YLW offers more for those on the fly
Airport visitors, employees now have more food options as well as a gas station
Visitors and airport employees now have more options when it comes to food and other services at the Kelowna airport with the opening of the new airport plaza, located near the long-term parking lot. “The airport plaza is really about getting some more ancillary services for our customers and our tenants that use the airport,” said Sam Samaddar, airport director.
Services in the new plaza include a gas station, convenience store, Tim Hortons and Freshii.
“In some of the surveys we’ve done with our passengers, food choices is something that people continue to look for,” said Samaddar.
“The airport has been growing at a tremendous rate, and as you grow and you have more people, you want to make sure you’re able to service that.”
The two fast food restaurants will be useful for both airport passengers and employees, said Samaddar.
“Our largest private employer, KF Aerospace, has more than 700 employees,” he said. “They can walk over here and grab a bite, and they also need services, too, such as fuel for their vehicles.”
A gas station was a crucial part of the new plaza, particularly for people who rent cars from the airport, he said.
“When you look at our area, the nearest gas station is three to four kilometres away,” said Samaddar. “So if you’re a visitor to the city and you’re returning a car rental, you’re always concerned about where to fill up the car, and you want to do it at the last minute.”
The convenience store is also useful for people returning from a vacation, he said.
“If you’ve been away for two weeks and you need some milk and bread, you can stop at the convenience store and just get that on your way back home.”
Planning for Phase 2 of the plaza is currently underway, and future expansions could include a car wash, said Samaddar.