Kelowna

[Malcolm]

 

KF Aerospace has secured a deal with Germany's Grob Aircraft SE to sell products and pilot training services throughout Canada and the United States.© Courtesy: KF Aerospace

KF Aerospace of Kelowna has secured a deal with Germany's Grob Aircraft SE to sell its products and pilot training services throughout Canada and the United States.

“This partnership with Grob is a great fit for us. We have developed a solid relationship with Grob over the last 18 years and we are strong believers in the products that Grob delivers," KF Aerospace president and CEO Tracy Medve said.

 

"Our extensive experience with the Grob 120A uniquely positions us to support and expand the presence of these exceptional products and services in Canada and the U.S.”

The Grob 120 is renowned for its use in military pilot training programs globally, including by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for basic flight training at the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) Program in Southport, Man.

Video: This is BC: Kelowna company takes big role in aircraft restoration

KF Aerospace has managed the CFTS program with its Allied Wings partners since 2005.

KF Aerospace is an approved maintenance organization that operates two maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Canada, one at Kelowna International Airport and the other at Hamilton International Airport.

It is the parent company of KF Cargo, which provides cargo aircraft charter and leasing services, and KF Defence Programs, a contract operator of the Canadian Forces Contracted Flying Training and Support program.

[Kip Powick]

When I lived in Kelowna, the population was about 15,000. I believe it is over 130,000. When I was accepted in the RCAF, I thought it would be nice to come back, at retirement, and attempt to become the airport manager at our little airport......purely a "pipe-dream"....

I went back last year to see some school friends whose lives took different turns but returned to Kelowna when they retired. The building behind the sign is the Fairview Hotel, where I stayed last year. It is sitting on the property where our ranch house once sat. 

My legacy is the road sign installed on a new street decades after I left home...a new steet which used to be a dead end  but now runs to another street.

You can't stop change

1960

                                                                                      2023

 

[J.O.]

5 minutes ago, Kip Powick said:

My legacy is the road sign installed on a new street decades after I left home...a new steet which used to be a dead end  but now runs to another street.

You can't stop change

I've stayed in that Fairfield and I wondered if the street name had any connection to you!

[Maverick]

KF Aerospace is also the premier Canadian MRO and largest employer in the Okanagan. They have multiple hangars in Kelowna and Hamilton.

 

 

 

Edited January 31 by Maverick

[W5]

I remember talking to Barry Lapointe for a pilot interview (around 82-83). One of his first questions was: "How much of a pay cut are you willing to take?"

I didn't take the job. So didn't move to Kelowna.

Edited February 1 by W5

[J.O.]

Did he pull a Carl Millard and offer you an "apartment" in the back of the hangar?

[W5]

2 hours ago, J.O. said:

Did he pull a Carl Millard and offer you an "apartment" in the back of the hangar?

Nah, I was responsible for my own housing. But I was a Convair captain already; looking for a change of scenery.

[Malcolm]

Kelowna to offer direct flights to Los Angeles

By Ben Low-On  Global News

Posted July 14, 2024 12:37 pm

 1 min read

RELATED VIDEO: Winter travel can be challenging as poor weather often forces flights to be delayed or canceled. Residents in the Okanagan have experienced their fair share of weather-related travel woes at Kelowna International Airport. But as Klaudia van Emmerik reports, this winter is expected to be far less turbulent – Oct 24, 2023

 

Alaska Airlines and the Kelowna International Airport are now providing direct service from Kelowna to Los Angeles starting Dec. 19.

The route will operate daily with one flight leaving YLW at 10:36 a.m. and arriving back at 5:42 p.m., except Jan. 9 to Feb. 12.

Director of Commercial and Air Service at Kelowna International Airport Geoff Richie said. “It has been over a decade since we had direct service to LAX, so we are thrilled Alaska Airlines is bringing back this integral route for the Okanagan community.”

“This new direct destination will provide benefits to our entire community,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “From improving the ability for more tourists to access all the Okanagan has to offer like world-class skiing and rich cultural experiences, to providing our residents a link to L.A. and connecting destinations.”

Alaska Airlines also provides seasonal service from Kelowna to Seattle, which is expected to return this fall.