YLW Connection - Fall 2009 - (Page 5)

E ven the best-laid plans need to be flexible in today’s changing economic environment, and the Master Development Plan for Kelowna International Airport is no exception. In consultation with its stakeholders, the capital development plan has been revised in the form of a phased approach that will see construction take place over the next six years at an estimated cost of $50 million. “A phased approach is the most economical way to continue the airport’s expansion and development while meeting the needs of increasing passenger traffic,” says Airport Director Sam Samaddar. “It allows us to proceed with each phase as warranted by passenger demand.” Projections are for 1.6 million passengers to go through YLW annually by 2015. In the first two months, passenger traffic was down eight percent, however over the past four months passenger traffic has recovered modestly and the first half of 2009 has seen traffic down three percent from 2008. A three percent recovery is expected for 2010 and growth of four percent per year from 2011 to 2015. The phased construction plan provides the flexibility to accommodate such changes in passenger activity due to economic and other factors. Construction will take place as follows: Interim Customs Facility Prior to the completion of a major new International Arrivals Concourse in 2016, an interim customs facility will be completed by the end of this year. The new modular building will provide additional space for arriving international flights to accommodate more passengers and use a more efficient system of processing passengers through Customs. Runway Overlay The most important part of the airport’s infrastructure, the runway has not been overlaid since 1990. This will be done again in 2011. Relocation/Upgrading of Utilities Necessary upgrades will be made to emergency generators, electrical transformers, gas and sewer lines and other areas in 2012. Airport Director Sam Samaddar Development Program | BY TRACE Y FRED R I C KSO N 1.6 Million Passengers Drive to Outbound Baggage System Upgrade An expansion to the existing baggage handling system is planned for 2013 which will accommodate baggage handling containers used by the larger aircraft that are increasingly going in and out of YLW. Highway 97 Intersection Traffic volume has been continually increasing at the intersection of Highway 97 and the airport entrance. Congestion will be relieved by separating traffic going to and from the airport with an underpass by 2013. Apron 1 Expansion and Code E Taxiway Expansion of the apron and taxiway in 2014 will provide appropriate space for the increasing number of large aircraft expected to be using the airport. International Arrivals Concourse The new International Arrivals Concourse, to be completed by 2015/16, will provide a distinctive welcome to both international travelers and Okanagan residents returning home. In-bound passengers will be received on the lower level with the second level accommodating a much enlarged departure area. The costs of these projects will be paid for through the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) which is expected to increase from the current $10 to $12 in 2011 and $15 in 2013. Despite the increase, Kelowna Airport will continue to have one of the lowest AIF rates among Canadian airports. “In just a few years, Kelowna airport will be a major international airport in every respect,” says Samaddar. “In the meantime we have a very practical plan for reaching this goal and ensuring business as usual in the interim.” Additional information on the “Drive to 1.6 Million Passengers Program” is available on YLW’s website at www.ylw.aero The Okanagan Valley’s finest… Committed to giving the Finest Quality Service Only new vehicles at very competive rates Call 250.717. LIMO(5466) for reservations • Toll Free 1.866.336.3133 • www.ok-limo.com FALL 2009 5 http://www.ylw.aero http://www.ok-limo.com http://www.ok-limo.com

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

YLW Connection - Fall 2009
Contents
Airport Services
Drive 1.6 Million Passengers Development Program
Mexico Travel
Vernon Yours to Explore
Eyes in the Sky
Big Business at YLW
Travel Medical Insurance - Not Just for Out of Country But for Out of Province, Too
Caribbean Goes North Event
Taxing Your Air Time
Okanagan Art Goes Global
YLW Connection Wins International Award
YLW News
Trivia & Games

YLW Connection - Fall 2009

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