Central Mountain Air Announces Flexible Payment Options Through Uplift Partnership

(Smithers, BC September 26th, 2022)

CMA announces a new partnership with buy now, pay later solution leader, Uplift.  

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to announce the addition of flexible payment options through Uplift, the leader in Buy Now, Pay Later payment options. This partnership is part of CMA’s continued effort to put the customer first and make travelling more accessible to Western Canadians. Whether you are travelling for work, leisure or to visit friends and family, travellers can now pay for their trips over time with Uplift on flycma.com  

This new partnership provides travellers with the freedom to book their trip on their terms and spread the cost over affordable monthly payments. Travellers can easily compare the costs of paying monthly with those of paying upfront, choosing the option that works best for them. There are no late or early payment penalties and travellers are able to clearly see the monthly payment amount and total cost of the trip at the time of booking.  

“At Central Mountain Air, we recognize that our passengers deserve flexible payment options, and the ability to spread payments out to match their financial situations.  We are pleased to be partnering with Uplift, providing the convenience and personalization that our valued customers deserve.” commented Trevor Wakefield, Chief Operations Officer at Central Mountain Air “We believe you shouldn’t have to delay or cancel your travel plans due to lump sum upfront payments, this important partnership is the next step to our evolution, and our continued ability to put our customers first” 

 “We are proud to partner with Central Mountain Air whose promise is to provide an enjoyable customer experience to Western Canada,” said Denise Heffron, Managing Director, Uplift Canada. “By offering Uplift’s flexible pay over time options we believe this is the perfect compliment to provide travellers with flexibility and customization in how they pay, making more trips and getaways a possibility.” 

For more information on this new partnership and to start booking visit: flycma.com/paymentoptions  

  

About Uplift  

Uplift is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later solution that empowers people to get more out of life, one thoughtful purchase at a time. Serving the world’s top enterprise level travel brands, Uplift’s complete range of flexible payment options drive higher conversion and loyalty for partners, while giving customers a simple, surprise-free way to pay over time with no late fees or prepayment penalties. Uplift is currently available throughout the United States and Canada. 

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.    

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to ten communities, cargo to eight communities, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, and to learn about CMA’s enhanced COVID-19 safety procedures, visit www.flycma.com.    

Central Mountain Air is pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Wakefield as Chief Operating Officer.

(Smithers, BC August 8th, 2022)

Central Mountain Air is pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Wakefield as Chief Operating Officer effective August 8, 2022.

As COO, Mr. Wakefield will provide leadership and will work closely with the Executive team on the execution of CMA’s overall strategic plans. Trevor began his aviation career over 25 years ago as a line pilot flying for a western-based cargo and passenger operator, flying routes within Northern BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Joining Canadian North Airlines in 2001, he held various positions including Training Captain, Director of Safety, Senior Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations. As an approved Transport Canada Operations Manager, Trevor’s core values include Safe Operations, Regulatory Compliance, Fiscal Accountability, and Workplace Culture. After leaving Canadian North in late 2019, Trevor took over as President and Accountable Executive of a Calgary-based charter airline. During this tenure, he built an entirely new operations and maintenance team, re-established operational capability with Transport Canada, and successfully launched revenue operations in the summer of 2021.

“With over 35 years of operations, CMA has a proven history of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective air travel services to passengers, businesses, communities and organizations we serve either via our scheduled flights, charter flights, or medevac flights. I am excited and honored to join the Central Mountain Air team and look forward to working with the various teams and communities throughout western Canada,” said Trevor Wakefield.

“Trevor’s depth of operational experience and broad skill set will accelerate our growth mandate and execution of our overall strategy I am delighted to welcome Trevor to the CMA family and look forward to his contributions and leadership,” said Douglas McCrea, President and Founder. “

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.   

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to ten communities, cargo to eight communities, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, and to learn about CMA’s enhanced COVID-19 safety procedures, visit www.flycma.com.   

