When rates skyrocket or dates are sold out (especially the evening of June 4th), your best option is to try our year-round Hotel Partners, Coast and Sandman Hotels, using the BCAC codes under Travel Partners on our website.
Great Park 'N Fly rates are also available at Travel Partners.
Don't forget your swimsuit! The Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops has a rooftop pool (with Jacuzzi) and lounge – a convivial place to unwind after a long day. This is also the location of our Welcoming Reception.
Don't forget to register for the conference at bit.ly/BCAC25
BC Aviation Council Scholarship Program to Award Over $200,000 in 2025
Scholarships open to all Students for aviation and aerospace studies in BC and Yukon.
Application submission deadline extended until midnight May 11th, 2025.
Applications are still being accepted for the British Columbia Aviation Council’s Scholarship Program. The 2025 program's total value is expected to blow past the record of $144,183 in scholarships bestowed in 2024 to exceed over $200,000 thanks to donations and additional scholarships, including the Coulson Aviation $54,000 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-Structures award. This new scholarship is one of the largest for any field of study, not just aviation and aerospace, awarded in Canada. Donations to the program are ongoing.
Dave Frank, the BCAC’s executive director, states, “Scholarships play a key role in encouraging students to overcome the many barriers to entering Canada’s aviation and aerospace sector. For example, the cost of obtaining a commercial pilots license is over $125,000, yet the BC Student Aid Program only provides $5,000. That difference represents a lot of hamburger flipping. The elitist bias against students from lower and medium income families just has to stop."
The BCAC offers the largest scholarship program of its kind in Canada. The scholarships are open to all students who are or plan to take their aviation and aerospace training in B.C. or Yukon. Scholarships support a wide-range of studies: private and commercial pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), aviation operations and management, aerospace, career change and airport careers - to name a few.
“We’re proud to help aspiring aviation and aerospace students as they seek to realize their dreams and enjoy long careers in the industry,” said BCAC Chair, Cathy Press. “These financial awards will help Canada reduce its critical shortage of essential personnel as our industry grows and evolves.”
The awards also include the $20,000 Bain and Brown Aviation Career Scholarship contributed by Ted Bain and his spouse Nancy Brown, the $3,500 Barry and Jim Aviation Maintenance Graduate Award endowment donated by the Barry Lapointe Foundation, two $3,000 Aircraft Mechanical Engineer (AME) scholarships (which include an optional six-month paid apprenticeship) from Harbour Air, two $3,750 awards from the Kelowna International Airport, one $5000 Pitt Meadows Airport award and three $10,000 scholarships supported by Pacific Coastal Airlines' annual charity golf tournament, and other financial assistance packages worth a minimum of $1,750 each.
“BCAC supporters were challenged as an industry to do more for student aid and they have responded aggressively. Now it is the turn of government to meet this challenge," said Frank.
For more information on available financial awards, visit the Scholarship Applications page on the BCAC website.
(Contributed by Monte Stewart, lightly edited by Adrienne Noyes)
Coulson Aviation creates $54K AME-S Scholarship in partnership with BCAC
Coulson Aviation, a global leader in aerial firefighting, is proud to partner with the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) to introduce the Coulson Aviation Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Structures (AME-S) Scholarship. This $54,000 scholarship package covers tuition, hybrid apprenticeship training, and essential tools, ensuring recipients receive unparalleled support in their journey to becoming fully licensed AME-S professionals.
“We recognize the growing demand for well-trained aviation professionals,” said Britton Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation. “By providing this comprehensive scholarship, we’re not just investing in individuals - we’re strengthening the future of the aviation industry. Our training program ensures students gain real-world experience while working alongside experts, leading to a direct career path with Coulson Aviation.”
Offered through the Coulson Aviation Academy in Port Alberni, this program provides a unique apprenticeship model that integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience on operational aircraft. Recognized as the first aviation company authorized to offer training in aircraft structures in Canada, its Transport Canada Approved Training Organization (ATO) status allows students to train at no cost while earning an income as part of the Coulson team.
The key benefits of the scholarship include:
Full financial support covering tuition, training, and tools
On-the-job learning through a hybrid apprenticeship model
Comprehensive exam preparation for Transport Canada certification
Guaranteed employment at Coulson Aviation upon successful program completion
This scholarship is open to British Columbia residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Deadline for application submission is midnight May 11, 2025. For more information, please visit the British Columbia Aviation Council's Scholarship Applications web page.
