Passengers flying into Nanaimo Airport (YCD) can now expect more reliable arrivals and fewer weather-related disruptions following a major improvement to landing operations.
NAV CANADA has officially lowered the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for the Runway 16 instrument approach procedure to 250 feet, the lowest possible for a non-precision approach and the lowest in the airport’s history. The new minimum represents a 43 per cent reduction from the previous MDA of 441 feet and is expected to significantly improve safety and operational reliability during poor weather conditions.
“This is a significant step forward for Nanaimo Airport,” said Dave Devana, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Airport Commission. “Lower landing minimums mean aircraft can safely land in conditions that previously led to delays or cancellations, which directly improves reliability for passengers and airlines.” On a non-precision approach, minimum descent altitudes determine how low an aircraft may descend before a pilot must either acquire the required visual reference to continue the landing or execute a missed approach.
“By safely lowering that minimum,” Devana said, “we’re giving flight crews greater opportunity to complete a landing while maintaining strict safety standards. That’s critical for keeping schedules on track and passengers moving.”
The improvement reflects several years of infrastructure investment at Nanaimo Airport, including runway and taxiway resurfacing, installation of runway end safety areas (RESAs), runway grooving, apron upgrades, expanded aircraft parking, and the transition to push-back operations. The airport’s new Simplified Short Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (SSALR) is approximately 80 per cent complete and is expected to be fully operational by year-end, further enhancing approach visibility and safety.
“This improvement didn’t happen overnight,” Devana added. “It’s the result of sustained investment, close collaboration with NAV CANADA, and a clear focus on safety and reliability.” The three major airlines serving Nanaimo Airport have expressed strong support for the change, which strengthens YCD’s role as a dependable regional airport and supports continued growth in passenger service.
Airline also increases capacity to Vancouver Island and Northwest Territories
EDMONTON, AB, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced the return of non-stop service between Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Kamloops, B.C. as well as the introduction of all-new service to Prince George, B.C. Beginning the first week of July, WestJet Encore will operate the routes twice per week throughout the peak summer travel season onboard the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft.
“Restoring service to Kamloops and introducing service to Prince George is a direct reflection of Canadians’ interest in exploring their own backyard this summer,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “With more flights and more seats in key Western Canadian markets, we’re giving Canadians better access to the destinations they rely on for business, leisure and visiting loved ones.”
New routes
Peak frequency
Start date
Aircraft
Edmonton – Kamloops
2x weekly
July 6, 2025
Q400
Edmonton – Prince George
2x weekly
July 5, 2025
Q400
In addition to the new seasonal routes, WestJet has increased capacity on two key domestic routes from Edmonton. This summer, WestJet will offer service to Nanaimo, B.C. on the Boeing 737, more than doubling seat capacity. The airline is also offering service between Yellowknife and Edmonton on the Boeing 737 twice per week. Historically, both routes only operated on the Q400.
Route
Peak frequency
Start date
Aircraft
Edmonton – Yellowknife
4x weekly
July 6, 2025
Boeing 737/Q400
Edmonton – Nanaimo
2x weekly
July 5, 2025
Boeing 737
Additional quotes
“YEG welcomes more flights to more places, celebrating WestJet’s dedication to regional connectivity and additional options for Canadians to explore our beautiful country,” said James Jackson, Vice President, Air Service & Business Development, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “Non-stop flights between Edmonton and Kamloops and Prince George offers travellers from British Columbia convenient access to world-class experiences and attractions in the Edmonton region, and connectivity to YEG’s vast network of global destinations. Likewise, people from Edmonton and surrounding communities can seamlessly reach more of British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture without the lengthy road trip.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome this new route connecting Prince George to Edmonton, expanding travel options for our community and strengthening our region’s accessibility,” said Sabrina Angus, Interim President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority. “This service not only opens the door for more business and leisure travel but also reinforces our commitment to connecting Northern BC to key hubs across Canada.”
“As a gateway to the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola region, Kamloops Airport is very pleased to welcome back WestJet’s service to Edmonton,” said Jim Moroz, Managing Director, Kamloops Airport. “Edmonton has long been a popular destination for our community, and the service comes just in time for travelers on both ends of the route to reconnect with family and friends during the summer months. We look forward to working with WestJet and our tourism partners to make this service a success.”
