Airlines and Destinations
Penticton Regional Airport has historically provided flights to several destinations, including Boeing Field—an international airport located in King County, Washington, that serves the Seattle and Tacoma areas—and the Kelowna International Airport. However, as of 2012, it offers flights to the Vancouver International Airport, which are provided by Air Canada Express and operated by Jazz Air. These flights are provided three times daily, with the exception of Sunday, when two flights are available. On May 1, 2013, due to feedback from the public, the airport is scheduled to add an additional flight to the Vancouver International Airport offered by Air Canada Express. In 2010, the airport garnered 34,946 aircraft movements, while in 2011, it served approximately 80,000 passengers.
As of 2012, there are several proposals to increase destinations serviced from Penticton. Local residents have hoped to attract WestJet, which led to the airport being renamed to "WestJetville" for one day in June 2012. This campaign prompted representatives from the Penticton area to travel to Calgary, so they could attempt to convince WestJet executives to offer their services at the airport. The executives voted 91 percent in favor of the launch of a regional airline, and announced they would name it Encore. The company's service is planned to commence in 2013. City mayor Dan Ashton has proposed that Air Canada Express expand its services by adding flights to the Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport. There has also been consideration for the airport to provide direct flights to the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport provided by Air Canada. It was suggested that Jazz Air could upgrade their aircraft operating at the facility, with it being noted that regional airlines in the United States may be willing to offer services at this airport.
Read more about this topic: Penticton Regional Airport