoria International Airport is a vital economic generator for the Greater Victoria Region. The pandemic has been financially devastating to the airport industry and aviation sector as a whole. 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. Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”
– Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority
“We are grateful for this funding. It is essential to help continue our operations and ensure that we continue to be the gateway to Northern British Columbia. The Prince George Airport is a hub for not only passenger services but also medevac, RCMP, aerial search and rescue, and wildfire fighting services for Northern and remote communities.”
– Gordon Duke, President and CEO, Prince George Airport Authority
The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
WestJet flight from Prince George to Vancouver had to stop to refuel in Kamloops
Kate Partridge · Jul 23, 2021
The Prince George International Airport where uncertified aviation fuel trucks were recently pulled from service. (Andrew Kurjata/CBC)
A Transport Canada inspection at the Prince George Airport discovered multiple trucks being illegally used to refuel planes.
The trucks, which need to be licensed to transport dangerous goods like jet fuel, were pulled from service Wednesday after the agency found they were operating without proper certification.
The move resulted in a temporary loss of fuelling service at the largest airport in northern B.C. WestJet confirmed that a flight from Prince George to Vancouver had to stop to refuel in Kamloops.
Prince George Airport Authority president Gordon Duke also confirmed the disruption but said flights can now refuel as expected. He says the airport authority is “working with all agencies involved to ensure that we continue fuelling operations here.”
Fuelling services to the Prince George airport have been provided by third party operator Airconsol Aviation since 2007. The company did not respond to requests for comment.
In a statement to CBC, Transport Canada confirmed the trucks had been detained and will need to be recertified before they can be put back to work.
The rates of passengers catching flights at the Prince George Airport are steadily increasing as the airport saw the most monthly passengers in June 2021 since March 2020.
The airport saw 7,427 passengers in April, 8,124 passengers in May, and 12,870 passengers in June.
Passenger numbers at YXS were up significantly in comparison to the second quarter of 2020; however, passenger volumes are still down 54% year to date.
“We’re seeing a very significant increase in passenger numbers and we’re very happy about that, ” said President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority, Gordon Duke, “it’s a good sign.”
Duke adds he believes this trend will continue into the next couple of months as provincial health restrictions ease nationwide.
“The airline partners that we have are putting on more destinations, more capacity and I think people want to visit their friends and family and they, of course, have been restricted because of the public health directives and properly so, however, I think there’s going to be a bit of an uptick,” he added.
In terms of air service, the Prince George Airport is seeing growth with Flair starting back up and expanded schedules from both Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal.
Additionally, Duke says that the increasing trend of people supporting the aviation sector isn’t just occurring in the Northern Capital.
“In BC we’re definitely seeing a lot of airport numbers are getting back in that positive direction and as the rest of the country comes online and restrictions are dropped we’ll see that people will have the opportunity to move about Canada as we’ve been used to in the past. I think the transporter and international market is going to be a little bit tougher, however, as restrictions are lifted that market will grow as well.”
Central Mountain Air is running non-stop flights from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Cariboo region, the Okanagan Valley, and Central B.C.
Kelowna, B.C.Central Mountain Air
Really want to make a great escape from the city but NOT looking forward to that long car ride in the hot summer heat? Opt to hop on a plane to your getaway spot instead!
Now that non-essential travel within B.C. is encouraged again, Vancouverites can book inter-provincial non-stop flights with Central Mountain Air for a quick and affordable way to get around the province this year.
Departing from the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), passengers can fly direct from Vancouver to Campbell River, Quesnel, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George.
Then, from Prince George, you can also fly further up Northern B.C. with routes to Fort. St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.
Campbell River, B.C. Photo: Central Mountain Air.
Here’s a quick primer of the cities that Central Mountain Air currently flies to from Vancouver.
On the east coast of Vancouver Island, the oceanside community of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands are renowned for its spectacular mountains, west coast woodlands, Elk Falls Provincial Park and Suspension Bridge, whale watching, and salmon fishing at Discovery Pier.
Located along a pivotal mining trail of the Cariboo Gold Rush, Quesnel is home to B.C. heritage spots such as the Alexander Mackenzie hiking trail and the original 1867 Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post in Riverfront Park.
The sunny canyon city of Kamloops in B.C.’s Interior is a four-season playground with long summers for hiking, biking, and water adventures. Go kayaking on one of Kamloops’ 100+ lakes and embark on outdoor adventures at Sun Peaks Resort.
Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is the Okanagan Valley’s largest city and is known for local vineyards and wineries, sandy beaches, surrounding provincial parks, and bustling downtown area — making it the perfect destination for urban and rural experiences.
The largest city in Northern B.C, Prince George is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from mountain biking through pristine rainforests to fishing in the endless network of streams, lakes, and rivers. It’s also the basecamp for venturing into Northeastern B.C. and Northwestern B.C. towards Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.
Fly with CMA! Photo: Central Mountain Air.
Connecting B.C. communities with ease and convenience since 1987, the independent Western Canadian airline is giving local B.C. residents a chance to go back to travelling and exploring their backyard.
And, to further ensure that you can book your flight with confidence, Central Mountain Air has extended their COVID-19 flexible booking and cancellation policy until July 31st for travel through to November 7th, so you can have peace of mind knowing you can make changes to your flight reservation if you need to.
Airline to restart eight routes and inaugurate new flights between nine communitiesby early July
CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet is further restoring British Columbia’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of eight routes to and from destinations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The airline is also set to inaugurate 10 new routes by July 5, 2021. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.
“We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”
WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring British Columbia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to inaugurate new flights between Abbotsford and Prince George and restore WestJet Link service between Vancouver and Cranbrook.
“As a leader in aviation, WestJet has been working with industry, tourism and business across the province to ensure their voices are being heard as we safely restart travel. We thank Premier Horgan and his government for prioritizing travel as a critical component of the government’s restart plan. While progress has been made in British Columbia, we continue to advocate for safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.
This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Vancouver to 18 cities, from Victoria to eight cities, from Kelowna to seven cities, from Comox to four cities and from Nanaimo to three cities. From the communities of Kamloops, Penticton and Prince George, the airline will connect to two communities non-stop.
Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video
For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.
British Columbia route restarts between now and June 30, 2021
Route
Peak Frequency
Route restart date
Victoria – Winnipeg *
3x weekly
June 24, 2021
Kelowna – Regina *
2x weekly
June 24, 2021
Nanaimo – Vancouver
2x daily
June 25, 2021
Nanaimo – Edmonton *
2x weekly
June 25, 2021
Comox – Vancouver
2x daily
June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Saskatoon *
2x weekly
June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Victoria
4x weekly
June 25, 2021
Vancouver – Cranbrook
1x daily
June 25, 2021
Abbotsford – Prince George *
2x weekly
June 25, 2021
Prince George – Calgary
4x weekly
June 25, 2021
Victoria – Ottawa *
1x weekly
June 26, 2021
Comox – Edmonton
5x weekly
June 26, 2021
Comox – Toronto *
1x weekly
June 26, 2021
Victoria – Saskatoon *
2x weekly
June 27, 2021
Victoria – Toronto
2x weekly
June 30, 2021
Penticton – Edmonton *
2x weekly
July 4, 2021
Kamloops – Edmonton *
2x weekly
July 5, 2021
Vancouver – Fort St. John
4x weekly
July 13, 2021
*New Route
About WestJet
In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
Kelowna, B.C.Central Mountain Air
Canadian Aviation News 
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