“We’re pleased to see this increased investment in connectivity between Yellowknife and Edmonton. The move to add additional capacity reflects growing demand in our region and strengthens an essential link for business, tourism, and northern communities. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership and welcoming more travellers to and from YZF,” said Randy Straker, Regional Airport Manager, Yellowknife Airport.
“We are very excited that WestJet is increasing the capacity for its route between YCD – Nanaimo and YEG – Edmonton this summer providing our customers with enhanced services on a 737 aircraft to Vancouver Island and Edmonton during the popular tourism season,” said Dave Devana, President & CEO Nanaimo Airport Commission.
About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
Learn more about WestJet at westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are (also available in French)
Airports Council Announces Chris Poinsatte, Chris Wimsatt, and Keith Granbois as 2024 Airport Finance Professionals of the Year
June 13, 2024
Miami, FL – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today announced Chris Poinsatte from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Chris Wimsatt from Sacramento International Airport, and Keith Granbois from Nanaimo International Airport as recipients of the 2024 ACI-NA Finance Professional of the Year Award.
“Effective airport finance professionals ensure that North American airports are financially stable to benefit future generations,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Chris Poinsatte, Chris Wimsatt, and Keith Granbois embraced various financial challenges and applied strategic approaches to deliver results that positively impact their airports, employees, and the traveling public. Their leadership and ability to implement financially sound solutions will enhance the traveling public’s experience at airports.”
The recipients were announced during a gala dinner at the 2024 ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference in Miami, Florida. Nearly 800 attendees representing the commercial management, business diversity, human resources, and finance sectors in the North American airport industry attended the conference.
Large Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Chris Poinsatte, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
For more than 20 years, Chris Poinsatte has been the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. In this role, he has managed finances, tracked and measured the airport’s performance, and led strategic planning efforts. He is currently developing financing strategies for future debt issuances, streamlining accounting and procurement, and implementing DFW’s digital strategy. In the last year, Poinsatte completed negotiations that included 24 new gates and $4.9 billion in the preapproved capital program. Poinsatte also oversaw the implementation of Oracle Fusion and the Marketplace to enhance DFW’s finance and procurement operations.
Poinsatte actively participates in advancing the airport industry’s goals. In 2023, he organized two ACI-NA Task Groups: The Rating Agency Task Group and the ESG Reporting and Metrics Task Group. As the leader of the Rating Agency Task Group, he convenes industry leaders to meet with ratings agencies to discuss large airport hub financial and ratings issues. While leading the ESG Reporting and Metrics Task Group, Poinsatte wanted to increase awareness of how ESG became a disclosure issue. He spearheaded efforts to develop a White Paper that outlines an ESG disclosure framework that includes recommended and optional disclosures for airports to consider monitoring. Poinsatte also served various leadership roles in ACI-NA Finance Committee and ACI World Economics Standing Committee.
Medium Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Chris Wimsatt, Sacramento International Airport
As the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration at Sacramento International Airport, Chris Wimsatt oversees the development and implementation of the financing strategies for the airport’s capital improvement program. The program, titled “SMForward,” has a budget of $1.3 billion and seven projects. Under his leadership, Wimsatt has successfully transitioned Sacramento International Airport to an alternate customer facility charge (CFC) collection. This transition increased the airport’s average monthly CFC collection by nearly $800,000. Chris is a member of the ACI-NA Finance Committee Steering Group, serving as the Chair of the Financial Regulatory Implications Working Group.
Small Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Keith Granbois, Nanaimo International Airport
Keith Granbois is the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Development at Nanaimo International Airport (YCD). While serving in this role for six years, Granbois successfully led the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented data systems to streamline the airport’s payroll processing functions and employee records, and increased the passenger facility fee from $10 to $15. In 2023, Granbois successfully brought in Pacific Coastal Airlines, a new carrier to YCD, to offer airline services to Kelowna and Vancouver. He also served as the project lead to clear 15 acres of airport land to be renovated for future groundside development projects. Granbois revamped YCD’s marketing, website, and social media accounts to further engage with the community and relevant stakeholders.
About ACI-NA
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and account for $1.4 trillion in economic activity – or more than seven percent of the total U.S. GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada’s GDP. Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.
About ACI-NA
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and account for $1.4 trillion in economic activity – or more than seven percent of the total U.S. GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada’s GDP. Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.
