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Tag: Kamloops YKA

  • CF Snowbird crashes near Kamloops during B.C. stop of cross-Canada tour

    News from Global News – link to story and Video

    BY SIMON LITTLE GLOBAL NEWS | May 17, 2020

    An aircraft with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration jet team crashed in Kamloops, B.C., on Sunday.

    The Royal Canadian Air Force confirmed a snowbird had gone down “in the vicinity of Kamloops.”

    “This is a developing situation. Our number one priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel, the community and supporting emergency personnel,” said the RCAF in a statement.

    “When appropriate, more information will be made available.”Video appears to show fiery aftermath of CF Snowbird jet crash in Kamloops, B.C.The B.C. RCMP said officers were on scene and asking for the public to avoid Glenview Avenue, Crestline Street, Schreiner Street and Tranquille Road. Link to video.

    Dana Hings told Global News she was at home, watching the Snowbirds when she heard a crash.

    “We thought it broke the sound barrier and we come over onto the deck and we see smoke, so we raced over,” she said.Police, firefighters respond after CF Snowbird jet crashes in Kamloops, B.C.Adrian Dix✔@adriandix

    Late this morning @BC_EHS received multiple calls about a plane crash near the Kamloops airport. Paramedics and air ambulances were dispatched and one individual was transported to hospital. Our thoughts are with all affected during this difficult time.

    “I’m a retired nurse, so of course I went into the backyard and there was a woman, she was in the plane and she was deceased.

    “We worked on her for quite a while, but, there, just she had catastrophic injuries.”

    The BC Coroners Service has not confirmed a fatality.

    Hings said the other occupant of the plane was able to eject and landed on a nearby roof.

    Video from the scene appears to show two people ejecting from the jet before it crashes.

    Submitted
     Submitted. Submitted
    RCMP
     RCMP. Diana Hohne

    Mike Trafford, who lives near the airport, told Global News the aircraft had just taken off when something went wrong.

    “The plane did a barrel roll, and shortly after the barrel roll there was a spark and the pilot ejected,” he said.

    “Then the plane took a nosedive and went straight down.”

    The BC Ambulance Service says it received a call around 11:30 a.m. and deployed multiple units, both ground and air.

    One patient was taken to hospital by ground ambulance, but their condition is not yet clear. Royal Canadian Air Force✔@RCAF_ARC

    The #RCAF has been made aware that a Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC. Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel. When appropriate, more information will be made available.

    Trafford said the aircraft crashed into a residential area, on Glenview Avenue, near Crestline Street.

    “I’m just just hoping that everyone’s OK. I hope that, you know, whatever happened happened and that the pilots are OK and whoever was in the house is OK.”

    Kamloops Airport@KamloopsAirport

    Emergency crews including Kamloops Airport’s aircraft rescue fleet are responding to an aircraft crash off airport involving a Canadian Snowbirds jet. More information to follow.

    The Snowbirds were performing a flight across B.C.’s interior as a part of their cross-Canada tour dubbed Operation Inspiration, to raise spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Early Sunday morning and then again about an hour before the crash, the team posted on Twitter that its flight plans were being disrupted by rain and low visibility.CF Snowbirds@CFSnowbirds

    OKANAGAN: We know some areas are starting to clear up, however transit through some of the mountain passes have very low cloud cover which is unsafe for flying 9 jets. We are going to preposition to Comox to start working our way west.

    DELAY: Rain and low visibility in the Okanagan right now. We’re looking at options. Standby for updates. @CFSnowbirds

    © 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

  • Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft has crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC

    From CF Snowbirds Twitter

    A Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft has crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC. Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel. When appropriate, more information will be made available.

    From City News 1130 – link to story

    KAMLOOPS — A Canadian Forces Snowbirds plane has crashed near Kamloops.

    https://www.citynews1130.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/sites/9/2020/05/17/snowbird-crash-may-17-twitter-photo.jpg
    (Courtesy: @MikeGT79)

    Some media reports suggest at least one person made it out of the crash alive. However, there are suggestions there may have been another person on board. Nothing has been confirmed.