Coulson Aviation remains dedicated to innovation and workforce development, ensuring the aviation industry continues to thrive with skilled professionals trained to the highest standards.
YLW providing $7,000 in scholarships to support regional aviation and aerospace
Growing reserve fund supports scholarship program expansion.
This year, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is awarding $7,000 to two students, $3,500 each, in the Okanagan pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace. This is the third year YLW, in partnership with British Columbia Aviation Council, has awarded this scholarship.
“The YLW Scholarship Fund is designed to encourage the next generation to pursue a future in aviation and aerospace. There are countless different opportunities in aviation with careers ranging from aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, airport management and many more,” says Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer, Kelowna International Airport. “By supporting local students, we are investing in the future of aviation and the continued growth of the Okanagan.”
The YLW Scholarship Fund is managed by the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC). BCAC recognizes the financial pressures faced by students pursuing studies in aviation and aerospace and are pleased to offer more than $200,000 worth of scholarships and other support this year. With the critical shortage of human resources faced by the aviation industry – even before the COVID pandemic – and the need to support industry-wide recovery efforts, a focus on scholarships is a key priority of the BCAC. As a result, this is by far Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace scholarship program.
Applications are open until May 11th for the 2025 scholarships. Those pursuing a career in aviation and aerospace are encouraged to apply online at Scholarship Applications.
To learn more about the YLW Regional Scholarship Fund, visit ylw.kelowna.ca/scholarship
(Photo/YLW)
Volunteer conference photographer needed!
The BCAC is looking for a (preferably local) volunteer photographer to help us document our "Innovation - Eyes on the Horizon" Conference in scenic Kamloops, BC, from June 02 - 04, 2025. Includes an all-access delegate registration, most expenses, free BCAC swag, a small honourarium, and full credit for your photos via our social media channels and website. Great opportunity to promote your photography services to a professional clientele in the aviation and aerospace community in BC.
The most delivered business jet: Features on the Embraer Phenom 300
Another article in our series about business aviation - an under-recognized component of our economy.
The Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300, a light business jet designed and manufactured by Brazilian planemaker Embraer, is the most delivered private jet currently in the skies today. The aircraft is popular with operators for several reasons, including its ability to carry up to 11 passengers and the fact that it has been certified for single-pilot operations. Work on the Phenom 300 program began in the early 2000s in response to increased demand for an aircraft larger than the Phenom 100, a very light jet which had proven a bestseller.
While the design team had originally meant for the plane to be a relatively straightforward derivative of the Phenom 100, the plane's clean sheet design was eventually adopted by the carrier. The Phenom 300 would eventually go on to feature more capable engines, in addition to an advanced spoiler and winglets, which helped significantly reduce the aircraft's fuel consumption. In addition, the plane featured an elongated cabin that would allow it to accommodate more passengers.
The aircraft was popular due to its similarities and differences with the earlier Phenom 100. The aircraft was also operationally similar, despite the fact that it featured a completely different design However, it improved on many of the smaller plane's drawbacks, such as its cabin and interior design as well as its landing gear and interior structure.
The Embraer Phenom 300 took to the skies for the first time on April 29, 2008, and it quickly received its type certification on December 3 of the following year. The plane would then enter service with operators across the globe, and the jet became the most delivered business jet worldwide by 2013. During March 2019, manufacturer Embraer delivered its 500th Phenom 300 model, allowing it to record a market share exceeding 50% in the light jet market. On January 31, 2020, Embraer announced that it would be upgrading the model with the improved Embraer Phenom 300E. In this article, we will take a deeper look at the story of the Embraer Phenom 300 and what makes this jet so special.
A deeper look at the development of the Embraer Phenom 300
In the early 2000s, Embraer was busy developing the Phenom 100, a light business jet that was set to be a game-changer in the private jet market. While conducting feasibility research, the manufacturer noticed that many of its customers were also interested in a larger version of the jet, one that could offer additional range and capacity. Back in 2004, the company decided to produce this larger derivative of the Phenom 100, which was quickly designated as the Phenom 300.
The initial work on this model called for the aircraft to be a simple upscaled model of the Phenom 100, which would have saved money on development costs. However, the manufacturer eventually decided to go with the clean sheet approach for the development of the Phenom 300. Engineers fitted the Phenom 300 with larger, more capable engines to allow it to meet its performance targets, which worked alongside spoiler-equipped wings and detachable aluminum winglets to help improve fuel efficiency.