New Aircraft added to Central Mountain Air’s Expanding Fleet

(Smithers, BC July 28th, 2022)

CMA announces the arrival of additional Dash 8-300 aircraft in its continued effort to support business growth and improve connectivity in Western Canada.   

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to announce the addition of another Dash 8-300 to its fleet. This addition will help grow the business, provide service to clients, and increase connectivity for communities across Western Canada.  This Dash 8-300 will be primarily used to support growth in the airline’s charter service and meet the demand of existing and new clients. 

Recognized as a leader in its class, the Dash 8-300 is ideal for flights not only to cities but also to remote locations. It has a carrying capacity of up to 50 passengers and a cruising speed of 532km/h. 

CMA’s fleet is now comprised of 5 Dash-8 -300, 5 Dash-8 -100, 3 Dornier 328, and 12 Beech 1900D in passenger configuration, 2 Beech 1900D Cargo Configuration, with the ability to expand its fleet types to meet your needs. CMA operates scheduled service to ten communities and is able to provide charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Western Canada, and the United States. In addition, CMA’s affiliate partners have a fleet comprising of 1 King Air 350i (Medevac Configuration), 2 King Air 350s (1 Corporate and 1 Medevac Configuration), 2 Dash 8 -400s, and 1 CRJ 100/200 further expanding CMA’s capabilities and offerings. 

For more information on our fleet visit:  https://www.flycma.com/our-fleet  

 About Central Mountain Air Ltd.   

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to ten communities, cargo to eight communities, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, and to learn about CMA’s enhanced COVID-19 safety procedures, visit www.flycma.com.   

CMA Inflight Magazine – Altitude – June 2022 Edition

20 June 2022

(Smithers, BC June 20th, 2022)

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to relaunch its Inflight Magazine with a new name – Altitude – a new look and a new digital format.

Explore

Altitude, CMA’s inflight digital magazine, features in-depth explorations of CMA destinations, travel and business stories, news bites and light-hearted pieces from around the province. It also contains essential flight information and other facts about CMA and its fleet.

Published six times a year, Altitude can be viewed directly on our website and it is available for download pre-flight from the CMA website – flycma.com/altitudemagazine or clicking on the “Explore” button above to download our June 2022 edition.

“At the start of the pandemic, we removed our inflight magazine from our seat-back pockets to reduce touch points and eliminate nonessential items from our cabin as a safety precaution”. Working together with our publishing partner, Black Press Media, we have created and curated a feature-rich digital magazine, containing information on CMA’s services and destinations as well as stories about the communities we serve, current trends and news.”

Join our e-newsletter subscribers and receive early releases of the latest editions in your inbox ! 

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.   

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to twelve communities, cargo to ten, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, visit www.flycma.com.   

Central Mountain Air relaunches Altitude, its inflight magazine, with a new look and in digital format

2 May 2022

(Smithers, BC April 29th, 2022)

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to relaunch its Inflight Magazine with a new name – Altitude – a new look and a new digital format.

Altitude, CMA’s inflight digital magazine, features in-depth explorations of CMA destinations, travel and business stories, news bites and light-hearted pieces from around the province. It also contains essential flight information, and other facts about CMA and its fleet.

Published six times a year, Altitude can be viewed directly on our website and it is available for download pre-flight from the CMA website – flycma.com/altitudemagazine or clicking on the “Explore” button above to download our first Spring 2022 edition.

“At the start of the pandemic, we removed our inflight magazine from our seat-back pockets to reduce touch points and eliminate nonessential items from our cabin as a safety precaution”. Working together with our publishing partner, Black Press Media, we have created and curated a feature-rich digital magazine, containing information on CMA’s services and destinations as well as stories about the communities we serve, current trends and news.”

Join our e-newsletter subscribers and receive early releases of the latest editions in your inbox ! 

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.   

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to twelve communities, cargo to ten, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, visit www.flycma.com.   

