Penticton city council heard the results of a survey offered to residents regarding Air Canada flight schedule changes.
Air Canada announced changes to Penticton routes starting May 1.
The addition of a Q400 turboprop is expected to increase the reliability of flights in bad weather and increase the number of available seats per flight.
Air Canada also announced that the 6 a.m. flight to Vancouver and the 10:50 p.m. arrival from Vancouver would be cancelled.
The earliest departure to Vancouver would be at 9 a.m.
The survey had record participation with 2,614 responses.
It found the 6 a.m. flight is of particular importance to many travellers, especially those who travel for work or medical appointments.
Almost 62 per cent of respondents predicted a decrease in the number of flights they take from Penticton’s airport (YYF) if the flight is cancelled.
South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings says the results of the survey show Air Canada is chopping the wrong flight from its schedule.
“When you have over 80 per cent of the people who fly out of Penticton saying keep the overnight flight with its 6 a.m. departure to Vancouver, you have to wonder what Air Canada was thinking,” Cannings said.
“That early morning flight is an important business connection with Vancouver.”
The results of the survey will be delivered to air service providers, along with letters of support.
Government leaders have pledged to lobby for a 6 a.m. flight to Vancouver, and will be meeting with both Air Canada and West Jet.
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