Federal funds help YLW enhance safety and create jobs
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is getting a cash injection from the federal government to support operations and maintenance work.
YLW is receiving $3.2-million from the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), which will be used for essential routine maintenance and facility operations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Air transportation is essential to community well-being, regional economic development, and the prosperity of all Canadians,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and the Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“Today’s announcement will not only enhance airport safety and support our essential services, it will also create jobs that British Columbians can rely on and bolster regional growth as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.”
RATI was launched in March of 2021 with the goal of improving access to air transportation and supporting regional ecosystems. The initiative specifically aimed to enable regional air carriers and airports to remain in operation and contribute to the regional economy during the pandemic.
“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,” said, Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport Director.
“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.”
In addition to YLW, 12 other regional airports and air carriers in B.C. were provided with funding, totaling more than $18.8-million.
- Cariboo Regional Airport (Anaheim Lake) $54,720
- City of Williams Lake $130,000
- Northern Rockies Regional Airport (Fort Nelson) $324,322
- Quesnel Regional Airport $326,518
- Stikine Airport Society (Dease Lake) $328,322
- Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot (Tofino) $328,322
- Town of Smithers $505,616
- West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar) $524,200
- Canadian Rockies International Airport (Cranbrook) $609,584
- City of Abbotsford $2,320,000
- City of Kelowna – Kelowna International Airport $3,261,330
- Central Mountain Air Ltd. (Smithers) $5,000,000
- Pacific Coastal Airlines Limited (Richmond) $5,098,602