Airport Development planned for 2017

News release

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.

“Passenger volumes are expected to continue growing over the next 20 years reaching 3.5 million passengers, and annual aircraft movements are forecast to increase to 100,000 per year by 2045,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “This growth means YLW will need to continue expanding and building infrastructure for the foreseeable future.”

A number of capital projects will be continued from last year, including the new Outbound Baggage Hall, Apron 1 rehabilitation and lighting improvements, Departures Lounge kitchen upgrades, Airfield Lighting LED conversion, Combined Operations Building expansion planning, and new navigational aids for Runway 34 and the Runway End Safety Area.

“Projects like these allow for increased efficiency, safer operations and faster service here at YLW,” explained Ed Stephens, Senior Manager of Airport Development.

In 2017 and 2018, YLW will also be working on the preliminary design for 17 projects in the new Airport Improvement Fee program, including a Terminal and Apron expansion, new East Taxiway, Self-Serve Baggage Drop and new loading bridges. The Eastside Lands Development and the Airport Way improvements between Hwy 97 and the Okanagan Rail Trail will also be designed in 2017.

Did you Know?

  • March 2017 was YLW’s busiest month ever with 173,504 passengers through the doors. That’s up 14.2 per cent since 2016.
  • In November 2016, the new YLW Master Plan 2045 was approved and adopted by Kelowna City Council. The plan is a critical airport planning document that will help guide airport development to the year 2045.
  • YLW and its nine airline partners offer direct flights to 17 scheduled and seasonal destinations.

For more information on capital projects at YLW, visit ylw.kelowna.ca/business/airport-development.