New service between Comox Valley Airport and Bella Bella announced

VANCOUVER ISLAND, June 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The Comox Valley Airport is pleased to announce the addition of a new service from Comox to Bella Bella with Pacific Coastal Airlines beginning July 8, 2014.

"We have a number of passengers that travel to and from Bella Bella for work and this service will really improve their commute," said Comox Valley Airport CEO, Fred Bigelow.

Passengers will be able to fly direct to Bella Bella from Comox, with a brief stop-over in Campbell River, significantly reducing travel time on a route that used to involve flying through Vancouver and switching planes. 

"Our flights between Vancouver Island and Bella Bella provide an efficient and competitively priced travel option for residents who are looking for better access to services, and for companies conducting business between the two regions," said Pacific Coastal Airlines' Vice President of Commercial Services Spencer Smith. "Adding Comox to the schedule will further strengthen this route and increase the benefit to the local economy."

The flight will depart Comox at 11:05 a.m. on Monday through Thursday.  On Friday, Pacific Coastal will be adding an additional flight to Vancouver from Comox, also departing at 11:05 a.m.

Schedule

Day	Flight	Departs	Arrives
Monday - Thursday	875	Comox at 11:05 a.m.	Bella Bella at 12:30 p.m.
Monday - Thursday	878	Bella Bella at 14:30 p.m.	Comox at 15:55 p.m.
Friday	705	Vancouver at 10:15 a.m.	Comox at 10:50 a.m.
Friday	705	Comox at 11:05	Vancouver at 12:10

"We are so pleased that Pacific Coastal is increasing its capacity at YQQ," said Bigelow.  "They have been a long-term tenant here at the airport and we are pleased to support the growth of an airline with a strong history of connecting remote communities in BC."

Bella Bella is located about 98 nautical miles north of Port Hardy and 78 nautical miles west of Bella Coola. Its strategic location on the Inside Passage makes it the major transportation hub for the Central Coast of British Columbia. Bella Bella has a regional airport, ferry terminal, regional hospital, regional RCMP detachment and a Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue facility. 

About Pacific Coastal Airlines

Operating from its administrative centre at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) South Terminal for almost 40 years, Pacific Coastal Airlines currently provides regularly scheduled flights to more than 65 destinations in British Columbia, and charter service to western Canada and the United States.

For more information visit www.pacificcoastal.com

SOURCE: Comox Valley Airport

Media Contacts: Christianne Wile, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Comox Valley Airport, 250-890-0829 ext. 253, [email protected]; Spencer Smith, Vice President, Commercial Services, Pacific Coastal Airlines, 604-214-2362, [email protected]; Kevin Boothroyd, Director, Sales and Marketing, Pacific Coastal Airlines, 604-214-2388 (p), 604-999-2428 (m), [email protected]