Despite the clean sheet design, the aircraft does still offer several design similarities with the Phenom 100, such as a long structural life and a composite-built T-tail. The aircraft also features similar landing gear, avionics, cockpit interior, and fly-by-wire brake systems. The cabin and cockpit interiors of these Phenom 300 models would be designed by BMW DesignWorksUSA. READ MORE
Gold Coast and Townsville airports gear up for switch to 100 per cent renewable energy
Join our June 2-4 Innovations Conference and be part of the BC Airports System's push to become net carbon zero by 2030 - a world first!
From midnight on 1 January, Gold Coast and Townsville airports will be powered by green energy generated in regional Queensland, following an agreement with CS Energy and Queensland Airports (QAL).
The two airports collectively service more than eight million passenger journeys a year with CS Energy CEO, Darren Busine, saying the agreement to switch to 100 percent renewable energy marks a significant moment for [not just those two airports, but] sustainable tourism and the Australian aviation industry [as a whole].
“Our customers' energy needs have evolved, and our business is evolving with them,” he said. “As our customers work towards meeting their decarbonisation goals and navigating the energy transition, companies like ours have to be responsive to their changing needs and be able to provide new innovations, new products and new technologies to support them.”
With the two regional hubs set for major expansions to support their anticipated passenger growth in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the move to renewable energy, which is part of a seven-year agreement, is part of their master plans.
Annual passenger traffic at both airports is set to double to 16 million by 2044 with QAL CEO Amelia Evans saying the collaboration with CS Energy demonstrates the airport operators commitment to decarbonising its operations while continuing to support increased connectivity, tourism and trade.
Referencing how the airports operate in the natural landscape of their regions, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Cobaki environmental precinct, Evans said: “We are looking to be environmental stewards in the regions that we serve and this includes what we do to preserve our natural environment on a day-to-day basis.
“From January 1 2025 we will be using green power across all our Gold Coast and Townsville airport operations including air conditioning, lighting, baggage carousels and way finding.”
Introducing the BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program
Another world-leading undertaking for British Columbia.
The BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program (BC-LCJFIP) is a key initiative aimed at reducing aviation emissions in British Columbia. Launched by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on November 18, 2024, the program encourages the early adoption of low carbon jet fuel by offering incentives to airlines to help offset the current price premium. The program provides incentives for eligible Low Carbon Jet Fuel (LCJF) purchases made and received at any B.C. airport iduring the 2024, 2025, and 2026 program years.
Eligible airlines must apply to the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions within specified periods to receive credits or funding. Incentive amounts are based on the volume and type of LCJF purchased, with higher incentives for fuels with lower carbon intensity. The program aims to drive innovation, reduce emissions, and increase the availability of low carbon fuels, supporting BC's Low Carbon Fuel Standard which has been advancing the province's low-carbon goals since 2010.
The BC-LCJFIP supports YVR's goal of achieving, and perhaps exceeding, net zero operational emissions by 2030 and contributes to global efforts to decarbonize aviation. The success of this initiative will depend on collaboration between fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports to ensure the effective implementation and uptake of low carbon jet fuels.
UPDATE: BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program – 2025 Application Period Open
YVR is pleased to announce that the 2025 application period for the BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program is now open.
This program is intended to encourage the early adoption of low carbon jet fuel across British Columbia. Backed by BC’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the goal is to lower the carbon intensity of jet fuel, supporting both provincial regulations and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation.
Through incentives, the Program helps airlines offset the higher cost of low carbon jet fuel by providing either a cash or credit incentive, making the transition to more sustainable fuel options easier and more accessible. Eligible air operators are those operating flights under Parts 701 (excluding state aircraft), 703, 704, and 705 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Program information, including the application package can be found at Low Carbon Jet Fuel | YVR. Applications will be accepted until midnight PST on May 9, 2025. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Environment@yvr.ca.
(Source/Photo: Andrea Price, YVR Energy Manager)
Inside the world’s most famous aeroplane boneyard
What are 3,200 military aircraft doing in the Arizona desert?
For infantry and armoured cavalry, target practice is relatively straightforward. Load up on training rounds and aim for paper bullseyes, plywood cutouts or life-size models of enemy vehicles. Air-defence forces have a trickier time. Despite the exception of the occasional Chinese spy balloon, the skies do not offer a wealth of objects to shoot at.
One solution comes from the armed forces’ own fighter jets. Since 2010 Boeing has converted retired F-16 fighter jets into unmanned QF-16s (the Q designates a drone). They are easily identified by their orange tails. The Air Force uses them as chase planes or shoots missiles by - but not at - them. After some 300 hours of being chased and shot at, they end their service lives as targets over the Gulf of Mexico, where they are shot down with live ordnance. The debris ends up as an artificial reef at the bottom of the sea.