Central Mountain Air Charter Group Announces Relaunch of Private Air Charters to the USA 

6 Apr 2022

(Smithers, BC April 4th, 2022)

Central Mountain Air (CMA) is pleased to announce the relaunch of Private Air Charters to the United States. 

CMA has a 35-year history of excellence in providing air transportation services across Western Canada via their scheduled route network as well as their private charters both in Canada and internationally. CMA are experts in private charter services providing tailored travel solutions for the unique needs of business executives, workforce crew movements, leisure travel, and personal trips.

With core bases in major cities across Western Canada (including Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton) and satellite offices in many more, they offer unparalleled charter services to their clients with a fleet of 34 aircraft and a dedicated staff with extensive experience. Aircraft options range from corporate aircraft (9 seats) to Dash 8 300s (50 seats).

This relaunch will provide convenient air charter services to meet clients’ increasing needs as travel restrictions ease. This service will provide clients with the benefits of hassle-free travel which means less time parking, checking in, and time spent boarding at airport terminals. Clients will have the ultimate convenience and flexibility to choose their departure and return times, destinations, catering services, inflight menu, luggage requirements, and all with the privacy of our charter lounges.

In addition to our workforce movement charter services, CMA provides air charter service for trips of all sizes and scopes including cargo hotshots, tours, business meetings, fishing and hunting trips, family vacations, sporting events, luxury VIPs and group travel.   

CMA is safety and customer-focused with a passionate dedication to exceeding your expectations. In addition to top-of-the-line sanitation protocols, passenger and operational safety are at the core of their first-class quality assurance and safety management system. 

“The relaunch of our private charters to the United States is part of our continued business growth plans for our Charter Group. As travel continues to resume in the coming months, the traveling passenger has noted an increasing need for convenience, cutting back wait lines and less crowded spaces. Our domestic Charters have operated through the pandemic providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable charter service and I am excited about the relaunch of our US Charters. Our dedicated team of professionals plan and oversee every detail of your trip, guaranteeing your comfort and providing you with excellent customer service and an unmatched travel experience.” said Carrie Colville, CMA Charter Manager. 

Contact CMA for dedicated charter services tailored to your needs with customized schedules, personalized departure and pickup, custom in-flight services, and much more.  

For more information on CMA Charters, visit:  https://www.flycma.com/charters   

 

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.   

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to twelve communities, cargo to ten, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, visit www.flycma.com.

Government of Canada announces over $18.8 million in support for the air transportation ecosystem in British Columbia

Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) funding will help maintain regional connectivity and jobs

KELOWNA, BC, Feb. 22, 2022 /CNW/ – In a country as large as Canada, air connectivity is critical to the prosperity of all Canadians. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities and businesses across the country.

The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, is fostering access to air transportation and supporting regional ecosystems.

BC's regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
BC’s regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)

Regional air ecosystem to benefit from funding

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced RATI funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C.

Regional airports and carriers provide a vital service, providing commercial flight access, supporting critical supply chains and promoting economic growth. They connect patients to needed medical care and enable essential work travel. They provide important emergency services and cargo operations to supply businesses and frontline workers.

This funding will ensure airports and carriers can continue essential routine maintenance and facility operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will help maintain employment and restore growth in the region as we work to build back from the pandemic.

Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. This investment shows the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting economic development across the country and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for all.

Quote(s)

“Air transportation is essential to community well-being and regional economic development. Today’s announcement will not only enhance airport safety and support our essential services but will also create jobs that British Columbians can rely on and bolster regional growth as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

–       The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“It is essential that different levels of government partner to stimulate the economy as we recover from COVID-19. The Kelowna International Airport plays a critical role in supporting economic development in Kelowna and the region.”

–        Mayor Basran, City of Kelowna

“Thank you to the federal government for providing funding to these regional airports and airlines in B.C. This funding is critical to maintain and rebuild connectivity throughout Canada.”

