Kelowna International Airport (YLW/CYLW)
New routes and frequency possibilities and why these routes would work
|
Flash is required to use this website
Kelowna International's phased expansion will cater for the 1.6 million passengers expected in 2015 and handle non-stop flights to Europe in the future. Kelowna is also the first city outside Europe to be chosen to host the International Winter Games, in January 2011. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Other major reasons to serve this airport
Flash is required to use this website
Europe's year-round tourism opportunity: From mirror lakes, to renowned wineries and snowcapped mountains, Kelowna's diverse landscape already attracts over 1.2 million visitors every year.
- In 2009 over 70% of passengers using YLW are for pleasure and/or VFR trips, 25% is for business or business and pleasure
- YLW is the regional airport gateway to the BC southern interior, Thompson/Okanagan Region.
- University of British Columbia/Okanagan campus – 7500 student base (large international student population)
Flash is required to use this website
There are no half-baked marketing strategies at Kelowna International. The airport hosts inaugural route launch events with cake as part of a tailored marketing package, via outlets including social media, radio, print, web and television.
Marketing and other support
- YLW is pleased to offer promotional and marketing support to help ensure new routes become successful markets with strong yields for the airline.
- YLW's marketing support includes a strong mix of social media, radio, print, web, television, speaking engagements, special events and contests. YLW Communications will plan, write/design, execute and track the promotional initiatives as outlined below with input and key messaging from the airline's marketing division.
- In addition, all new air service incentive of Terminal and Landing Fees reduction for the initial six months of service. YLW is a "Low Cost" airport with a per passenger cost of approximately $6.00 CAD.
- One of the lowest AIF fees in Canada at $12 per pax.
- Intercontinental runway length of 8,900 foot; ILS reducing minimums to 251'/1 mile providing a very high 99%+ schedule flight completion.
- The airport magazine - YLW Connection
Flash is required to use this website
Kelowna is the biggest centre for business and trade between Greater Vancouver and Alberta. British Columbia's economy is forecast to grow 2.8% in 2011 with tourism is also one of the city's largest economic drivers.
Catchment Area
- Thompson/Okanagan catchment area includes a population base of 350,000
- YVR within a 45 minute flight or 5 hour drive from YLW
- International award winning wines: 15 wineries in and around Kelowna, and over 95 through out the region between Salmon Arm and Osoyoos
- Four award winning and world class ski resorts within 120 minute drive from the airport
- Four season tourism draw; winter – ski; summer – golf, lakes, hiking, biking; year round wine tasting/tours
- Averaging over 2,000 hours of sun every year, the Okanagan offers one of the longest, driest golf seasons in Canada. Vineyards, orchards, semi-desert terrain, rolling hills and expansive lakes make the over 50 golf courses in the area some of the most picturesque in the country.
- Inward Catchment Area – including four superb ski resorts!
- Tourism Kelowna
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Flash is required to use this website
The "Silicon Vineyard"– Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) promotional agency has a membership of some 225 – including Kelowna Flightcraft, an MRO with some 1,000 employees in Kelowna and other locations across Canada.
Under-served freight opportunities and other economic impact factors
The Okanagan valley around Kelowna has one of Canada's fastest-growing technology sectors and is such dubbed the "silicon vineyard."
Full Aviation line and AOG Maintenance Engineering services available on airfield.
- Kelowna Flightcraft
- Kelowna Flightcraft is an award winning AMO and operates a full service MRO facility at Kelowna International Airport.
- Kelowna Flightcraft employees 750 skilled and experienced staff that maintain, modify and engineer aircraft and components.
- KF is a one stop-shop servicing the corporate, commercial and military aviation industries worldwide.
Flash is required to use this website
Kelowna International is well-positioned just 15 kilometres north east of downtown and accessible via a four lane Highway, airport shuttle services and taxis.
Geography
- Kelowna International Airport is only 15 minutes from Downtown Kelowna and offers a variety of transfer options including taxis, shuttles, on-airport car rental and regional transit services.
- Vernon is 45 minute drive north of airport; Penticton is a 60 minute drive south of the airport
Infrastructure & Operations
- Eight stands, accommodates up to 767/A310
- 2,695 metre runway with Instrument Landing System
- Not slot coordinated
- Operating hours: 24hr
- Single terminal with new first floor retail and food and beverage area.
Infrastructure & Operations
- 8,900 foot runway
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Terminal: One (domestic and international) Canada Border Services 24/7; 2007 departure room expansion; major terminal expansion programme to increase Canada Border Services area, departure room, and domestic arrivals (drive to 1.6 million paxs) starts in 2011, see below
-
Other relevant Infrastructure & Operations details
- Five passenger loading bridge gates/eight gates in total
- International/transborder duty free
- Navcan Tower/ATC on site
- One of the worlds largest aviation maintenance firms is headquartered at YLW, Kelowna Flightcraft.
Important infrastructure developments and/or other news
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) passenger activity is forecast to grow to 1.6 million passengers by 2015.
To accommodate this growth the airport is putting in place a phased approach where construction will be triggered by passenger traffic demand. "If by 2011 we are ahead of schedule and passenger numbers are closer to 1.6 million then we expect we will move on these projects at a faster rate," explains Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. "However if passenger numbers start to level out something like we are seeing this year, these projects will be completed as planned over the next five to six years. By having a phased approach to the construction we can trigger each component of the project based on actual passenger demand."
The Drive to 1.6 Million program includes a new trans-boarder departures facility, upgrade to the outbound baggage system, new domestic arrivals and departures in the concourse which will take place between 2011 and 2016.
The order of magnitude cost estimated for these projects is budgeted at $50.5M and will be paid for through the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). The AIF at Kelowna International is currently $10 per departing passenger and will increase to $12 in 2011 and to $15 per enplaned passenger effective January 1, 2013. Despite the increase, Kelowna Airport will continue to have one of the lowest AIF rates among Canadian airports.
Vital statistics
- As the 10th busiest airport in Canada, passenger numbers at YLW have increased by 53% since 2004 and in 2009 reached 1.37 million.
- Markets currently served non-stop from YLW include: Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle, Las Vegas (seasonal), Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Las Cabos (all 3 Mexico routes are seasonal)
- Commercial Airlines serving YLW include, Air Canada, AC Jazz, Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air and WestJet
- Freight: Purolator, Federal Express, UPS, DHL
- Largest carrier: Westjet
- Link to airport tour video here