The source of the converted F-16s is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, or AMARG, at the Davis-Monthan air-force base in Tucson, where the Department of Defence and some civilian agencies such as NASA and the Department of Agriculture store surplus aircraft. It is better known simply as “the Boneyard”. AMARG is a perpetual source of fascination on internet forums frequented by aviation nerds, who pore over satellite imagery of the 3,200-odd aircraft of 75 different types scattered over 2,600 acres of desert. AMARG describes itself as “America’s National Airpower Reservoir”.
The reservoir is topped up and drawn down as needed. In 2021, as America hastily withdrew from Afghanistan, many Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters purchased for the Afghan armed forces happened to be at maintenance sites abroad. With no question of sending them to the Taliban, they were transferred to AMARG and put into storage. After Russia invaded Ukraine the following year, Joe Biden included the helicopters in an $800m military-aid package to Ukraine. They still bear their desert camouflage, albeit with blue-and-yellow stripes painted on the sides.
In the imagination of the public, the Boneyard is where ex-service planes go to decay. In practice, AMARG is a temporary storage site, a source for spare parts and a “regeneration” facility, where stored planes are made fit to fly again. “Nothing that you see out here is junk,” says Robert Raine, AMARG’s spokesman. Even what is obviously junk—a bunch of decaying B-52 bombers with their wings and tails chopped off—is there for a reason. They are kept in that state so that Russian spy satellites can verify America’s compliance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
Whole-aircraft transfers such as those to Ukraine (or other allied countries) are less common than the reclamation of parts from stored aircraft for use on serving fighters, bombers, transport carriers and others. The parts could be anything from engine components to entire horizontal stabilisers (those are fins at the back of a plane, jutting out sideways underneath the tailfin). Mechanics—whom AMARG calls “artisans”—go out into the desert, locate the part, extract it, and bring it to a warehouse where it is cleaned, checked, packaged and shipped. The reservoir can process up to 30 such requests every day. AMARG sent out thousands of parts during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Once an aircraft has been stripped of its usable parts, its owner—the Air Force, Forest Services and others—usually asks AMARG to get rid of it. The first step is to pull off anything classified and to “demilitarise” the plane. Hazardous bits such as hydraulic fluid, materials like asbestos, and explosives like those in the ejection seat system are all removed. So are composite materials. Contractors then take over, running what’s left through a shredder, twice. The ex-plane emerges on the other side in pieces about half a centimetre in length. “This stuff is high quality aluminium. It becomes, at a minimum, car parts,” says Mr Raine. Other metals, such as titanium, are also reused. “You get a lot of golf clubs out of a wing box on an F-14.”
UVic aerospace team designing unmanned vehicle to combat wildfires
UVic Aero team will compete at the Student Unmanned Aircraft Systems competition in Medicine Hat
The sky's the limit for a group of University of Victoria students.
The University of Victoria’s (UVic) aerospace engineering team, UVic Aero, is returning to the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada Student Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) competition in 2025. One of the oldest engineering clubs at UVic, UVic Aero hopes to return to its former glory after winning the UAS Competition in 2018. The group was forced to take a hiatus due to COVID-19 and only returned to the competition last year.
This year, the competition focuses on wildfire prevention. The team is tasked with creating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of finding, mapping, and eliminating wildfires. The focus on wildfire detection is especially important to club president Alex Rome. “Back in 2008, my home was almost destroyed by a wildfire. I was too young at the time to recognize the severity and depth of what had happened, but I do now,” said Rome.
“This competition means a lot to the team as a way of showcasing their skills and innovation, but it means more to communities and residents. Wildfires have become a recurring and more frequent natural disaster felt by many.”
The club’s enthusiasm has helped them secure Conair Aerial Firefighting as a sponsor for this year’s competition. Conair will provide $2,000, making up nearly a third of their UAV’s build budget.
“To receive this kind of support for our club is absolutely astounding and a huge deal. The university provides us with space to work on our projects, but we do not receive any financial support from them,” said Rome.
Despite the club's past success in the competition, they may be seen as underdogs, since UVic does not offer an aerospace engineering program or specialization, few teams without such a program take part in the competition.
“It is somewhat unusual,” said Rome. “Historically, the most successful teams in the student competition have come from universities with an aerospace program or specialization. It’s also unusual that we are from Western Canada, as the majority of Canada’s aerospace industry is located in Quebec and Ontario.”
