Air Canada expanded its services on Vancouver Island Friday, launching flights in the Comox Valley and in Nanaimo.
Area mayors and community leaders were on the tarmac at Comox Valley Airport to welcome the first Air Canada flight starting twice-daily service between Comox and Vancouver.
In Nanaimo, another ceremony marked the start of non-stop daily service to Calgary. Air Canada already offers eight daily flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
The Nanaimo-Calgary flights arrive daily at 1:43 p.m. and depart at 2:15 p.m. The new flights from Comox depart at 9:55 a.m. and 5:25 p.m. daily.
Comox airport CEO Fred Bigelow said the new service provides access to destinations around the world. “Passengers can enjoy the convenience of checking in for their flight at our airport and then seamlessly connect to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe and across North America, all on the same ticket.”
Comox Valley Economic Development Society executive director John Watson said the flights bring economic benefits for the region.
“New air service provides economic benefits in terms of job creation, as well as spin-off effects for a range of local businesses and service providers,” he said. “Better access to international markets can bring more visitors to the region.”
