City lobbies WestJet for local service

By WOLF DEPNER Western News Staff Dec 22 2006 http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
The city formally asked WestJet to land in Penticton, but it may take a while before it will get an answer after a local delegation met with airline officials. The delegation included Penticton Regional Airport manager David Allen and economic development officer Wayne Tebbutt. Mayor Jake Kimberley joined the duo by phone as they lobbied three route planners, stressing that many real estate developers and buyers fueling growth in Penticton have ties in Alberta. “We are most interested in an Alberta connection and really appreciated the positive tone of the meeting,” said Allen. He predicted local passengers numbers would recover if the WestJet were to service Penticton which is capable of receiving Boeing 737s, the airline’s main aircraft. WestJet, according to a city version of the meeting, said the airline can have a significant impact on passenger numbers when they move to a market currently not serviced by a “low cost” airline. But WestJet may have also been responsible for the current struggles facing the Penticton airport, a possibility which local officials acknowledged. Local annual passenger counts dropped to 70,000 after WestJet started servicing the Okanagan through Kelowna International Airport. The local airport — still the subject of a land claim by the Penticton Indian Band — has also experienced turbulence during the past two years, with the cancellation of routes and the eventual demise of QuikAir. Kimberley said Penticton wants a “vibrant, well-serviced airport” with “credible and affordable” air service. “We are investing in infrastructure and programs that will carry us into the future and we require scheduled air service that will complement that.” It is not clear though when WestJet would start servicing Penticton, assuming it chooses to land here.
Tebbutt said airlines plan and set their schedule 12 months in advance. “WestJet is currently putting 10 new aircraft in their fleet each year and therefore it was important for us to hold those discussions,” he said. “We have made our presentation and look forward to providing any information that may be sought by the company in future. Our citizens ask often about WestJet and that is why we were there.” Deborah Knight, WestJet’s manager of public relations and communications, did not return a call from the Penticton Western News seeking comment.