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Tag: Kamloops YKA

  • Skip the long drive by flying out to your B.C. destination this summer

    Thanks to CW

    7 July 2021

    Central Mountain Air is running non-stop flights from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Cariboo region, the Okanagan Valley, and Central B.C.

    central-mountain-air-1Kelowna, B.C.Central Mountain Air

    Really want to make a great escape from the city but NOT looking forward to that long car ride in the hot summer heat? Opt to hop on a plane to your getaway spot instead!

    Now that non-essential travel within B.C. is encouraged again, Vancouverites can book inter-provincial non-stop flights with Central Mountain Air for a quick and affordable way to get around the province this year.

    Departing from the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), passengers can fly direct from Vancouver to Campbell River, Quesnel, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George. 

    Then, from Prince George, you can also fly further up Northern B.C. with routes to Fort. St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.  


    Campbell River, B.C. Photo: Central Mountain Air.

    Here’s a quick primer of the cities that Central Mountain Air currently flies to from Vancouver.  

    • On the east coast of Vancouver Island, the oceanside community of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands are renowned for its spectacular mountains, west coast woodlands, Elk Falls Provincial Park and Suspension Bridge, whale watching, and salmon fishing at Discovery Pier.
       
    • Located along a pivotal mining trail of the Cariboo Gold Rush, Quesnel is home to B.C. heritage spots such as the Alexander Mackenzie hiking trail and the original 1867 Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post in Riverfront Park.
       
    • The sunny canyon city of Kamloops in B.C.’s Interior is a four-season playground with long summers for hiking, biking, and water adventures. Go kayaking on one of Kamloops’ 100+ lakes and embark on outdoor adventures at Sun Peaks Resort.
       
    • Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is the Okanagan Valley’s largest city and is known for local vineyards and wineries, sandy beaches, surrounding provincial parks, and bustling downtown area — making it the perfect destination for urban and rural experiences.
       
    • The largest city in Northern B.C, Prince George is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from mountain biking through pristine rainforests to fishing in the endless network of streams, lakes, and rivers. It’s also the basecamp for venturing into Northeastern B.C. and Northwestern B.C. towards Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.  


    Fly with CMA! Photo: Central Mountain Air.

    Connecting B.C. communities with ease and convenience since 1987, the independent Western Canadian airline is giving local B.C. residents a chance to go back to travelling and exploring their backyard. 

    And, to further ensure that you can book your flight with confidence, Central Mountain Air has extended their COVID-19 flexible booking and cancellation policy until July 31st for travel through to November 7th, so you can have peace of mind knowing you can make changes to your flight reservation if you need to. ⁠

    For more info, visit flycma.com/schedule.

  • Air Canada updates from Gander, Goose Bay, Kamloops & Winnipeg

    1 July 2021

    It’s good to be back in Gander, a city we have served for several decades. It’s time to reconnect communities across Canada and reunite friends and families.

    Today was the first day in 156 days that @AirCanada flew to Gander.

    There were epic hugs for the ages in the parking lot.

    The sun on your shoulders.

    Something in the air – new promise, perhaps?

    Summer lies ahead, an open road.

    This feels like a beginning.

    Originally tweeted by Gander Airport (@GanderAirport) on 28 June 2021.

    Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 28 June 2021.

    It's wonderful to return to @C_YYR and we are thrilled to welcome back our customers on board.

    Fantastic day in the Big Land as Air Canada and their crew rev their engines once again !!! Good news for our passengers as we launch into the new world 🙂 Bring on the travel!!!

    Originally tweeted by Goose Bay Airport (@C_YYR) on 29 June 2021.

    Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 29 June 2021.

    We are thrilled to be back to @KamloopsAirport! We have safely restarted and we look forward to welcoming customers on our flights. ✈️

    Welcome Back @AirCanada! Now servicing @FlyYYC & @yvrairport. #flyyka #kamloopsairport

    Originally tweeted by Kamloops Airport (@KamloopsAirport) on 29 June 2021.

    Originally tweeted by Air Canada (@AirCanada) on 30 June 2021.

    Starting out the week with blue skies and added service at #YWG as @AirCanada brings back direct service from Winnipeg to @FlyYYC. As vaccination levels continue to climb, this familiar route will play a vital role in serving our community in the months ahead.

    Originally tweeted by Winnipeg Airport (@YWGairport) on 28 June 2021.