However, Rome is not shaken by UVic Aero being an outlier. “Our team is very multidisciplinary and brings together not just mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, but also business, arts, and physics students who are passionate about aerospace,” he says.
“Our combined knowledge and enthusiasm help bridge the gap to our competition.”
UVic Aero will have their chance to take the top prize once again when the UAS competition is held from May 9 to 11 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Castlegar airport wins award for approach to increasing growth and reliability
The West Kootenay Regional Airport received the Public Aviation Facility Award from the British Columbia Aviation Council. The Council fully supports the rapid development of a precision approach (RPN), thereby increasing the airport's reliability - resulting in dramatically enhanced social and economic development in the region. The 2026 BC Winter Games are fast approaching.
The City of Castlegar's West Kootenay Regional Airport (WKRA) is being recognized for its systematic and innovative approach to increasing reliability and accommodating growth. The airport received the William Templeton Public Aviation Facility Award from the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) on Oct. 18 during the BCAC’s annual Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Award Celebration. The award recognizes exceptional initiative and achievement in the successful development of a community airport.
"The large team behind Castlegar West Kootenay Airport is thinking into the future,” said BCAC Executive Director Dave Frank. “Airport management, city councillors and administrators, contractors, partners and supporters have collaborated on expansions and innovations that will have profound social and economic impacts on the entire region.”
WKRA was recognized for initiatives such as its runway solar LED project, apron rehabilitation and taxiway extension project, vehicle fleet renewal, and its role in helping to set up the Air Canada Flight Disruption Shuttle.
The BCAC award selectors also considered the airport’s partnerships with the Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association (KERPA), the Southeast Fire Centre and other community groups.
“Winning this award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the West Kootenay Regional Airport a success,” said Mayor Maria McFaddin. “I want to thank our staff, past and present councils, contractors, and partners for their vision and commitment to the airport’s development. This achievement not only celebrates our team’s efforts but also recognizes the airport’s continued role in connecting and supporting the community and how it serves as an important gateway for residents and travellers.”
WKRA Manager Maciej Habrych adds, “Receiving the William Templeton Award is a tremendous honour. It reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone who has contributed to the airport’s growth and success. With the continued advancement of the RNP approach and the upcoming terminal building expansion, the airport is well-positioned to strengthen its role in connecting the community, supporting local growth, and enhancing travel options.”
Over the past couple of years, WKRA has undertaken a number projects that contributed to earning the award.
Air Canada Flight Disruption Shuttle In 2023, Air Canada introduced a pilot project to provide a shuttle as an alternative travel solution for passengers affected by weather-related flight cancellations, ensuring continued travel options through Kelowna. Due to its success in serving over 1,300 passengers and increasing journey completion rate to 90 per cent, Air Canada has extended the service until April 30, 2025. This is the only service of its kind within Air Canada’s network.
Improved Reliability The airport is making steady progress toward implementing a Required Navigational Performance (RNP) approach, which will enhance flight accessibility and reduce cancellations by enabling aircraft to navigate precise GPS-guided flight paths.
Transport Canada has signaled its intent to move forward and is actively engaged in the review process. Once in place, the RNP solution will reduce cancellations caused by river and valley fog, increase successful landings, and support the airport’s long-term growth.
Terminal Building Expansion The airport received a $6 million grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to support the expansion of its terminal building, which will increase terminal capacity and enhance the passenger experience by providing a modern, welcoming environment inspired by the natural beauty and character of the West Kootenay. In 2025, the airport will begin seeking an architectural designer to develop detailed plans for the project.
Runway Solar LED Project The airport installed solar LED runway edge lights, funded by a $500,000 grant from the British Columbia Air Access Program, to enhance pilot visibility and safety.
Apron Expansion and Rehabilitation The Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Extension project, supported by $4 million in combined funding from Transport Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program and the British Columbia Air Access Program, involved significant upgrades to the airport’s apron and operational areas.
These upgrades have enhanced operational capacity by accommodating larger aircraft, increasing overall capacity, and enabling simultaneous aircraft operations.
Fleet Renewal The airport invested in a state-of-the-art snow plow and new fleet vehicles to enhance year-round operational efficiency, improve safety during winter conditions, and support ongoing regulatory compliance.
Passenger Experience WKRA is currently surveying passengers as part of the internationally recognized Airport Service Quality Passenger Experience Survey administered by Airports Council International. This is the industry standard for benchmarking customer satisfaction, with approximately 350 participating airports worldwide.
