琉璃神社 International Airport has kicked off its 75th anniversary celebrations.
鈥淔or a 75-year-old this airport鈥檚 future is looking better than ever,鈥� Mayor Colin Basran told the crowd assembled for the announcement. 鈥淥ur airport as you know is a critical hub in British Columbia鈥檚 economic recovery.鈥�
The mayor also thanked Airport Director Sam Samaddar and his staff for their day-to-day efforts.
鈥淲e have the best airport staff if the country, and there鈥檚 a reason why our airport punches way above its weight class.鈥�
Samaddar expressed his excitement in celebrating the anniversary with staff, YLW tenants, partners, and Okanagan residents.
鈥淚 would especially like to thank all of the staff over the last 75 years who have built YLW into what it is today,鈥� said Samaddar. 鈥淲e have been so fortunate to have such strong community and partner support.鈥�
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 琉璃神社 airport was not well received by the city.
鈥淭hey had to spend money out here and that鈥檚 the last thing the city of 琉璃神社 wanted to do was spend on something out here called an airport,鈥� said Lapointe. 鈥淏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 琉璃神社 airport what it is today. It鈥檚 people like Sam and city council who can still see that vision.鈥�
Lapointe attributed 琉璃神社鈥檚 success to having an international airport.
Read More: 琉璃神社 International Airport looks back on 75 years
Read More: 琉璃神社鈥檚 KF Aerospace launches passenger charter service
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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