  • WestJet reconnecting routes across British Columbia

    Airline to restart eight routes and inaugurate new flights between nine communitiesby early July

    CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet is further restoring British Columbia’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of eight routes to and from destinations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The airline is also set to inaugurate 10 new routes by July 5, 2021. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

    “We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

    WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring British Columbia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to inaugurate new flights between Abbotsford and Prince George and restore WestJet Link service between Vancouver and Cranbrook.

    “As a leader in aviation, WestJet has been working with industry, tourism and business across the province to ensure their voices are being heard as we safely restart travel. We thank Premier Horgan and his government for prioritizing travel as a critical component of the government’s restart plan. While progress has been made in British Columbia, we continue to advocate for safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

    This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Vancouver to 18 cities, from Victoria to eight cities, from Kelowna to seven cities, from Comox to four cities and from Nanaimo to three cities. From the communities of Kamloops, Penticton and Prince George, the airline will connect to two communities non-stop.

    Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

    For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

    British Columbia route restarts between now and June 30, 2021

    RoutePeak FrequencyRoute restart date
    Victoria – Winnipeg *3x weeklyJune 24, 2021 
    Kelowna – Regina *2x weeklyJune 24, 2021 
    Nanaimo – Vancouver  2x dailyJune 25, 2021 
    Nanaimo – Edmonton *2x weeklyJune 25, 2021 
    Comox – Vancouver  2x dailyJune 25, 2021 
    Kelowna – Saskatoon *2x weeklyJune 25, 2021 
    Kelowna – Victoria  4x weeklyJune 25, 2021 
    Vancouver – Cranbrook  1x dailyJune 25, 2021 
    Abbotsford – Prince George *2x weeklyJune 25, 2021 
    Prince George – Calgary  4x weeklyJune 25, 2021 
    Victoria – Ottawa * 1x weeklyJune 26, 2021 
    Comox – Edmonton 5x weeklyJune 26, 2021 
    Comox – Toronto *1x weeklyJune 26, 2021 
    Victoria – Saskatoon *2x weeklyJune 27, 2021 
    Victoria – Toronto2x weeklyJune 30, 2021
    Penticton – Edmonton * 2x weeklyJuly 4, 2021
    Kamloops – Edmonton *2x weeklyJuly 5, 2021
    Vancouver – Fort St. John 4x weeklyJuly 13, 2021
    *New Route

    About WestJet 

    In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

  • WestJet reconnecting Alberta routes

    Airline to restart 10 routes across province and inaugurate new service from Edmonton to Penticton, Kamloops and Nanaimo

    Non-stop service between Calgary-Charlottetown to launch on July 29

    CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ -WestJet is further restoring Alberta’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of 10 routes to and from destinations across British Columbia, the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia from Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat. The airline will also start operation of three new routes to and from Edmonton and begin non-stop service between Calgary and Charlottetown. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

    “We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians, and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

    Connecting Alberta to Prince Edward Island non-stop

    After being delayed due to the pandemic, WestJet will bridge new domestic connections between the east and the west with the introduction of new twice-weekly, non-stop service between Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Calgary, beginning July 29. The service connecting the two provinces was previously scheduled to start in June 2020.

    WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring Alberta’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and this July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Calgary to 42 cities and from Edmonton to 16 cities. 

    “This week’s meeting with more than 70 Northern Alberta industry partners demonstrates the value of listening to our partners as we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic. We thank Premier Kenney and his government for leading the safe restart of travel for Albertans. While progress has been made in Alberta, we continue to advocate for a safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

    Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

    For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

    Alberta route restarts between now and July 6, 2021

    RoutePeak FrequencyRoute restart date
    Edmonton – Nanaimo*2x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Regina 6x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Comox 5x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Calgary – Prince George4x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Calgary – London, Ont.4x weeklyJune 25, 2021
    Edmonton – Winnipeg 6x weeklyJune 30, 2021
    Calgary – Windsor2x weeklyJune 26, 2021
    Calgary – Whitehorse2x weeklyJune 27, 2021
    Calgary – Medicine Hat5x weeklyJune 27, 2021
    Edmonton – Halifax 2x weeklyJuly 1, 2021
    Edmonton – Penticton*2x weeklyJuly 3, 2021
    Edmonton – Kamloops*2x weeklyJuly 4, 2021
    Edmonton – Saskatoon 6x weeklyJuly 6, 2021
    Calgary – Charlottetown *2x weeklyJuly 29, 2021
    *New route

