Some upgrades are in store for the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) as the facility is seeing increased traffic through the first part of 2024.
The City of Cranbrook said June’s passenger numbers have surpassed those from the same time last year by 32 per cent, with more growth expected through the rest of 2024.
There will also be a new aircraft on the tarmac as WestJet Link and the current Saab 34 getting replaced by WestJet Encore and a Q400 aircraft, which is twice as big, with increased passenger capacity.
City officials said the change is expected to come this October, with further upgrades to the facility itself coming afterwards.
“With continuing passenger increases, we will be developing some terminal upgrade designs into 2025, with the first phase to include improvements to the washrooms followed by an expansion of the hold room,” said YXC Airport Manager Tristen Chernove.
The airport will also have a new on-site restaurant option as Delightfull will open a new location at the end of this month.
“Airport administration has been given an exclusive sneak peek at their menu and knows they will be a huge hit with both passengers and employees,” said the City.
The airport has also been visited by the RCAF Hercules and a Boeing 737 used to bring athletes to and from the BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge.
YXC has also been hosting air traffic from the BC Wildfire Service.
“Wildfire suppression activity in the region has also been keeping the runway at the Canadian Rockies International Airport extremely busy,” said City officials.
“We are grateful to have them here and working hard to fight the wildfires around the region, and we are proud to be able to help support their efforts.”
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