News release

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and the Kelowna & District Flying Club are inviting the public to attend the National 2017 Canadian Owners and Pilots’ Association (COPA) Convention and Trade Show on June 23rd and 24th.

The convention will feature under-the-wing camping, an exhibitor static display of aircraft, an aviation trade show, several breakout sessions and a banquet dinner.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW), owned and operated by the City of Kelowna, is a significant community asset for the Okanagan Valley. With more than 1.7 million passengers served in 2016, an economic impact of 4,545 jobs and $789 million in total economic output to the province of British Columbia, YLW continues to generate business, tourism and air access benefits for the region.

Kelowna International Airport and the Kelowna & District Flying Club are hosting the 2017 Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Convention and Trade Show on June 23 and 24, and they’re looking for volunteers to make it happen.

COPA is expecting more than 400 attendees for this event, many of whom will arrive in their aircraft from across Canada. The convention will feature under-the-wing camping, an exhibitor static display of aircraft, an aviation trade show, several breakout sessions and a banquet dinner.

This morning marked the first WestJet redeye flight from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

The debut flight departed Kelowna at 12:05 a.m. and landed in Toronto at 7:15 a.m., just in time to catch one of more than 180 WestJet-operated and airline partner flights to destinations around the globe, including over 55 daily destinations throughout eastern Canada, the United States and Europe.

At approximately 9:40 pm, YLW staff became aware of a small fire on the rooftop above a construction area at Kelowna International Airport.

YLW Operations and the Kelowna Fire Department responded immediately and the fire was extinguished upon arrival. 

The small fire was limited to the rooftop area. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

There was no impact on passengers, staff or commercial flights at YLW. Airport operations remain unchanged and there is no disruption to scheduled flight service tonight or tomorrow.

Pacific Coastal Airlines announced the addition of a new flight between Victoria (YYJ) and Kelowna (YLW), effective June 5.

The additional flight leaves YYJ at 11:45 a.m. and arrives at YLW at 12:50 p.m. The return flight will leave Kelowna at 3:45 p.m. and arrive back in Victoria at 4:50 p.m.

“It’s great to see the Victoria-Kelowna service succeeding,” says Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “This route is very important for both business and leisure travelers in the area.”

Air Canada has announced it will begin Spring shoulder service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) between April 22 to May 28. Flying twice weekly on Saturdays and Sundays with the A319, the new service means year-round Air Canada Rouge service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto.

WestJet announced today it will begin red-eye service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) effective May 18.

“YLW is very happy to announce this added service to Toronto as it increases connectivity options for our travellers,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “With just one stop in Toronto, our passengers can travel to a number of world-wide destinations.”

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s annual Spring Travel Event will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can meet with air carriers, travel agents, hotels and resorts to get helpful travel tips and information on popular vacation destinations.

“This year, we have a fantastic lineup of booths for participants to connect with and learn about exciting new travel options from YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Best of all, the money raised from the prize ballots will be donated to The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.”

On January 30th, WestJet announced that they’ll be offering non-stop seasonal service between Kelowna (YLW) and Winnipeg (YWG). The four-times-weekly service will begin May 29th and run until September 2017.

“We’re very happy to announce this much anticipated route,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “Our partnership with Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport is a wonderful opportunity for Okanagan residents to explore Winnipeg and Central Canada.”