    About WestJet 

    In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

  • Air Canada Supports Economic Recovery as the Country’s Leading Carrier, Serving 50 Cities Across Canada to Enable Canadians to Conveniently Connect

    • Most extensive domestic schedule supports Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector
    • Includes three new routes, re-established routes plus Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class cabins on select transcontinental routes
    • New refund policy gives additional peace of mind

    MONTREAL, June 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada’s domestic peak summer schedule beginning at the end of June has been developed to advance the country’s economic recovery and support Canada’s tourism and hospitality businesses during the important summer period.  Three new domestic Canada routes, service to 50 Canadian airports, the re-establishment of select regional routes, and wide-body aircraft featuring Air Canada Signature Class and Premium Economy Class on select transcontinental routes are included. Seats with attractive pricing in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and travel agencies.

    “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,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

    “We are especially proud that our new state-of-the-art, Canadian-manufactured Airbus A220 aircraft will be operating across Canada. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ bio-safety protocols, promotional fares including for our premium cabins, compelling Aeroplan opportunities, and our new refund policy offering additional peace of mind, customers can book Air Canada with confidence.  We look forward to welcoming you onboard when you’re ready to fly,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

    Air Canada’s new refund policy provides customers an option for a refund to the original form of payment in instances where Air Canada cancels their flight or reschedules the departure time by more than three hours, irrespective of the reason. Air Canada customers will also have the option of accepting an Air Canada Travel Voucher or Aeroplan points with a 65% bonus.  Normal fare rules will apply when customers make voluntary changes to non-affected flights.

    New route details:

    RouteFrequencyAircraftEffective
    Montreal-Deer LakeDailyCRJ900Jul 1, 2021
    Montreal-Kelowna3x Weekly July4x Weekly AugAirbus A220June 26, 2021
    Montreal-Saskatoon-ReginaDailyCRJ900Aug 1, 2021

    Resumption of services:

    Airport StationRouteEffectiveFrequency
    Gander Gander – HalifaxJun 293x Weekly
     Gander – TorontoJul 25x Weekly
    St. John’s St. John’s – TorontoJun 19Daily
    Goose Bay Goose Bay – St. John’sJun 293x Weekly
    Deer Lake Deer Lake – HalifaxAug 15x Weekly
    Halifax Halifax – CalgaryAug 15x Weekly
    Sydney Sydney – TorontoJun 263x Weekly
     Sydney – MontrealAug 1Daily
    Charlottetown Charlottetown – TorontoJun 184x Weekly
    Saint John Saint John – MontrealJun 303x Weekly
     Saint John – TorontoJul 24x Weekly
    Fredericton Fredericton – MontrealJun 29Daily
     Fredericton – TorontoJul 15x Weekly
    Bathurst Bathurst – MontrealJun 273x Weekly
    Quebec City Quebec City – TorontoJun 191x Daily
    Ottawa Ottawa – CalgaryJul 2Daily
     Ottawa – EdmontonAug 12x Weekly
    North Bay North Bay – TorontoJun 283x Weekly
    Fort McMurray Fort McMurray – TorontoJuly 12x Weekly
    Winnipeg Winnipeg – CalgaryJun 206x weekly
     Winnipeg – MontrealAug 1Daily
    Regina Regina – CalgaryJul 15x Weekly
    Saskatoon Saskatoon – CalgaryJul 25x Weekly
    Kamloops Kamloops – VancouverJun 294x Weekly
     Kamloops – CalgaryJun 284x Weekly
    Comox Comox – VancouverJun 303x Weekly
    Nanaimo Nanaimo – TorontoJul 41x Weekly
     Nanaimo – CalgaryJul 25x weekly
    Prince Rupert Prince Rupert – VancouverJun 253x Weekly
    Penticton Penticton – VancouverJun 294x Weekly
    Sandspit Sandspit – VancouverJun 233x Weekly
    Victoria Montreal – VictoriaJun 193x Weekly
     Toronto – VictoriaJun 194x Weekly
     Calgary – VictoriaJun 214x Weekly
    Castlegar Castlegar – VancouverJun 283x Weekly
    Kelowna Kelowna TorontoJun 184x Weekly
    Yellowknife Yellowknife – CalgaryJun 303x Weekly

    Air Canada is also providing connectivity to five additional regional communities through interline agreements with third party regional carriers: Wabush, Baie Comeau, Gaspe, Mont Joli, and Val d’Or.

    Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions.

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, and in 2020 was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

  • Pilot injured in small plane crash on Kamloops Airport runway

    From CFJC Today – link to source story

    Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

    by James Peters | May 20, 2021

    KAMLOOPS — UPDATE: The airport now says the runway will open at about 2:00 p.m.

    Update: Runway closure is extended to 2pm while crews complete cleanup.

    — Kamloops Airport (@KamloopsAirport) May 20, 2021

    EARLIER: Emergency crews are on the scene of a small aircraft crash at Kamloops Airport.

    In a post to social media, Kamloops Airport (YKA) says the crash involved a small private aircraft. It can be seen sitting damaged on the airport’s runway.

    YKA says the pilot was taken to hospital in stable condition.

    The runway is closed for inspection and cleanup, but YKA says the incident is not expected to impact scheduled flight operations.

    There is no word what caused the crash.

    Emergency crews are currently responding to an aircraft incident involving a small private aircraft at YKA. The pilot has been transported to hospital in stable condition. While the runway is presently closed for inspection, there is no expected impact to scheduled flight Ops

    — Kamloops Airport (@KamloopsAirport) May 20, 2021

    Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

  • Kamloops to Memorialize the Snowbirds, Operation Inspiration, and Captain Jennifer Casey

    May 17, 2021

    Kamloops, BC – Today marks one year since the devastating Snowbirds crash in Kamloops during Operation INSPIRATION. This event rocked our community and the entire nation. This morning, the City of Kamloops was joined by Captain Jennifer Casey’s partner, Captain Scott Boyd, to announce plans for a new, permanent memorial at the future Fulton Field Park, which will be located on Tranquille Road between Airport Road and Aviation Way.

    “This was a tragedy that rocked our community to the core and an event that will remain a part of Kamloops history,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “The Brocklehurst neighbourhood was particularly affected, and we would like to honour the community, the Snowbirds, and Captain Jennifer Casey through curated memorials at Fulton Field Park. The park will be a place of observation, remembrance, and honour for the history of the Canadian military and the Snowbirds within our community.”

    “It is hard to believe that it has already been one year since the tragic accident that claimed the life of my partner and best friend Jenn,” said Captain Scott Boyd. “The kindness, compassion, and support shown by the community of Brocklehurst, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Shuswap Nation, and the Rocky Mountain Rangers on that day and over the past year has been absolutely incredible. The City of Kamloops will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I could not be more proud to be a Canadian and a British Columbian. “

    “Once again, the City of Kamloops has shown us their unwavering support and warmth of their hearts by honouring the memory of Captain Jenn Casey and 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. We are honoured to see this park dedicated to the team and to now be an integral part of the Kamloops culture,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Bandet, Commanding Officer of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

    About the Park
    Fulton Field Park will be located on Tranquille Road between Airport Road and Aviation Way and is currently in the design stage. The park vision includes flower beds, pathways, bench seating, and an artist tribute memorial to Captain Jennifer Casey and the Snowbirds as well as curated boards describing the history of Fulton Field and Kamloops’ connection to the Canadian military.

    Fulton Field Park is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 in conjunction with a beautification and road project along Tranquille Road.

    Background
    The Snowbirds, officially known as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are the military aerobatics team of the Royal Canadian Air Force. What began as an exercise to raise morale across Canada, “Operation INSPIRATION” turned tragic when one of the jets crashed shortly after takeoff in the Brocklehurst neighbourhood and resulted in the loss of life of public affairs officer Captain Jennifer Casey and the serious injury of pilot Captain Richard MacDougall. The tragedy took place on May 17, 2020, with the cause of the crash later determined to be a bird strike, which caused a compressor to stall and ended in loss of power to the engine.

  • City of Kamloops unveils memorial plans for fallen Snowbird Jenn Casey

    From CTV News – link to source story and video


    Ben Miljure, Multi-Skilled Journalist, CTV News Vancouver | Monday, May 17, 2021

    Link to CTV News video

    VANCOUVER — Monday marks a solemn anniversary in Kamloops, B.C., where it has been one year since a fatal crash claimed the life of Snowbirds team member Capt. Jennifer Casey.

    An investigation into the May 17, 2020, crash revealed a small bird flew into the plane’s engine shortly after takeoff from Fulton Field at the Kamloops airport, causing it to lose power.