Nanaimo, BC – May 14, 2024: YCD – Nanaimo Airport is thrilled to bring Zara Rutherford to Nanaimo for a Signature Dinner event on May 28th, 2024, as part of the BC Aviation Council’s annual conference. Zara is a record-breaking pilot and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable milestone by completing a solo circumnavigation of the globe in a small aircraft making her the youngest woman to accomplish this feat. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in aviation, Zara is dedicated to carrying forward this legacy and inspiring young women to pursue their aspirations while working to narrow the gender gap in the aviation and STEM fields.
Tickets for this dinner event are available to the public at $99.00 per person and can be purchased through bcaviationcouncil.org. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary dinner evening and listen firsthand the journey of a trailblazing pilot who has inspired millions.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC
About Nanaimo Airport (YCD):
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a Vancouver Island’s most centrally located airport*. Offering visitors easy access to all island communities and Island residents convenient access to the world. YCD is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible airport experience to its passengers
NANAIMO, BC – [January 24, 2024] – Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is proud to announce its achievement of the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 Certification (Reduction). This accomplishment is a testament to YCD’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in the aviation industry.
ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program is the only endorsed global carbon management certification program for airports. Under the program, airports track, assess, and recognize greenhouse gas reduction efforts and then have their information verified by an independent third party. There are five progressively ambitious levels of accreditation: mapping (level 1) , reduction (level 2), optimization (level 3), transformation (level 4), and maintaining net zero balance (level 5).
Dave Devana, President and CEO of YCD, expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, saying, “as part of YCD’s commitment to the environment and decarbonization, we continue to improve our airport operations by implementing our climate action plan on our flightpath to net zero along with other environmental initiatives”.
In addition to achieving level 2 accreditation, YCD has now been net climate positive for 5 years by supporting the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative and will continue . “We recognize that purchasing offset credits is a transitional measure in YCD’s goal of achieving net zero as an organization by 2030.” Devana goes on to say. “We are on track to receiving our level 3 ACA certification in 2025 and with an end goal of Level 5 certification by 2030 and beyond.
About Nanaimo Airport (YCD):
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a Vancouver Island’s most centrally located airport. Offering visitors easy access to all island communities and Island residents convenient access to the world. YCD is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible airport experience to its passengers.
Pacific Coastal Airlines Celebrates Inaugural Flights on New Nanaimo Routes
September 13, 2023
Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines is excited to announce the successful launch of its new daily non-stop routes between Vancouver South Terminal (YVR) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD), and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD). The inaugural flights took place yesterday, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, marking a significant milestone for Pacific Coastal Airlines and enhancing travel options for passengers in these communities.
The celebratory events, held at Vancouver South Terminal, Nanaimo Airport, and Kelowna International Airport, were attended by distinguished executives, politicians, airport authorities and First Nation representatives. Each event was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of these new routes in connecting communities and facilitating seamless travel experiences.
During the inaugural events for Pacific Coastal Airlines’ new routes, several executives and airport representatives were present. At the Vancouver South Terminal event (YVR-YCD), attendees included Cathy Nyfors, Manager, Passenger Programs, Passenger Journey Vancouver Airport Authority, Zahra Kawa, Pacific Coastal Airlines Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Corporate Development, as well as Darcy Coonfer, Vice President, Operations. The activities featured speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the distribution of branded treats and swag to passengers, and a heartwarming welcome ceremony, with representatives from the Musqueam Nation extending their hospitality and traditional blessings.
At the Nanaimo Airport event, Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, took center stage, alongside airport leads Dave Devana, Nanaimo Airport CEO & President and Keith Granbois, Chief Financial Officer & VP, Business Development. The festivities included a water salute for the aircraft, a special wine and cheese event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, a gift exchange, distribution of branded cookies and swag to passengers, and a First Nation welcoming by the Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliott.
Lastly, at the Kelowna International Airport event, Berkan Kucukkatipoglu, Director, Commercial Planning, represented the airline as the executive presence, and the airport was supported by Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Chief Executive Officer. The activities featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, distribution of cookies and swag, and a First Nation welcome by Krystal Withakay (Spaxwawlm), on behalf of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
These events celebrated the partnership between Pacific Coastal Airlines and the respective airports, signifying a commitment to provide enhanced travel options for residents and visitors in these regions. Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, expressed his excitement about these new routes, emphasizing that, “Pacific Coastal now offers year-round service to six destinations on Vancouver Island. Our new non-stop flights from Nanaimo to Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna offer convenient and affordable flight options for our customers and demonstrate our airline’s commitment to enhancing travel throughout British Columbia.”
Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission, added, “We are very excited that Pacific Coastal Airlines is providing a direct connection to both the Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna region that will connect our communities. It’s a “perfect pairing” providing an opportunity for our travelers to explore the vineyards and natural beauty of our regions while enhancing the business connections.”
Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This new daily service between Nanaimo and Kelowna is a great regional connection for YLW guests. I am excited to see Pacific Coastal continue to expand connections for BC residents and grow air service opportunities at YLW.”
Tickets for these new routes are now available for purchase. Passengers can book their flights by visiting Pacific Coastal Airlines’ website, contacting the Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872, or reaching out to their preferred travel agent.
To celebrate the launch of these new flights, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a special promotion for the Fall season. Passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on flights to/from Nanaimo (YCD) and anywhere in our network using the promo code FALL2023. More details can be found on the Pacific Coastal Airlines website.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is committed to connecting communities and providing convenient travel options, with a network that spans across British Columbia.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that flies to 18 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.
Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines is thrilled to announce the introduction of two new routes at the Nanaimo Airport, further enhancing its commitment to connecting communities and providing convenient travel options for passengers.
Starting Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Pacific Coastal Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights on the Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal and Nanaimo – Kelowna routes, utilizing the 19-passenger pressurized turboprop Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. This aircraft offers passengers comfortable seating, a spacious 6-foot cabin height, and ample cargo capacity, ensuring a pleasant and convenient travel experience.
The flight schedules for the new routes are as follows:
Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal:
Flight Number
Route
Departure
Arrival
Effective Date
8P1710
Nanaimo (YCD) – Vancouver (YVR South Terminal)
7:45
8:15
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
8P1715
Vancouver (YVR South Terminal) – Nanaimo (YCD)
14:55
15:25
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Nanaimo – Kelowna:
Flight Number
Route
Departure
Arrival
Effective Date
8P1857
Nanaimo (YCD) – Kelowna (YLW)
15:50
16:55
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
8P1858
Kelowna (YLW) – Nanaimo (YCD)
17:20
18:25
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
“We are thrilled to announce these two new routes and add Nanaimo as a new destination to our route network,” said Johnathan Richardson, VP of Customer & Commercial. “Our unique Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal service will provide seamless connections to other destinations in our network and offer customers a new option of travelling with ease from the South Terminal, while our Nanaimo – Kelowna service will provide the only non-stop flight option enabling customers to travel between these communities in just over an hour.”
Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission said, “We are very pleased to partner with Pacific Coastal to bring direct services to both the South Terminal (YVR) and Kelowna (YLW). This partnership will allow our customers to access all of BC through Pacific Coastal’s extensive network of routes within BC. We are very excited to expand the route options for our customers.”
Russ Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm about Pacific Coastal Airlines’ expansion: “We welcome Pacific Coastal Airlines’ new route from YVR’s South Terminal to Nanaimo as part of its growing service between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. This new service further connects our communities, giving British Columbians and those who travel here another option to visit Nanaimo and other destinations on the Island, while providing important air access for the region to Vancouver and beyond.”
“We are so excited to be offering Nanaimo as a new destination and provide expanded regional service for Okanagan residents,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director. “Pacific Coastal has been operating out of YLW for 10 years, and we are happy to be able to continue to have them as a valued partner.”
Tickets for the new routes are now available for purchase. Passengers can book their flights by visiting pacificcoastal.com, contacting the Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872, or reaching out to their preferred travel agent.
As a special promotion to celebrate the launch of these routes, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: WELCOMENANAIMO. Visit pacificcoastal.com for more details.
As part of establishing new routes at the Nanaimo Airport, Pacific Coastal Airlines has introduced a new pilot base at the Nanaimo Airport and is currently recruiting for pilots to fly the Beechcraft B1900 who wish to be based on Vancouver Island. Interested applicants can learn more here.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
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.
The Nanaimo Airport is offering it’s 2nd annual Connect with Canada Trip Giveaway contest. This year, YCD is partnering with the Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Indigenous Tourism Alberta, and Spectacular Northwest Territories to offer an immersion in indigenous culture with a 14-night trip giveaway to the Edmonton and Yellowknife area.