–       Monette Pasher, Interim President, Canadian Airports Council 

“In my role as Airports Council International – North America Chair, I am working with my colleagues across North America as our industry recovers from COVID-19. Investments in aviation, such as the one being made by the federal government today, not only support the recovery of these airports and airlines, but also their surrounding communities.”

–       Sam Samaddar, Director, Kelowna International Airport

Projects being funded:

Legal NameCityFunding
Stikine Airport Society-Dease Lake AirportDease Lake$328,322
Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot-Tofino / Long Beach AirportTofino$328,322
City of Abbotsford-Abbotsford International AirportAbbotsford$2,320,000
Kelowna International AirportKelowna$3,261,330
Town of Smithers-Smithers Regional AirportSmithers$505,616
City of Williams Lake-Williams Lake Regional AirportWilliams Lake$130,000
Pacific Coastal Airlines LimitedRichmond$5,098,602
Central Mountain Air Ltd., 580741 British Columbia Ltd.Smithers$5,000,000
The City of Castlegar-West Kootenay Regional AirportCastlegar$524,200
The Corporation of the City of Cranbrook-Canadian Rockies International AirportCranbrook$609,584
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality-Northern Rockies Regional AirportFort Nelson$328,322
Cariboo Regional District-Cariboo Regional AirportAnahim Lake$54,720
City of Quesnel-Quesnel Regional AirportQuesnel$326,518
Total:$18,811,536

Quick facts

  • The Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) has a national budget of $206 million.
  • 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.
  • It is delivered by regional development agencies across Canada, including Pacific Economic Development Canada, the new regional development agency dedicated to British Columbia.
  • RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.

Associated links

Kamloops Airport passenger numbers remain low through first half of 2021 as travel restrictions gradually ease

From Radio NL 610 AM – link to source story – thanks to CW

Victor Kaisar | Jul 16, 2021

Kamloops Airport passenger numbers remain low through first half of 2021 as travel restrictions gradually ease

Kamloops Airport staff are reporting a 319 per cent increase in passenger volumes during the months of April, May, and June this year.

Data released today shows there were 7,932 passengers that passed through the terminal at YKA, up from just 2,489 during the same three months last year.

Most of those passengers (3,373) were in June when travel restrictions within the province were eased, as part of Step 2 of BC’s COVID Restart Plan, compared to 1,407 in 2020.

So far though six months of the year, there have been 17,122 passengers at Kamloops Airport.

In April, there were 2,506 passengers (compared to 493 in 2020) while in May there were 2,053 passengers (compared to 589 in 2020).

“Passenger numbers in the second quarter continue to reflect the negative impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on the airline, aviation and tourism industries in Kamloops,” Kamloops Airport Managing Director Ed Ratuski said. “Passenger numbers are slowly starting to recover domestically as provincial travel restrictions ease and passengers take advantage of the increased frequencies and new services offered by WestJet, Air Canada, Central Mountain Air, and Pacific Coastal Airlines.”

“However, as travel restrictions and quarantine requirements remain in place for much of the country and limited relaxation of restrictions for transborder and international destinations , recovery to pre-pandemic passenger levels will remain slow.”

While masks are not mandatory in indoor spaces in B.C. as of July 1 as part of Step 3 of the COVID Restart Plan, Ratuski is reminding passengers that masks are mandatory during the security screening and in the boarding lounge at the airport, as well as onboard the aircraft.

“We also recommend that all persons entering the terminal wear a mask. Passengers will continue to have their temperature checked prior to boarding the aircraft and we recommend allowing additional time for check in and security screening processes,” he added.

“Hourly parking is currently free to encourage those dropping off or picking up passengers to remain outside the terminal or at their vehicles.”

With restrictions on travel within Canada eased as of July 1, passengers are also being encouraged to check in online to limit the need for direct contact with airline personnel while in the terminal.