PENTICTON – Pacific Coastal Airlines flight #8P1303 arrived at the Penticton Airport at 11:30 am on January 11. The inaugural flight represents the start of new non-stop flight service between Vancouver International Airport South Terminal (YVR) and Penticton Airport (YYF) that will support travel for essential service workers, passengers travelling for medical appointments, and cargo transportation.
Mayor John Vassilaki
“We are very excited to be introducing new air service to the southern Okanagan Valley,” says Pacific Coastal Airlines President, Quentin Smith. “We are pleased to be able to offer essential services and locals more choices and competitive fares for travel to Vancouver and connections beyond to the rest of Pacific Coastal Airlines British Columbia destinations.”
Flights between Vancouver and Penticton will be operated 4 days a week on a Beechcraft B1900 aircraft. Customers can also benefit from convenient connecting flight options to reach other communities in British Columbia such as Victoria, Comox, Campbell River, or Powell River.
“The arrival of Pacific Coastal Airlines marks a great start for the year, both for our airport and our community,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “Whether it’s for essential service passage during the pandemic, the transport of needed cargo, or access to medical appointments in the lower mainland, air travel to and from Penticton remains a key link to other parts of the province so I’m pleased to see Pacific Coastal Airlines here today supporting our community in maintaining that linkage.”
“In the evolving climate of health measures and the importance of safe travel for essential workers, we are pleased to be hosting Pacific Coastal Airlines in our community,” said Penticton Indian Band Chief, Greg Gabriel. “The Penticton Indian Band is confident the increased business opportunities their service will bring to our region. We would like to welcome Pacific Coastal Airlines to the Syilx Territory and the community of Sn’pinktn. We hope that all those who travel here, arrive safely and travel home with appreciation for this land in their hearts.”
“Travel Penticton is delighted at the arrival of Pacific Coastal Airlines in Penticton,” stated Thom Tischik, Executive Director, Travel Penticton. “We see Penticton Airport as an important transportation hub for the City and South Okanagan. Pacific Coastal Airlines is a welcome addition to support the important link to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. When the time is right, we are sure many travellers will take advantage of this convenient service for leisure and business travel.”
“The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is excited that Pacific Coastal Airlines’ inaugural flight will be taking off from Penticton Airport on January 11,” said Nicole Clark, Chamber President. “This commitment is a boon for our business community and the entire region. We encourage everyone to support this airline when flying to and from Vancouver.”
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately owned British Columbia based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that currently flies to 17 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island. Pacific Coastal is also the operator of WestJet Link, providing service from its base in Calgary to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, and Medicine Hat.