    The pilot gave the order to eject, but the plane was at too low of an altitude for Casey to safely deploy her parachute.

    In Kamloops Monday morning, Capt. Scott Boyd, Casey’s partner and also a Snowbirds team member, joined Mayor Ken Christian for an announcement about a permanent memorial the city plans to create to honour Casey.

    “Today is a day to remember and a day to really celebrate a great Canadian,” said Christian.

    From Royal Canadian Air Force

    He went on to say the City of Kamloops will create a series of curated memorials at Fulton Field Park that will pay tribute to Casey and the entire Snowbirds team.

    It’s being called an interpretive park and will feature storyboards highlighting the history of Fulton Field, the Snowbirds and Casey’s life.

    “This has been the longest year of my life but it also feels like just yesterday the accident took place that took the life of Jenn, my best friend,” said Boyd. “It’s been absolutely incredible, the kindness and compassion and support that Kamloops has shown us.”

    At the time of the crash, the acrobatic aviation team was on a cross-country mission called Operation Inspiration, which was intended to boost morale and bring joy to Canadians amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic.

    In an interview after Casey’s death, her family told CTV News she was “supporting an important mission that seemed to be designed for her.”

    Casey was the team’s public affairs officer.

    The Snowbirds were grounded for three months following the fatal crash but have since returned to the skies and have announced plans for another Operation Inspiration tour that will see the team perform at locations across Canada and the United States beginning in June.

    One year ago, we suffered a loss that was profoundly felt across Canada, and particularly within the RCAF. Today we send our thoughts to Captain Jenn Casey’s family, colleagues and friends. Her passion to spread joy to others during difficult times will be her legacy. pic.twitter.com/ulkQAO356d— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 17, 2021

  • Central Mountain Air Releases Summer Flight Schedule

    DSC_7413 (1) (1).jpg

    (SMITHERS, BC May 11, 2021) Central Mountain Air responds to the need to provide air service to communities by adding 78 flights per week. 

    Grande Prairie, High Level and Quesnel added to network.

    Flights per weeks
    8 – Edmonton YEG | Fort St John YXJ
    8 – Edmonton YEG | Grande Prairie YQU
    4 – Edmonton YEG | High Level YOJ
    4 – Edmonton YEG | Prince George YXS
    5 – Edmonton YEG | Fort Nelson YYE
    5 – Edmonton YEG | Terrace YXT
    5 – Kamloops YKA | Prince George YXS
    5 – Kamloops YKA | Fort Nelson YYE
    6 – Kamloops YKA | Fort St John YXJ
    6 – Kamloops YKA | Terrace YXT
    5 – Kelowna YLW | Prince George YXS
    5 – Kelowna YLW | Fort Nelson YYE
    6 – Kelowna YLW | Fort St John YXJ
    6 – Kelowna YLW | Terrace YXT
    4 – Prince George YXS | Fort Nelson YYE
    5 – Prince George YXS | Fort St John YXJ
    5 – Prince George YXS | Terrace YXT
    4 – Prince George YXS | Grande Prairie YQU
    4 – Quesnel YQZ | Castlegar YCG
    6 – Vancouver YVR | Castlegar YCG
    3 – Vancouver YVR | Kamloops YKA
    3 – Vancouver YVR | Kelowna YLW
    5 – Vancouver YVR | Quesnel YQZ
    6 – Vancouver YVR | Prince George YXS
    6 – Vancouver YVR | Edmonton YEG
    6 – Vancouver YVR | Fort Nelson YYE
    7 – Vancouver YVR | Fort St John YXJ
    7 – Vancouver YVR | Terrace YXT

    Central Mountain Air (CMA) announced today that it will increase its scheduled service by 78 flights per week beginning June 28th, 2021, and continuing through to November 6, 2021. Many of these flights will service connections that were originally suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CMA is also expanding the available days of the week on their existing schedule, with an emphasis on new Friday and Sunday flight options.

     “CMA has been contacted by both individuals and community leaders to provide service to enable their communities to recover and receive air connectivity after scheduled service reduced over 80% due to COVID-19. I commend these municipalities and airports for their willingness to partner and support their regions to help make this announcement today,” commented Michael Claeren, Central Mountain Air’s Head of Commercial.  

     “These communities are concerned about their future as they face the prospect of being left without or with limited air service, especially at a time when their regional economies have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding hardship.”  

