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.
