Kamloops could see more WestJet flights in future with turboprop plan

WestJet’s consideration of adding smaller, turboprop airplanes could land Kamloops some extra flights, the airport manager said Monday.

“In general, it’s markets much like ours that there is a need for a couple of flights in the day,” said Fred Legace.

The Calgary-based airline is looking at establishing a regional, short-haul service that would create a stronger WestJet network among smaller cities.

Turboprop airplanes would be used, similar to those flown by Horizon Air when it used to have Kamloops on its winter schedule, Legace said.

“It’s precisely airports like ours, that are slightly smaller markets, that this move would target, he said.

“In airline terms, to service a market, two flights a day is ideal, minimum. One flight a day is difficult because there’s only one choice to fly,” he said.

“So schedule is king. More flights during the day is better than fewer.”

Currently, WestJet only has one flight in and out of Kamloops each day, connecting to and from Calgary. It tried a Vancouver connection a few years ago, but that schedule didn’t take off.

Legace said WestJet is putting the expansion idea to its employees. He didn’t know how well it will fly.

“I’m speculating that it would be good here,” he said.

“You can run that kind of a market and build your system.”

The turboprop aircraft being associated with the proposal is a Bombardier Q400, Legace said.

“It’s built in Canada for Canadian winters. It’s a good tough little airplane,” he said.

“I think it opens up a whole bunch of possibilities for WestJet. I don’t know what they’re thinking, but it opens up a much broader regional market for them.”

Source:   http://www.kamloopsnews.ca