    “This is a developing situation,” an emailed statement from the Armed Forces reads. “Our number one priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel, the community and supporting emergency personnel. When appropriate, more information will be made available.”

    The Kamloops Airport confirmed emergency crews were responding to the crash.

    Meanwhile, witnesses said they saw a pilot eject from the plane as it was going down. Videos posted to Twitter by people watching the Snowbirds fly-over show the moment the plane started descending. It shows two Snowbirds flying side-by-side before they separate. One of the planes makes a nosedive shortly after.

    Other social media posts show what appears to be the moments after the crash, with some showing heavy smoke billowing from debris.

    Operation Inspiration started in Nova Scotia earlier this month and features the team’s signature nine-jet formation. It followed a similar initiative south of the border, where the U.S. military’s own flight demonstration teams have been flying in honour of front-line workers and first responders.

    The CF Snowbirds were conducting a cross-country flyover amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to show a united front and support for Canadians amid the health crisis.

    The CF Snowbirds’ scheduled start was delayed because of rain and low visibility on Sunday. Mike Trafford lives near the airport and says he saw the Snowbird doing a barrel roll late this morning followed by a “spark, and the pilot eject and the plane basically just took a nose dive straight down.”

    Trafford says it was raining earlier this morning, but cloudy at the time of the crash.

    About an hour before the crash, a tweet from the Snowbirds’ official account mentioned low cloud through the mountain passes and how this was a safety concern

  • Snowbirds – 17 May Schedule (Okanagan) – Cancelled

    From CF Snowbirds

    Please refer to our other posts related today’s crash on the sad loss of Capt. Jennifer Casey, a member of the Snowbirds team. Our Snowbird’s Schedule will also contain details from RCAF and the CF Snowbirds (located on our top & sidebar options).

    OKANAGAN: We know some areas are starting to clear up, however transit through some of the mountain passes have very low cloud cover which is unsafe for flying 9 jets. We are going to preposition to Comox to start working our way west.

    Don’t worry, the longer term forecast looks better and we plan to be back on our way home to Moose Jaw! Keep watching our page for updates and enjoy your Sunday!

    CF Snowbirds ~ 17 May 2020 at 10:22 am PDT

    #opinspiration #cfsnowbirds #rcaf #okanagan

  • Snowbirds – 16 May Schedule (Edmonton to Rocky Mountain House to Kamloops)

    Saturday, May 16, 2020 – Edmonton to Rocky Mountain House

    Saturday, May 16, 2020 – Rocky Mountain House to Kamloops

  • Sick passenger prompts tarmac delay at Kamloops Airport

    News provided by Global News – link to full story and updates

    MEGAN TURCATO GLOBAL NEWS – Posted March 8, 2020

    Paramedics responded to Kamloops Airport on Sunday after a passenger on an incoming flight reported feeling sick. .
     Paramedics responded to Kamloops Airport on Sunday after a passenger on an incoming flight reported feeling sick. . Contributed

    Air passengers on a domestic flight that landed at the Kamloops Airport Sunday afternoon were kept on board as paramedics were called to examine a passenger.

    Airport manager Ed Ratuski said passengers were held on the plane on the tarmac for about 20 minutes while paramedics determined the nature of the passengers’ illness.

    A social media user, who said they were aboard the Air Canada Express flight from Calgary to Kamloops, described two medics responding in hazmat suits.

    First responders were dispatched to the Kamloops Airport on Sunday.
     First responders were dispatched to the Kamloops Airport on Sunday. Contributed

    Ratuski said keeping all passengers on board while a medical assessment is done follows an established protocol that pre-existed the current concerns about COVID-19.

    In the end, the traveller was determined not to be seriously ill and Ratuski said they did not need to be transported by ambulance.

    B.C. Emergency Health Services said the patient had a “routine illness” and didn’t have influenza symptoms.

    After the tarmac delay, passengers were able to disembark.

