YLW Connection - Spring 2009 - (Page 5)

YLW Well Prepared | BY TRACEY FREDRICKSON for the Challenges of a Turbulent Economy O n the heals of its sixth straight year of growth in passenger traffic, Kelowna International Airport, along with airports across the country, headed into 2009 facing a number of challenges. Transport Canada projects that on average, Canadian airports will see a decline in traffic of 5.8% during the year. Certainly YLW has begun to see the reality behind that forecast with passenger traffic in January, 2009 already 8% lower than in January, 2008. When you add in the effects extreme weather in most of Canada had on air travel this past winter, the global decline in tourism and the erratic price of fuel, airports must be highly innovative and flexible in how they operate in today’s economy. Kelowna International is well prepared to deal with these challenges having ended 2008 with many positives in place. Passenger traffic grew 2% in 2008 despite an unprecedented number of delays and cancelled flights. It continues to be what is considered a “low-cost airport” with the average cost per enplaned passenger for an airline to operate out of Kelowna being $6.05 (anything under $8.00 per passenger and under is considered exceptional). “We are by no means isolated from the economic factors taking place around the world,” says Airport Director Sam Samaddar. “But we have been through economic downturns before. We’ve demonstrated careful planning that allows us to control our growth and expansion, as well as procedures that enable us to operate at a high level of efficiency on a daily basis.” “In today’s climate, air service retention is key, therefore you have to work with your airline partners in promoting the Airport Director Sam Samaddar. “With a combination of sound planning, a great team of employees and good partner relationships, we are well prepared to weather the challenges ahead.” services you have today,” he adds. “We have approached WestJet, Air Canada and Horizon Airlines in looking for those opportunities.” For example, WestJet has already announced that it will be adding additional frequency on flights between YLW and Edmonton and YLW and Calgary. In addition, Air Canada will re-introduce the direct flights to Toronto this spring. In order to take advantage of the relatively strong charter market, Air Transat, Sunwing and WestJet Vacations are being pursued for flights to warmer climates which will be added for the 2009/2010 season. With the major expansion of the airport’s runway completed last year, efforts to building YLW’s intercontinental reach are currently targeted at attracting charter flights to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The runway is expected to attract additional business from the United Kingdom and Europe in the long-term. For many years the airport has applied a “just in time” approach to construction and expansion. “In a year of negative growth, construction plans can be slowed down,” explains Samaddar. “In 2009, for example, we will do less building than in the past, and as we watch the economy and the demand for planned expansion facilities increase, we can proceed in a timely manner.” Constantly monitoring day to day systems and procedures for efficiency has earned YLW recognition for a number of “best practices” that continue to pay off. Airport staff members came up with the idea of a 24-hour work shift, making Kelowna International one of only two BC airports where staff works around the clock. Efficiency has also been helped by multi-tasking of employee groups such as the airport’s operations specialists who perform maintenance work and are also fully trained aircraft firefighters and first medical responders. “In every economy, airport service must continue,” says Samaddar. “With a combination of sound planning, a great team of employees and good partner relationships, we are well prepared to weather the challenges ahead.” n SPRING 2009 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of YLW Connection - Spring 2009

YLW Connection - Spring 2009
Contents
Airport Services
YLW Well Prepared for the Challenges of a Turbulent Economy
Connect with Calgary
Bird and Wildlife Management at YLW
Horizon Air - How Ambitious is Your Travel Check List?
YLW Supports the Environment
Alternate Transportation Initiatives
Destination Osoyoos
Celebrating 10 Years!
Spring Wine Festival Kicks Off - See You at the Finish Line
BC Air Ambulance Service - Teamwork at its Finest
Lake City Casinos Newest Casino in Vernon Aims to Exceed Expectations
Black & McDonald - Striving for Excellence in Customer Service
YLW News
Trivia & Games

YLW Connection - Spring 2009

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