Highlights of this uniquely Canadian experience includes indigenous-lead fishing, hiking, and storytelling tours. The winner will get to watch the night sky from the Sky Watching Domes at Métis Crossing and will have the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis with 3 nighttime viewing excursions while in Yellowknife.
“We wanted to create a package that combines memorable adventures with cultural experiences and mesmerizing sights,” explains Keith Granbois, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Business Development for the Nanaimo Airport. “This is truly a made-in-Canada trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with some of the experiences that make our country unique while supporting indigenous tourism.” The contest is a random draw beginning today, Tuesday, May 23 and running to June 30, 2023 and is open to residents of British Columbia. The first week of the package is devoted to exploring life through the diversity of First Nations’ and Métis peoples’ histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives. The second week focuses on the culture of the Dene in Yellowknife. All airfare, accommodations, and tour fees are included in the prize.
“Nanaimo Airport Commission is deeply committed to a new era of investing in reconciliation with First Nations,” explains Granbois . “While we focus on the Stz’uminus and Snuneymuxw First Nations who are adjacent to the airport, we wanted Connect with Canada to honour other indigenous cultures too.”
Last year the Nanaimo Airport ran a “Reconnect with Canada Coast-to-Coast” campaign, in partnership with Halifax airport. It earned international industry recognition as a finalist for an award for airport marketing, communications and customer experience.
As Canadian vaccination programs make significant progress, direct flights to Toronto are scheduled to resume on a limited basis in July at the Nanaimo Airport.
Air Canada’s flights are part of a measured reopening of the economy. They will boost Vancouver Island’s vital tourism and hospitality sectors and make it easier for Islanders to visit and host family and friends from Eastern Canada via the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“Air Canada is a valued partner that supported Nanaimo Airport during the pandemic and continues to support us during reopening,” says Dave Devana, President and CEO of Nanaimo Airport Commission. “We share a commitment to safety and have comprehensive plans to ensure passengers can travel safely while reconnecting with family and friends.”
The non-stop flights start July 4, after B.C.’s July 1 planned reopening date for domestic travel within Canada. One flight a week is scheduled initially. The schedule may expand in August depending on the reopening plans and success of the vaccination programs in Canada.
Air Canada will also resume its service to Calgary starting July 1, with five flights planned per week. The airline’s Nanaimo services will return to all three airports it served in summer 2019: Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.
“With Canada’s ongoing vaccine roll-out acceleration together with various provincial governments’ reopening plans that include travel, this summer is looking brighter. As customers are ready to travel, Air Canada is taking a leadership position to support our partners in Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector with service to 50 destinations from coast to coast, the re-start of regional services and new, non-stop flights. We are thrilled to resume our non-stop flights from Nanaimo to both Toronto and to Calgary, offering additional choices to and from Vancouver Island,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
Travellers on the Nanaimo-Toronto route will fly aboard an Air Canada mainline narrow-body aircraft. It offers a choice of two classes of service, complementary inflight entertainment at every seat and options to purchase wi-fi to stay connected.
This flight signals the restart of air travel and the domestic tourism and hospitality sectors on Vancouver Island, Devana says. “The direct flight to Toronto shows that Air Canada has a vested interest in Nanaimo Airport by putting this route on our schedule as we prudently look to reopen our economy,” he says.
Nanaimo Airport will resume its role as the central Island’s gateway, thanks to connecting flights that put domestic destinations, business markets and employment opportunities within easy reach.
“Air access to Vancouver Island is a critical component for the long-term recovery of the tourism industry in our region,” says Anthony Everett, President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island. “It is a positive sign to see a major carrier making this investment in the Mid-Island as the restart of travel begins.”
The airport is a key economic driver for the region. Its operations directly and indirectly support thousands of jobs that provide livelihood for Central Island families.
Nanaimo Airport Commission is taking a leadership position to help fuel the region’s economic recovery, with a $28.8-million infrastructure capital plan. The investment over the next five years will enhance airport infrastructure to provide additional route development options, including seasonal sun destinations.
The airport will welcome passengers back to its award-winning terminal building. The terminal expansion project won the Community Institutional Award of Excellence in the 2021 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. The terminal earlier won an Illuminating Engineering Society award for interior lighting design.