    In a short statement, the airline said “out of an abundance of caution, all passengers were questioned and subsequently released by EMS.”

    Passengers were held on the tarmac at the Kamloops Airport on Sunday after a passenger reported feeling sick.
     Passengers were held on the tarmac at the Kamloops Airport on Sunday after a passenger reported feeling sick. Contributed

    Had the patient been seriously ill, Ratuski said the airport would have deferred the issue to the regional health authority and follow the instructions of health officials on how to proceed.

    Ratuski said the airport took action to implement its protocol after being notified by the flight crew.

    © 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

  • Swoop Continues North American Expansion with Release of 2020 Summer Schedule

    Provided by Swoop/CNW

    The ultra-low fare airline adds increased service and three new destinations to its network

    CALGARY, Dec. 13, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s ultra-low-fare airline and subsidiary of WestJet Airlines Ltd., released its 2020 summer schedule, announcing increased service and three new destinations. Starting in April 2020, Swoop’s newest routes will take travellers to two new domestic destinations including Victoria, Kamloops, and one U.S. destination, San Diego.

    With summer being a busy travel season for Canadians, Swoop is also increasing its weekly frequency service between many markets including Hamilton to Winnipeg, Edmonton to Abbotsford, and Abbotsford to Winnipeg.

    “In only 18 months, Swoop has experienced significant growth, and we are excited to continue this momentum with the release of our 2020 summer schedule,” said Steven Greenway, President, Swoop. “By introducing Swoop to more markets, we are achieving our mission of providing Canadians with accessible summer travel opportunities throughout North America.”

    Highlights of Swoop’s 2020 summer schedule includes service between:

    • Edmonton-Kamloops up to four times weekly
    • Winnipeg-London up to four times weekly
    • Winnipeg-Victoria up to five times weekly
    • Edmonton-San Diego up to three times weekly
    • Edmonton-Abbotsford from 16 times weekly, to 24 times weekly
    • Hamilton-Winnipeg, from six times weekly, to 10 times weekly
    • Abbotsford to Winnipeg, from four times weekly, to daily

    Since its June 2018 launch, Swoop’s summer network has grown to serve 14 domestic, 10 transborder and four international markets, rapidly expanding the airline’s network across North America. Fulfilling a need in the Canadian marketplace, Swoop continues to make a positive impact on the aviation industry, becoming Canada’s leading domestic, transborder and international ultra-low-cost carrier, with the new schedule set to increase Swoop’s frequency to 328 ultra-low fare weekly flights.

    “We are very pleased to welcome Swoop to Victoria International Airport with new service to Winnipeg,” said Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority.  “We are one of the lowest cost airports in Canada and that makes us a natural fit with the low-cost business model of Swoop. We look forward to a growing partnership and welcome the new destination and travel options for our local community and visitors to our region.” 

    “We’re glad to see Swoop’s growth plan includes increased service for Edmonton International Airport,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport. “We look forward to more flights both for the Edmonton Metro Region and for other communities to come here and experience our great area.”

    “Winnipeg Richardson International Airport travellers will have more options this summer thanks to two new direct routes from Swoop,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority. “We are pleased to grow our partnership with Swoop as they continue to expand our community’s connectivity, giving travellers new places to discover and bringing more people to Winnipeg to explore everything our city has to offer.”

    “Expanding flight services and destinations continues to be a priority for us at San Diego International Airport,” said Kim Becker, President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We are proud and excited to welcome Swoop with service to Edmonton as our newest travel destination, bringing even more offerings to our passengers in San Diego and Canada.”

    “We are very pleased to welcome Swoop to Kamloops Airport this coming summer season,” said Ed Ratuski, Managing Director, Kamloops Airport. “The return of service between Kamloops and Edmonton will be welcomed by our community and offer great opportunities for adventures on both ends of the route.”

    Swoop’s unbundled model ensures fares remain ultra-low, with a base fare that starts with just the seat, giving travellers the power to add the things they want, and nothing they don’t.

