Conversations are underway to possibly expand the service at the Quesnel Regional Airport.
Several Councillors noted that they had spoken with Pacific Coastal Airlines at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in September, including Councillor Mitch Vik.
“At the conference obviously every vendor, their missions is to explain what they are offering municipalities and city reps that are attending, and Pacific Coastal is no different. They were there to talk about the product they have to bring to our community and in their case that’s air travel. So basically I think they’re there on a good sales pitch and they’re looking to expand their service, so I would say they’re probably interested in talking to all municipalities including ours.”
Vik says residents have been asking for improved service for some time now.
“The only thing I would sort of emphasize is that for a long time now residents have been talking with City Council and staff about improving our service at the airport as it pertains to air travel for residents. So this is not a new issues, this is not a new ask by residents. Especially since post COVID we have been struggling to improve and increase the amount of air travel opportunities, so we’re basically, we’ve had our marching orders from residents for a long time and we’re trying our best to address those.”
He says residents are looking for specific improvements.
“More choices, more flights, more convenient times, perhaps other destinations other than Vancouver, all of the above. All in the effort to make it so that we don’t have to drive to Prince George as often.”
Vik says improved service could mean adding another carrier or improving the service that is already there.
He says they are in the exploratory stage right now.
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