Westjet Encore’s Edmonton flight ‘a huge game changer’

NEWS — WestJet’s inaugural Edmonton to Kamloops flight arrived right on time today (Sunday) for cupcakes, coffee and speeches in the Kamloops Airport arrival area.

The Q400 — a modified and updated Dash 8 — touched down just before 3:45 p.m. and passengers found gift bags awaiting them along with their luggage.

About 30 dignitaries listened to the speeches and watched a cake decorated with a Q400 being cut.

WestJet Encore president Ferio Pugliese was on board the flight and sang the praises of the expanded service.

“This is a prime example of the strategic advantage of WestJet Encore,” he said. “One of the original purposes of our regional airline was to enhance frequencies in smaller Canadian communities which, until WestJet Encore came along, were challenged by the capacity of our 737s.”

He said the 68-passenger Bombardier Q400 makes the trip from Edmonton as fast as a jet and is quieter than the older Dash 8.

Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar and Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine were there to meet Pugliese and the other arrivals.

“Its been a long time coming,” said Milobar, noting that three mayors — him, Terry Lake and Mel Rothenburger — have been involved in improving air service and airport facilities.

“This Edmonton connection is big for us,” he said, especially because of the number of Kamloops residents employed in the oil patch. “It’s a huge game changer for those families.”

Raine said the new flight will provide a boost for the ski resort because Edmonton has few ski hills within easy distance.

“Kamloops is a great getaway destination with skiing, golfing, wineries, and more; and for Kamloops, Edmonton is a big draw for business, shopping and festivals, and it’s a key connection for workers commuting to northern Alberta and northern Canada,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.

Pugliese said introductory fares are $131 — “You can’t even drive for that.”

Senator Nancy Greene Raine, MLA and Health Minister Terry Lake, City Councillors Pat Wallace and Ken Christian, TNRD Vice Chair Willow MacDonald, and Tourism Kamloops CEO Lee Morris were among the others who attended the event.