Victoria BC- Local dignitaries and executives from Pacific Coastal Airlines attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in recognition of Pacific Coastal’s inaugural direct, non-stop flight from Victoria to Prince George.

The new service, which was officially announced on October 28, 2014, operates six days a week every day except Saturday. The one hour and forty minute flight leaves Victoria Airport at 5:00 P.M. and arrives at Prince George International Airport (YXS) at 6:40 P.M. It leaves Prince George at 7:00 P.M. and arrives back at the Victoria airport at 8:40 P.M. One-way fares start as low as $140.00 all in.

Residents of both the south island and Prince George regions will benefit from the new direct non-stop service.

“This creates a quicker and more efficient transportation alternative to the current options that make a stop in Vancouver before heading out on their way to Prince George”, says Pacific Coastal Airlines Director of Sales and Marketing Kevin Boothroyd. “Given the growth in the northern region of our province we believe this flight will make a difference to those who regularly travel between both communities,” he adds.

Local business leaders are quick to point out the important economic benefits of the new non-stop flight between Victoria and Prince George.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Pacific Coastal Airlines. Opening up key markets for Greater Victoria is crucial to the success of local business and our regional economy,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The airport is an integral part of growing our local economy, expansion in this area is very positive for the business community.”

The new non-stop connection to the epicenter of B.C.’s booming northern development region is important to the entire south island, especially in the communities of North Saanich and Sidney which are located nearest the Victoria airport.

Mayor Steve Price of Sidney states; “We are very impressed with the innovative direction Pacific Coastal is taking by connecting British Columbia’s north to Vancouver Island. This opens up a whole new passage in the province for people doing business in the resource sector by allowing them to connect directly with the Island’s growing technology sector. In addition, it will certainly have a very positive impact on our tourism industry as it now makes the Island and specifically Sidney as a gateway, easily accessible to the north.”

For more information, go to www.pacificcoastal.com

Media Contacts:

Pacific Coastal Airlines
Kevin Boothroyd M: 604-999-2428 E: kevin.boothroyd@pacificcoastal.com

Prince George International Airport (YXS)
Lindsay Cotter M: 250 961 8151 E: lcotter@pgairport.ca

Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
James Bogusz Office: 250 953 7570 E: james.bogusz@victoriaairport.com

New Service Between YYJ and YXS