Pacific Coastal announces suspension of Trail-to-Kelowna flights
By Contributor
On Jan. 12, 2015, Pacific Coastal Airlines initiated air service between the Trail Regional Airport and Kelowna International Airport. The decision to provide the air link between the West Kootenays and the Okanagan was made, partly, as a result of the overwhelming feedback the airline received within the region about the necessity of this service.
“Starting any new service requires some investment in time and money as it is understood and expected that it will not be a success on day one,” says Pacific Coastal Airlines V.P. of Commercial Services, Spencer Smith. “There are a number of things we look at to help us understand whether or not the route is viable, not the least of which is the need for continued passenger and revenue growth.” he adds.
Unfortunately, the airline has seen both of those factors continue to decline since startup.
“The decline is to the point where continuing to provide the service is no longer financially viable and we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend this service. Our last day of operation for this route will be May 15, 2015.”
Those passengers that have reservations beyond May 15 will be provided a full refund. For those individuals who may hold complimentary certificates for air service between Trail and Kelowna, the airline will honour those certificates on its Trail to Vancouver service.
“Over the past nine years, we have received amazing support from the community of Trail and the entire West Kootenay Region. We look forward to continuing to provide the necessary air service for the people and businesses of the entire RDKB.”
