Kelowna International Airport is looking well into the future,
but one has to wonder if a similar planing process is under way at the Vernon Airport. On Friday, Vernon council was given a look at Kelowna International's 2025 master plan. The plan must still be adopted by the City of Kelowna, but it outlines, in detail, the expanded facilities that will be required to keep up with passenger growth. While the international airport is owned by the City of Kelowna, it is a vital resource for the entire North Okanagan. Seven per cent of Kelowna International's traffic originates from or terminates in Vernon. Not only does it benefit locals flying out of the valley, but it bolsters our tourism sector and opens up attractions like Silver Star to the world. However, all of that commercial airline growth in Kelowna means that it's outstripping its land base and ability to handle other activities. 
There will increasingly be intense pressure on aviation manufacturers located at Kelowna International, and officials say they won't be able to cope with corporate jets visiting the region. In both cases, there are opportunities for the Vernon Airport to fill the gap. Vernon is only a half-hour from Kelowna and it has an established presence in the aeronautics industry. However, if the community is to turn these opportunities into realities, then long-term planning must occur. Is there sufficient land at the existing airport to meet demand or does a new site need to be sought? Is Vernon marketing itself properly as an alternative to Kelowna? Is the relationship with Kelowna International as co-operative as it could be? While 2025 is a ways off, the foresight is needed now. It's time for the City of Vernon to get down to business.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Sep 03 2006
Air traffic potentially flying into Vernon
Rapid growth at the Kelowna International Airport could spill over into Vernon.
Kelowna International is forecasting a significant surge in commercial air traffic within the next few decades and a limited land base means that some traditional activities may have to relocate to the Vernon Airport. "As we move towards two million passengers, we will have to be more cautious about allocating land to anything other than commercial service," said Roger Sellick, Kelowna International's longtime general manager, who made a presentation to Vernon city council Friday. That means that some aviation-related manufacturers may not find a home in Kelowna, while there is still land available in Vernon. Ten per cent of all B.C.'s aerospace jobs are located in the Okanagan. "Historically most are at the Kelowna Airport but it demonstrates that a cluster is forming and we can all benefit," said Sellick. Another potential source of activity for Vernon is the burgeoning corporate aviation sector, where large businesses and wealthy individuals have their own aircraft. "Over time, we won't be able to handle that traffic so there are opportunities in that area," said Sellick. City of Vernon officials are confident the local airport can benefit from the expected growth at Kelowna International. "We need to develop our own airport so we can work together," said Mayor Wayne Lippert. As part of the presentation, Vernon council was brought up to date on Kelowna International's 2025 master plan. "We are looking to more than double our traffic," said Sam Samaddar, assistant general manager of airport development. In 1996, Kelowna International handled 500,000 passengers. That climbed to 1.1 million in 2005 and it could range from 1.8 to 2.9 million in 2025. "We are currently the tenth busiest airport in Canada," said Sellick. At this time, seven per cent of Kelowna International's traffic originates from or terminates in Vernon. The 2025 master plan calls for all of Kelowna International's facilities to be expanded, including the runway, parking and the terminal. The price tag is about $150 million. "It's not cheap. It comes at a price," said Samaddar.
No comments:
Post a Comment