The feedback gathered will allow the airport to identify areas for improvement and guide the design and development of the upcoming terminal expansion, ensuring that future infrastructure aligns with passenger needs and expectations. The survey data will also help the airport enhance overall services, providing travellers with a modern and welcoming experience.
Building Strong Partnerships WKRA continues to foster strong community partnerships and expand its role as a hub for regional and essential services. This includes the recently established partnership with Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association (KERPA) who has set up a base at the airport to house their emergency response vehicle. This enhances KERPA's ability to respond swiftly to regional emergencies.
The Southeast Fire Centre (SEFC) continues to be a long-time airport tenant and has recently renewed its commitment to continue housing its operations at the airport. The city says that with increased wildfire activity in recent years, this partnership is vital in supporting emergency coordination and wildfire responses. The presence of the SEFC strengthens regional emergency preparedness, benefiting the community and the broader region.
Earlier this year, the City of Castlegar leased property adjacent to the airport to Kalesnikoff Mass Timber to construct a new mass timber facility. The city says this move increases new economic opportunities, brings jobs to Castlegar, supports local industry growth, and further strengthens Castlegar’s connection to regional business.
Kelowna's airport is helping region soar to new heights
The BC Aviation Council's end of May 2026 Innovations Part 2 Conference will be centered around the historic Eldorado Hotel properties. Note that YLW is the largest municipality operated passenger airport in Canada.
As chair of the Airport Advisory Committee, I have the privilege to see firsthand the role Kelowna International Airport (YLW) plays in our community and beyond for the past 75 years.
YLW is not just an airport, it is a vital gateway that connects our region to diverse destinations and resources, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. By linking our region to national and global markets, YLW helps facilitate trade, goods movement, and tourism.
With more than two million passengers passing through its gates annually, YLW has seen remarkable growth, becoming the 10th busiest airport and the largest municipally operated airport in Canada.
A key driver of our local and regional economy, the airport has seen more than a three per cent increase in passenger traffic in 2024 compared to 2023. In August, at the height of summer tourism, passenger traffic rose by 22 per cent compared to August of 2023, bringing an additional 33,000 visitors to Kelowna in that month alone. At the current pace, the airport is expected to set a new record of more than 2.1 million passengers served in 2024.
The growth is expected to continue with increasing capacity on key routes, including to and from Toronto, alongside new year-round service to and from Seattle and Los Angeles. For winter 2024/2025, seat capacity to the U.S. has risen by 75 per cent, with international seat capacity up 30 per cent. The increase in flights to the U.S. not only bolsters tourism but significantly enhances opportunities for our business community, offering streamlined access to key markets and business hubs across the United States.
As a self-funded airport with no impact on taxpayers, ongoing investments in facility improvements and expansion are focused on enhancing convenience, connectivity and economic opportunities for the entire community.
Construction is now underway to expand the terminal, which will double the size of the departures lounge, incorporate a new pre-board screening location and add additional food and beverage options. Construction will start in 2025 on a five-star hotel and a seven-story parkade, housing approximately 1,000 vehicles. These improvements will not only enhance the travel experience for passengers but also ensure YLW remains competitive in the aviation industry to attract the growing demand as the region continues to expand.
The airport campus expansion plans also include developing land to the east to enable new commercial opportunities, which will attract businesses, create jobs and generate additional revenue streams that will support the airport’s growth and benefit the local economy.
In addition, we will soon see the Kelowna Airport YMCA Child Care Centre expansion begin, which is a step towards addressing the critical need for affordable, inclusive and high-quality child care in the Kelowna area.
In October, I, along with members of the city’s senior leadership team, travelled to Ottawa to seek support for infrastructure funding for the east lands expansion, to discuss extending the airport lease beyond 2054 and to advocate for more job opportunities for YLW and the surrounding area.
Such investments will not only improve transportation and connectivity, but will allow YLW to further enhance and grow its aerospace campus, supporting air service, cargo, trade and the overall supply chain. That growth will create new jobs and strengthen Kelowna’s aerospace sector, while contributing to the local and regional economy. I look forward to ongoing discussions with my provincial and federal counterparts to highlight the significance of this strategic investment for B.C. and Canada.
YLW is leading the way in environmental initiatives, having been carbon accredited since 2018 and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. YLW is supporting campus partners to decarbonize their operations through such things as electric ground power, electric air conditioning units and renewable diesel. As YLW heads into winter operations, de-icing best practices are top of mind to ensure glycol, the chemical used in aircraft de-icing, is contained, recovered and recycled. Earlier this month, YLW was awarded the British Columbia Aviation Council Environmental Award for leadership in sustainability for its focus on developing strategies for waste reduction and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions while sharing lessons learned with the broader B.C. airport community.
