Rain and wind did not dampen the enthusiasm for welcoming a new airline to 琉璃神社 International Airport (YLW) on Wednesday (May 14).
Porter Airlines鈥� inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) landed in 琉璃神社 just before 11 a.m., complete with a welcoming audience and water cannon salute.
The salute marks the first flight of a carrier into an airport and is also used to recognize the retirement of a senior pilot or air traffic controller.
鈥淎s we say in our business, we have a new tail in town,鈥� YLW CEO Sam Samaddar told the crowd invited to the event. 鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly privileged to have Porter join our family. We know there is going to be tremendous demand for the service.鈥�
Andrew Pierce, vice president, of network planning and reporting for Porter Airlines, said the company has been looking at the Okanagan since 2021.
鈥淪o look forward to a market like this that has the summer and winter destinations, and has such a choice for both business and leisure travellers.鈥�
Mayor Tom Dyas noted the fact that YLW was recently named the ninth busiest airport in the country, exceeding 2.1 million visitors in 2024.
鈥淩ecognizing that more and more people are looking at Canadian alternatives for vacations, and with Porter Airlines coming direct from Toronto to 琉璃神社, it鈥檚 creating another opportunity.
He also highlighted the work of Samaddar and his team.
鈥淎ll of those individuals to be able to work in conjunction with the airline providers and see what they need in order to be able to bring these types of flights to our community鈥攖hey have strong, positive relationships鈥攖hat is making the difference for 琉璃神社 and the Okanagan.鈥�
Porter will begin with five weekly round-trips, increasing to daily service on June 23.
- Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) to 琉璃神社 (YLW) - Depart 9:15 a.m. Arrive 10:55 a.m.
- 琉璃神社 (YLW) to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) - Depart 11:50 a.m. Arrive 7:00 p.m.
The route is operated on the new . The two-by-two configuration means no middle seats. The onboard experience provides passengers with complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, premium snacks and free WiFi. The PorterReserve fare includes fresh, healthy meals and the ability to change flights.
Booking is available on the .
