Representatives from Penticton are heading to Calgary later this month to make a pitch to WestJet executives.
Unfortunately, they won’t be able to fly direct. But that will change if WestJet selects Penticton as one of the cities they will expand regional services into.
“That will factor into our presentation,” said city manager Annette Antoniak. “Our understanding is that we have 30 minutes to do our presentation. We want to profile not only the city of Penticton, but the need for increased service in the South Okanagan.”
Penticton also has an airport survey/study on the go, and Antoniak said they will have that completed and compiled for the presentation as well.
“We will be able to give them those statistics as part of the presentation, which I believe will be very helpful,” she said. “We’re trying to make it very creative so that we truly stand out.”
Penticton received the invitation to meet with WestJet last week, according to Antoniak. Brandon, Man., another leading contender, has also been invited to present, as well as a variety of communities that have expressed an interest in having WestJet regional services at their airport.