YLW is actively working in a leadership role through the British Columbia Aviation Council on both its Airports Committee and the Sustainability Committee, with the goal of reducing the carbon emissions in the airport system throughout British Columbia.
With far-reaching impact, Kelowna International Airport is a cornerstone of our region’s prosperity and a symbol of our city's bright future.
I invite everyone to join me in celebrating the achievements of YLW and looking forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as YLW continues to serve the community.
Performs full spectrum of vital Non-Destructive Testing inspections.
Conair Group Inc. (Conair) has expanded the in-house ability to perform Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on their aerial firefighting aircraft maintained in Canada, a fleet of over 55 planes. This expansion mitigates the need to rely on third party providers, further enabling the company the ability to schedule and complete inspections between fire season contract periods, ensuring bird dog lead planes, airtankers and water scoopers are available to government agencies when needed.
Non-Destructive Testing is an essential component to safety and sustainability within aerial firefighting as aircraft fly in dynamic environments that challenge airframes, facing heat, repeated changes in altitude, and turbulent conditions, as well as dramatic changes in weight during flight due to water and retardant drops.
A thorough NDT inspection of a large airtanker, such as a Dash 8-400AT, requires one to two weeks of dedicated time to complete, including Eddy Current analysis, both conventional and Eddy Current array, on wings, fuselage skin and the interior. The NDT team and Engineering teams at Conair work collaboratively to enhance inspection requirements.
“NDT is split into surface and sub surface techniques. Conair is now fully equipped to support the fleet using both technique types, performing inspections utilizing Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Liquid Penetrant, and Magnetic Particle testing” shares Alfred Modino, Conair’s Component Shop Level 3 NDT Technician. “We have six accredited NDT technicians within our shop, and a two-person team dedicated to executing inspections, performed to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards.” All Conair-converted airtankers are fully supported by OEMs following OEM guidelines to maintain airworthiness specific to aerial firefighting missions.
“In the future, we plan to develop the NDT program further, performing inspections on our US subsidiary’s fleet, located at Aero-Flite in Washington state. And we are investigating adding Digital X-Ray capability” continues Modino.
This essential service is necessary to secure continued airworthiness of the aerial firefighting fleet, ensuring safe missions and ongoing response. Each Conair aircraft undergoes a thorough period of heavy maintenance once a fire season contract with a government agency has closed, typically taking four to six weeks to complete, performed to the highest standards in the industry.
INSAT will be presenting at the June 2-4 Innovations Conference in Kamloops and participating in out first ever Innovations Centre.
I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop hosted by the Vancouver Airport Authority on the BC Airports Carbon Baseline Study project, a step toward making British Columbia airports the first provincial level jurisdiction globally to achieve net zero emissions across a network. Thanks to the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) Climate Committee and the provincial BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit for their leadership on this initiative.
SUPPORTER PROFILE
Pitt Meadows Mayor, Nicole Macdonald (on the podium), Maple Ridge Mayor, Dan Ruimy, to the left
Pitt Meadows Airport (YPK) gets new aviation fuel facilities
YPK leads the province as home for 11(!) Flying Schools and hosted April's Hangar Hangout at one of them, Canadian Aviation College.
There was a celebration at YPK on March 10, 2025, as the busy Pitt Meadows Regional Airport officially opened a second aviation fueling facility.
The Aero Club of B.C. is a non-profit organization that sells fuel at YPK, and opened a new north side fuel kiosk in partnership with the YPK administration and the Pitt Meadows Airport Society. Mayors from both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, who jointly run the airport, spoke at the event and took part in a ribbon cutting.
Chris Georgas, a spokesperson for the Aero Club, said it was a good day for the airport partners to celebrate the growth there.
He noted the airport is increasingly busy. There are 11 flight schools operating there, in an airport he calls an "aviation incubator, and one school alone has 10 planes that it flies and must re-fuel, he said. So the second fuel kiosk brings convenience for pilots who need to keep their engines running.
Georgas explained that gas companies have operated at the airport in the past, but the refueling operations were not commercially viable, and better left to the Aero Club. The club was one of just two in Canada when it was founded in 1915 to train pilots for military service. It was based in Richmond, and helped develop the Vancouver International Airport. In 1963 it relocated its operations to a hangar in Pitt Meadows, becoming the new airport's first tenant, with 37 members and about 24 planes.