    Flights are now available for booking through until October 24, 2020. To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

  • Government of Canada investing in safety at the Kamloops Airport

    Provided by Transport Canada/CNW

    KAMLOOPS,BC, July 3, 2019 /CNW/ – Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

    The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today announced a Government of Canada investment to purchase an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle (ARFF) for the Kamloops Airport. The investment of $960,000 includes an ARFF with a high capacity water tank and pumping output that can also use foam concentrate and dry chemical fire retardants. The state-of-the-art ARFF is critical in providing rapid and effective response to aircraft emergencies.

    Minister Jordan also viewed the recently delivered replacement snowplow truck with blade, valued at $130,000, which is used for airside snow removal.

    Well maintained runways, taxiways and aprons free of ice and snow are key to ensuring safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, and help protect costly airport safety assets, such as aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, during airport operations.

    Quotes

    “The Kamloops Airport is an important hub for residents and businesses in this region. This investment will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for both Kamloops residents and those in British Columbia’s Interior, many of whom depend on their local airports not only for personal travel and business, but also for access to specialized and emergency medical care in larger centres.”

    The Honourable Bernadette Jordan
    Minister of Rural Economic Development

    “Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities. In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”

    The Honourable Marc Garneau
    Minister of Transport

    Quick Facts

    • This funding comes from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
    • Since the Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested more than $882.7 million for 948 projects at 186 airports across the country.
    • To date, the Kamloops Airport has received more than $9.1 million in ACAP funding for 15 safety projects, including the rehabilitation of Runway 08-26, the apron and taxiways, an ARFF and shelter, and snow-clearing equipment.

    Associated Links

  • Air Canada to Launch Daily Non-Stop, Year-Round Calgary-Terrace Service; Increases Capacity on Key Regional Routes

    News provided by Air Canada/CNW

    • New Terrace route and added capacity supports economic growth in Skeena Valley area
    • Capacity increasing for Vancouver Island, Northern BC, BC Interior, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Winnipegroutes

    MONTREAL, July 3, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced it will launch daily non-stop, year-round flights between Calgary and Terrace beginning Oct. 28, 2019, which will complement the airline’s five times daily flights between Vancouver and Terrace.  Air Canada is also increasing capacity on key regional routes across Western Canada this winter with its flexible fleet including continued deployment of the popular Bombardier Q-400 aircraft.

    “We are very pleased to add a new route linking Northern BC with our Calgary hub this fall in response to economic growth in the Skeena Valley area.  The new daily, non-stop flights between Terrace and Calgary will not only offer convenient flight options in response to travel demand between these two respective areas, but also the choice of another hub where easy connections to and from our extensive network are available.  Further, with significant development projects underway in the Terrace-Kitimat area, we are also strategically boosting capacity on our Vancouver-Terrace route this winter with five daily flights. With these new schedule enhancements, Air Canada will offer the most flights and options to travel easily between Terrace-Kitimat and anywhere across North America and internationally,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada.

    “We have also increased capacity this winter in several other regional markets in Western Canada. Following the introduction of more comfortable, fuel efficient and faster Q-400 aircraft earlier this year, we will continue deploying the aircraft this winter to the BC Interior, Northern BC, Vancouver Island and Northern Alberta communities, providing more seats and optimizing the most connections between our extensive regional and global markets.”

    “And finally with Air Canada’s varied and flexible fleet, this fall and winter, we are also pleased to add capacity on our Whitehorse, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg routes with larger Airbus A319/A320 and CRJ-900 aircraft. Customers on these services can take advantage of our Business Class and wi-fi options,” concluded Mark.

    “The Airport Society is thrilled to have another route added to our business schedule. Air Canada has been a valued partner in helping us create the true regional airport. We look forward to growing with them in our region,” said Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society President Gary MacCarthy.

