As flights grounded, Kamloops Airport gets a lift from provincial funding

KAMLOOPS — The aviation industry, which has been among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, is receiving some much-needed financial aid from the provincial government.

Premier John Horgan announced on Tuesday (Mar. 9) a one-time fund of $16.5 million for regional airports, including Fulton Field.

The Kamloops Airport, like the rest of the country, has been significantly impacted by the downturn in travel amid COVID-19. Airport manager Ed Ratuski says flights are down 90 per cent from this time last year — with 2019 being a record year at Fulton Field. He says the financial aid the airport has been lobbying for is a big relief.

“Anything is a help right now. The airport infrastructure within the province is very important and we’ve got to make sure that’s well-maintained in a post-pandemic environment,” said Ratuski. “Right now, a lot of our operating challenges are the ARFF (Airport Rescue Firefighting) coverage for the firefighting. That’s where some of our highest costs are and the airfield maintenance. That’s obviously where [that money] would go.”

Despite a 50 per cent drop in revenues, Ratuski says operating costs have remained steady. There had been no discussions about shutting down the airport — an essential gateway for medical, business and leisure travel in the region.

“The airport plays a significant role, not just for medivac (medical evacuation) — it’s probably well over 1,000 medivacs a year — it’s the firefighting season coming upon us pretty quickly,” he said. “This isn’t really an option for Kamloops Airport ever to close. I think that’s what’s beneficial to see that the province has finally recognized. We’re still pursuing [funds] federally.”

It’s not yet known how much of the $16.5 million the Kamloops Airport will receive.