The club has about 150 members, and in 1994, when Esso and Shell removed fueling facilities from the airport, the Aero Club stepped up with a self-serve pump.
Future Borders Coalition Founding Director and so much more, Gerry Bruno, passes
Tributes flow in for this giant industry leader and my good Friend. Gerry is missed. - Dave Frank, Executive Director, BCAC.
The Future Borders Coalition (FBC) family is heartbroken at the passing of our founding director, Gerry Bruno. A leader and mentor, Gerry leaves a lasting impact on the transportation and aviation communities in Canada and the United States.
Future Borders Coalition (originally called Beyond Preclearance Coalition) was created by Gerry and PNWER's Matt Morrison in 2018. Together, they built support from across the transportation, trade, and travel communities in Canada and the United States, mapping out an essential workplan that continues to the FBC. Gerry's sterling reputation and legendary powers of persuasion helped establish FBC as a force multiplier for bilateral cooperation.
Everyone has a story of how Gerry has touched their lives. I remember some legendary lunches with Gerry during which he provided great advice and a lot of laughter. Without his encouragement, I would not be fortunate enough to lead this extraordinary organization.
A celebration of Gerry's life will be planned in the coming months. Those wishing to do so can make a donation to the Prostate Cancer Centre or the Peace Arch Hospital, in the name of Gerlando Bruno.
As for me, I'll be raising a nice glass of red in Gerry's honour tonight. Cheers, old friend. We are better for having known you.
Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition
(Source/Photo: Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition.)
Gerlando "Gerry" Bruno
Dear Colleagues,
It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that earlier today our long-time colleague, Gerlando (Gerry) Bruno, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family following his lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
It is not an exaggeration to say that throughout his remarkable 40-year career in transportation, no one has made a more lasting an impact on our industry in this country.
Whether it was the development of aviation policy in Canada, fostering better collaboration with our US colleagues on border issues, or marketing our industry to the world - Gerry got more done in one day than most of us do in a month. But it was not only what he did – as much as it was the way that he did it: mentoring, coaching, and supporting all who came in contact with him along the way. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many. I will miss his wise counsel and generous spirit.
Our thoughts are with his wife Janice and family. They have asked for privacy at this difficult time and will let us know about a Celebration of Life in the weeks to follow.
A Book of Condolences will be available at the front reception in the YVR LINK offices starting tomorrow. Please feel free to come by and write your own personal messages to Gerry’s family.
Shortly I will be in touch as we look for an appropriate way to commemorate Gerry’s years of service to YVR and his years of friendship to so many across our industry and country.
With Deepest Sympathies,
Tamara Vrooman, O.B.C., President and Chief Executive Officer, YVR
(Source/Photo: Tamara Vrooman, O.B.C., President and Chief Executive Officer, YVR)
Delivered at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport North America-Pacific gathering, April 15, 2025.
Good afternoon, and welcome - especially to our guest speaker.
It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of a giant among us: Mr. Gerry Bruno.
Without a doubt, Gerry, through his remarkable 50-year career, made our industry stronger and more innovative, whilst demonstrating his compassion over and over.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have started working with Gerry in 1985, when I was a UBC summer student at Transport Canada. Even then, his gift for inventiveness and his genuine kindness stood out.
His creativity and clarity in identifying what truly mattered caught the attention of the fledgling Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) board of directors. In 1991, Gerry and I were seconded to become employees #2 and #3 at the VAA, tasked with preparing its first-ever business plan.
Of all Gerry’s many public accomplishments - which are too numerous to list here - this business plan stands out as perhaps the most influential of all. And how do I know this? Well, when Dr. David Emerson later arrived as the first president, he viewed the plan as “our North Star to guide the future of YVR for the next 30 years.”
Here we are, +30 years later. And I’m very much looking forward to hearing Ms. Vrooman's insights on what the next 30 years may hold.
Gerry then turned his sights to a global stage with the launch of InterVISTAS Consulting. I see some of his former colleagues here, a testament to his legacy.
But Gerry’s greatness extended far beyond his professional success. His kindness, patience, and unwavering willingness to support others were constants in his life. For those of us lucky enough to have known him, these qualities were inspirational to say the least - and for that and much more, I am truly grateful.
In closing, and on behalf of CILTNA-Pacific, we extend our heartfelt condolences and best wishes to Gerry’s family.
May you rest in peace, Gerry. Thank you for listening.
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