Air Canada's New Service Between Montreal and Kelowna Celebrated at Kelowna International Airport
MONTREAL, July 5, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada's newest domestic route with the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna was celebrated at Kelowna International Airport today. The flights operate three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. Customers will enjoy Air Canada's fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 fleet featuring Business Class and Economy cabins, a modernized in-flight entertainment system with hours of complementary entertainment available at every seat, onboard Wi-Fi and more.
This new route adds to the significant impact Air Canada has on the local economy and that of the province of British Columbia as a whole. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada contributed approximately $2.2 billion to BC's GDP, annually. Additionally, Kelowna is now connected to all four of the airline's hubs which connects the Okanagan Valley directly to Air Canada's vast global network with at most, one stop.
"We are excited to launch the only non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna, connecting two leading tourism destinations popular with Quebecers and British Columbians alike. Our new flights onboard Air Canada's ultra-quiet and environmentally-friendly Airbus A220-300 are also conveniently timed with connections to Atlantic Canada and abroad through our Montreal hub. As the country reopens, we are pleased to help friends and family reunite, and support Canada's economic recovery and tourism industry. We know people are excited to travel again, and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard," said Mark Galardo, senior vice president, network planning and revenue management at Air Canada.
"Our loyal partner Air Canada is once again proving how much they value our passengers with this new Montreal-Kelowna route," said Philippe Rainville, president and CEO of ADM. "With service from YUL Montréal-Trudeau Airport currently reduced and travel options still limited, the addition of this new Canadian holiday destination comes at just the right time! This is a great opportunity for Quebecers to discover the splendors of Western Canada in complete safety, aboard the new generation Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are much quieter and assembled at Mirabel (YMX), with local know-how. We couldn't ask for more!"
"Air Canada's non-stop Montreal-Kelowna service marks a vast milestone for YLW to bring travel between Quebec and the Okanagan region," said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, YLW – Kelowna International Airport. "Montreal has been a significant region for tourism in the Okanagan and we have worked numerous years to achieve this community connection. I look forward to welcoming residents of Quebec and those who connect through Montreal to our four-season paradise."
"We are thrilled to see this new direct flight from Montreal into Kelowna opening up tremendous possibilities for domestic travel in the Thompson Okanagan Region," said Ellen Walker-Matthews, SR VP and Acting President and CEO for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. "We have been realizing an increased demand out of Quebec over the past several months with inquires from trade travel, travel media and individual and this new direct service will help satisfy and grow this demand."
