The Kelowna Flying Club and management of the airport have reached a deal for a $5.5 million expansion of general aviation facilities at the airport. The club has raised more than $5 million in private financing to fund the project, which will increase accommodations for light aircraft by two thirds. “We’ll increase the number of parking slots from fifty-four to eighty-eight – all of them paved. Forty-two will be under roof, with the remaining 46 available for parking both resident and itinerant aircraft,” said said longtime club member Richard Visscher, an engineer, who designed the project.
It’s the first expansion of GA facilities at YLW in decades and the estimated economic spinoff over the 30 year term of the new lease agreement is expected to be $150 million. It will expand the availability of hangar and tie down space for local operators and also attract Canadian and international visitors the proponents say. “YLW makes it a priority to support the general aviation community. It is a cornerstone of the industry and is instrumental in helping our future leaders develop and maintain a passion in aviation,” said airport director Sam Samaddar.