WestJet service through Kelowna is back to nearly 70 percent of pre-COVID

Photo: The Canadian Press

Air traffic has been increasing steadily and you can expect to see a lot more planes taking off and landing at Kelowna International Airport over the coming months.

During a WestJet and Swoop restart round-table Monday, WestJet’s director of network and schedule planning Chris Hedlin said their Kelowna service is back to nearly 70 percent of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s well ahead of the Canadian average of about 50 percent.

There’s also a big push on from U.S. travellers looking to come north, and WestJet is planning to refile a joint venture application with Delta Airlines.

Adding to the excitement, a new route, linking Kelowna with Amsterdam, launches next week, connecting through Calgary. Deals on those flights are being offered for just $689 roundtrip.

Swoop, which is owned by WestJet, is working to expand its Kelowna connections to key markets in Ontario.

It’s also in the process of growing its fleet, and its latest planes will be modified here in Kelowna, where WestJet and its discount carrier already have a maintenance contract with KF Aerospace.