KELOWNA – Plans for future growth are taking off at the Kelowna International Airport. Over 1.6 million passengers passed through YLW last year.
“The airport itself has reached its capacity,” says Phillip Elchitz, airport development manager.
With over $55 million in new upgrades expected to start this year, the airport is trying to position itself for growth. Most of the money–$40 million–will go towards renovating airline offices, modernizing the main concourse and building a new outbound baggage hall. The new facility will be able to handle more luggage per hour than the current hall which is currently over capacity.
WATCH: Airport’s numbers soar
When that project is done in 2018, passengers will be able to check their luggage without help from staff.
“You’ll be able to check in at a self-service kiosk, get your bag tag printed, put it on your bag and actually self drop that onto the belt, which will allow you to process completely without having to deal with an airline agent,” says Elchitz.
The airport will also be creating new parking spaces for aircraft, upgrading the departure lounge and increasing the YLW’s capacity.
Passengers are footing the bill. The projects are being funded by a $15 airport improvement fee paid by each departing passenger.
For the first time in over a year, YLW’s passenger numbers fell in February compared to the same month last year. However, a new destination announced Tuesday may help the airport make sure that doesn’t become a trend. Starting in December you will be able to fly from YLW to Varadero, Cuba.
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