Kelowna International Airport has kicked off its 75th anniversary celebrations.

害羞草研究所淔or a 75-year-old this airport害羞草研究所檚 future is looking better than ever,害羞草研究所� Mayor Colin Basran told the crowd assembled for the announcement. 害羞草研究所淥ur airport as you know is a critical hub in British Columbia害羞草研究所檚 economic recovery.害羞草研究所�

The mayor also thanked Airport Director Sam Samaddar and his staff for their day-to-day efforts.

害羞草研究所淲e have the best airport staff if the country, and there害羞草研究所檚 a reason why our airport punches way above its weight class.害羞草研究所�

Samaddar expressed his excitement in celebrating the anniversary with staff, YLW tenants, partners, and Okanagan residents.

害羞草研究所淚 would especially like to thank all of the staff over the last 75 years who have built YLW into what it is today,害羞草研究所� said Samaddar. 害羞草研究所淲e have been so fortunate to have such strong community and partner support.害羞草研究所�

The theme of 75 Trips Around the Sun features year-long activities including contests and giveaways as well as other events to be announced. A major highlight will be a visit by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in the summer. Two 50-minute shows will be held over Okanagan Lake, on July 9 and 10.

KF Aerospace Founder Barry Lapointe told the crowd that in the early 1970s the vision of the Kelowna airport was not well received by the city.

害羞草研究所淭hey had to spend money out here and that害羞草研究所檚 the last thing the city of Kelowna wanted to do was spend on something out here called an airport,害羞草研究所� said Lapointe. 害羞草研究所淏ut a lot of people had the vision. W.A.C. Bennett (B.C. Premier 1952-1972), and another chap was Mayor Parkinson (Richard, 1958-1969), it was their vision that made the Kelowna airport what it is today. It害羞草研究所檚 people like Sam and city council who can still see that vision.害羞草研究所�

Lapointe attributed Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 success to having an international airport.

Read More: Kelowna International Airport looks back on 75 years

Read More: Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 KF Aerospace launches passenger charter service

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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