This increase in the number of travellers, as compared to recent months of decreases, was expected as flight schedules and fares are now comparable to those offered at this period last year.

Travellers are taking advantage of the adjusted flight schedules offered by both Air Canada Express and WestJet which have greatly improved services to and beyond Vancouver and Calgary.
The following aircraft movements were recorded in July as compared to the same period in 2010:
                                               2010                                   2011                  Diff
IFR                                        1,720                                   1,013                 -41%
VFR                                       1,584                                   1,017                -36%
Local                                     1,079                                   1,230                 14%
Total                                      4,383                                   3,260                -26%
This significant drop in aircraft movements is solely attributable to the nearly non-existent forestry firefighting season thus far, due to cooler and wetter weather. Of course this is good news for those who live, work and play in the forested areas of our region.