ROTHENBURGER: Attracting more air service to Kamloops is a major challenge

The Flair announcement is great news, and here’s hoping the airline is successful with the route that was abandoned by other airlines.

Flair is a relatively new arrival in the air passenger business, recently expanding its fleet of 737s and upping its marketing with new colours and branding.

Part of its expansion was the acquisition of NewLeaf Travel, for which it had operated ultra-discount flights for a time. You may remember NewLeaf, since it once offered twice-weekly flights between Kamloops and Edmonton, and Kamloops to Victoria.

It began flying from Kamloops in the summer of 2016 and lasted only a few weeks before suspending service. Many other air services have started up here, only to fail.

Sarai mentions going after international service and it’s a great idea but a big challenge. There was the Horizon Air service between Kamloops and Seattle that served the ski market on and off for several years.

And so it has gone for decades. Airlines come and go. Whether it be the big guys like Air Canada or WestJet, or the discounters trying to break into the market, they only fly routes that make them money. They aren’t in it just to be nice guys.

Getting more air service here will depend entirely on a business case that puts bums in seats. Let’s hope Sarai, the chamber, Tourism Kamloops and the airport are able to make that case.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops, alternate TNRD director and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Mel Rothenburger

ROTHENBURGER: Attracting more air service to Kamloops is a major challenge

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