     Although COVID-19 rates are still high, CMA is optimistic that essential travel guidance will be eased as British Columbia, Alberta, and Canada continue on the road to recovery with more vaccines being administered daily. CMA will still offer a flexible booking and cancellation policy for bookings until June 20th, 2021 for travel through to November 7th, 2021. 

     Bob Cummings, CEO added, “CMA will apply the same operational discipline for which it has a reputation to all the new routes and capacity. This will help nurse communities back to full recovery as the pandemic subsides. While many of the affected regional cities have been impacted by this announcement there are more cities and services to come.”

    CMA is the independent regional airline leader in British Columbia and Alberta with 29 aircraft and looks forward to more fully utilizing that fleet.  

    To celebrate their summer flight schedule launch, CMA is offering 10% off base airfares using promo code SUMMER21.

    The promo code is valid for all scheduled flights starting June 01, 2021 with no blackout periods. This deal is only available on bookings through the CMA website and is not available through your travel agent. CMA has extended its Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policy for bookings until June 20, 2021 for travel through to November 7, 2021 to give you peace of mind when making your booking.  

    Book from May 11, 2021 until May 25, 2021 @ 11:59PM PST 

    For travel between June 01, 2021, and November 6, 2021 

    See CMA’s full schedule at flycma.com/schedule

    About Central Mountain Air Ltd.  

    Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to twelve communities, cargo to ten, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, and to learn about CMA’s enhanced COVID-19 safety procedures, visit flycma.com. 

  • Nearly one year after tragic crash, Snowbird aircraft returns to Kamloops

    From CFJC Today – link to source story

    Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

    By James Peters | May 4, 2021 12:13 PM

    Kamloops Airport is confirming the presence of a dear friend in Kamloops Tuesday (May 4).

    A CT-114 Tutor aircraft belonging to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds touched down at Fulton Field at about 11:45 a.m. It’s believed to be a fuelling stop before heading west to Canadian Forces Base Comox.

    This is believed to be the first Snowbirds visit to Kamloops since the tragic May, 2020 crash in Brocklehurst that took the life of Capt. Jennifer Casey.

    The fleet remained on an operational pause for three months after the accident, which was caused by a bird strike.

    The Snowbirds 2021 air demonstration schedule will begin on June 5.

    ‘It is hard for the team to go back’: Snowbirds return to Kamloops, heavy with emotion

    By James Peters | May 4, 2021 2:39 PM – link to source story

    KAMLOOPS — While residents of Kamloops were ready and eager to throw open their arms in welcome to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Tuesday afternoon (May 4), the team itself had a difficult time returning.

    The Snowbirds aerial demonstration team last touched down in Kamloops nearly one year ago, May 16, 2020, as part of its Operation Inspiration, meant to lift the spirits of Canadians in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    A day later, as the team took off to its next destination, a bird strike resulted in one of the CT-114 Tutor jets plummeting into a Brocklehurst yard. Capt. Jennifer Casey, the team’s public affairs officer, was killed. The pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall, was seriously injured.

    For three months after the crash, the remaining Snowbirds aircraft sat grounded at Kamloops Airport as authorities investigated. Finally in August, the aircraft returned to their base at CFB Moose Jaw.

    They did not return to Kamloops until Tuesday, performing a brief formation fly-by before a refuelling stopover en route from Calgary to CFB Comox.

    The Snowbirds’ new public affairs officer, Capt. Gabriel Ferris, said the return is not altogether joyful for Casey’s surviving colleagues.

    “We wanted to show our appreciation for what the city and the population did for us last year,” Ferris told CFJC Today. “It is hard for the team to go back, I’m not going to hide it. A lot of the team members are having a difficult time, but it’s important for us to show the population that we appreciate very much what they did for us last year.”

    In the weeks following last May’s crash, Kamloops residents reached out to express comfort and love to the Snowbirds. Mayor Ken Christian spoke of how the demonstration team and the city will forever be bonded by the tragedy.

    Ferris said ironically, that deep connection was one reason the Snowbirds chose not to publicize the visit in advance.

    “That (love is) always there. We know it. We even know that it’s a little bit… I don’t want to say too much, but just be careful because there are still COVID regulations. We want to make sure that people are still following them and not gathering too much at the airport.

    “Everyone here has been talking to me about how the population has a super warm welcome, every time we go there.”