GA Service Expansion At Kelowna, B.C

Canada's Kelowna International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the country.

With service to the Western U.S. and Canada, the airport serves as a hub for British Columbia. In a surprising turn for general aviation, all too often the recipient of ambivalent service at airports hosting passenger service, Kelowna has announced major expansion plans to its general aviation infrastructure. 

The Kelowna Flying Club spearheaded the effort to improve GA service through greater access to parking and accommodations for smaller aircraft. The expansion will be the first improvement for the local flying community in more than 2 decades, costing $5.5 million CAD. When complete, the project will boost private aircraft parking by 64% on the 5.5 acre GA parking zone. Best of all for those whose aircraft brave the harsh winter conditions, the new parking spots will be paved and over half will be covered by a roof. Those remaining uncovered will be assigned to transient and overnight aircraft, and overflow of local residents as needed.

The project will be funded entirely by private donations from Kelowna Flying Club membership, and will be completed with the assistance of the Airport authority. The parties have signed a 30-year sublease which will allow additional hangar space and aviation fuel services in addition to the parking expansion. The improvement of service accommodations are hoped to make the location more attractive for smaller aircraft touring the area or passing through to more remote locales. Throughout the lease term it is hoped that the changes produce more than $150 million CAD in financial benefits to the region. 

FMI: www.kelownaflyingclub.com