More upgrades for Lethbridge Airport; still no West Jet

$ 8.8 million invested in nine Lethbridge Airport projects and still, no West Jet.

“Anything that makes an airport safer, and available dates for being open certainly increases the chances for any airline to look at us,” said County of Lethbridge Reeve Lorne Hickey. “Also we changed the name from Lethbridge County Airport to Lethbridge Airport, with a new logo and I think that’s just progressive thinking. we’re moving forward and looking to attract other businesses here.”

Wednesday morning, county officials announced the airport is receiving over $180, 000 for a new snowplow replacing its current 33-year-old model.

All $ 8.8 million has come from the federal government’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, which helped fund a new snow blower, and runway condition reporting system earlier this year.

“People from Lethbridge and the region use this airport to get to other places in the world, so it’s vital for the safety and vital for the functioning of the local economy as well,” said Lethbridge MP Jim Hillyer.

Upgrades to infrastructure, a name change and government funding- it all seems like a checklist to attract West Jet.

In 2012, the airline announced Encore, a new low-cost regional carrier service. Lethbridge was among over 30 cities putting in a bid for the carrier.

“I guess it’s maybe a natural progression but we’re still looking forward to getting West Jet service here in Lethbridge,” said Hickey.  “We firmly believe we have the potential to increase the traffic to Calgary and other West Jet services.”

West Jet could not be reached for comment but local officials maintain they have monthly contact with the airline and remain optimistic Lethbridge Airport will be among destinations announced in the future.