    Increased services across Western Canada regional markets this fall and winter peak compared to last year include:

    RouteFrequencies & Aircraft*Capacity Increase
    Calgary-TerraceDaily with Q-400snew
    Vancouver-Terrace5 x daily with Q-400s+30%
    Vancouver-Prince Rupert2 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-Smithers2 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-Fort St. John4 x daily with Q-400s+20%
    Vancouver-Kamloops5 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-Penticton3 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-Comox3 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-SandspitDaily with Q-400s+56%
    Vancouver-Saskatoon3 daily with CRJ900s offering Business and Economy Class+44%
    Vancouver-Regina3 daily with CRJ900s offering Business and Economy Class+44%
    Vancouver-Whitehorse2 x daily with A319s/A320s offering Business and Economy Class+24%
    Calgary-Kamloops2 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    Calgary-Winnipeg3 x daily with A319s/CRJ900s offering Business and Economy Class+40%
    Edmonton-Fort McMurray3 x daily with Q-400s+70%
    Edmonton-Grande Prairie2 x daily with Q-400s+56%
    *Detailed schedules are available at aircanada.com

    All flights are scheduled to provide convenient, point-to-point travel, as well as easy connections to Air Canada’s extensive domestic, US and international network at Vancouver and Calgary.  Customers also collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges at main airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

  • Air Canada Summer 2019 Western Canada service adjustment

    News provided by RoutesOnline.com

    By Jim Liu | Posted 30 April 2019

    Air Canada during summer season is adjusting service in Western Canada, as the airline continues moving most service to Dash8-Q400 aircraft, instead of -300 (or -300/Q400 mix, based on comparison with summer 2018 season). Planned changes, effective 01MAY19, as follows.

    Calgary – Kelowna Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400)
    Calgary – Saskatoon Dash8-Q400 service increases from 3 to 4 daily (All flights operated by Q400)
    Calgary – Winnipeg 2 daily A320 and 1 daily CRJ900, replacing 4 daily CRJ900/Dash8-Q400
    Vancouver – Comox 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300
    Vancouver – Kamloops 4 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 5 daily Dash8-300/Q400
    Vancouver – Nanaimo 7 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 8 daily Dash8-300/Q400
    Vancouver – Penticton 3 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 4 daily Dash8-300
    Vancouver – Prince Rupert 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily (weekdays) Dash8-300. Aircraft change from 01JUN19
    Vancouver – Sandspit 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of Dash8-300/Q400. Aircraft change to all-Q400 from 01JUN19
    Vancouver – Smithers 2 daily service operated by Dash8-Q400, instead of 3 daily Dash8-300

  • NO PENALTIES – Airlines allow changes to flights affected by wildfires

    20 AUG 2018: The BC government declared a state of emergency Wednesday in response to more than 500 fires that have burned through the province’s firefighting capacity and triggered international support. WestJet and Air Canada have announced more flexible flight options for passengers booked to fly in or out of some cities in BC, that have been affected by the wildfires.

    WestJet passengers scheduled to travel to or from Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George or Terrace until Aug. 22 can cancel or rebook their flights without a penalty fee, the Calgary-based airline said Thursday.

    Air Canada tickets for flights up until Aug. 22 heading in or out of six cities in the BC interior can be changed to another date before Sept. 1. free of charge, the Montreal-based airline said.

    Firefighters from Australia, New Zealand and Mexico are now taking part in the fight.

    Ottawa announced Monday it would deploy 200 soldiers and several aircraft to help battle the fires, which have prompted evacuation orders covering more than 1,500 properties and affecting about 3,000 people.

    Canadian Forces personnel joined the 3,400 firefighters already fighting the summer infernos. About 150 new fires ignited across BC last weekend, according to the BC government.

    The state of emergency applies to the entire province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a coordinated manner, BC Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Wednesday.

    But humans can only do so much to douse the flames, he said.

    “The best thing we can hope for is a change in weather: winds to blow smoke away, a good old-fashioned drenching of rain to extinguish fires and improve air quality,” Farnworth said.

    More than 1,800 forest fires have been recorded since the season began on April 1, charring nearly 3,800-square kilometres of timber and bush, the wildfire service said.