The federal government has confirmed upgrades to the Penticton airport with a $6.4 million contract awarded to Ledcor Construction Ltd.
“The number of passengers and aircraft using the Penticton airport in the last two years has grown rapidly. In 2014, we invested $7.53 million to repave the airport runway, as well as expand the airport’s passenger hold room. Today’s additional investment will enhance the airport terminal building and is important for improving airport safety and security at this busy airport that services communities in the South Okanagan,” said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
Related: Penticton’s airport looking at multi-million makeover
The $6,447,000 will be used to upgrade and modernize key areas of the Penticton airport terminal building by reconfiguring the main concourse creating for an expanded arrivals hall, baggage claim area, new food service space, new airline check-in counters, offices and new rental car kiosks. The construction will also add an additional set of washrooms, and expand the existing pre-board screening room, hold room and baggage storage area.
In 2016, the Penticton airport doubled seating capacity by expanding the hold room area, accommodating the growth in aircraft movements. The hold room area seating capacity will expand again during the new project to make it more wheelchair accessible.
Related: Penticton airport upgrades expand boarding lounge
According to Transport Canada, the Penticton airport terminal was originally constructed in the early 1960s. In 2016, the airport handled 26,893 aircraft movements, an 18 per cent increase in air traffic since 2014. As well, passenger volume increased 18 per cent from 2014 to 2016.