With work underway on the runway at Powell River Airport, travellers are being asked for patience in the coming weeks as the number of seats available to passengers per flight has been scaled back.
Work began on the west end of the runway last week, with excavating crews working to adjust its slope. As a result, departing aircraft have a shorter distance available for takeoff, making a reduction in the number of passengers aboard necessary.
Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Beechcraft 1900 plane has capacity for 19 passengers, but has had to be run with six fewer since construction began, said company president Quentin Smith.
“During this construction period, we are reasonably concerned about it and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” said Smith. “It’ll be short-term pain for long-term gain. We’re very cognizant of what the loads are and trying to react as much as we can.”
Smith said to make up for the lost capacity, an added flight per week has been scheduled.
City of Powell River manager of operational services Shawn Cator said work so far has been on track.
“The project is going well,” said Cator. “It’s on schedule and we’re expecting it will be completed by the end of February.”
Cator said crews are aiming for the end of the week to lay the runway’s gravel base and the week after for paving. Once that is completed the project will move into soil filling and electrical work, he said.
Cator added that the paving part of the work is weather dependent because asphalt cannot be applied during rainy periods or if temperatures dip below five degrees celsius.
“We haven’t lost any time due to weather,” he added. “We’re hoping that, even if we do get a spell of bad weather, we can have it done before February 24.”
Smith said, from the airline’s perspective, winter is a favourable time of year for this type of work as flight demands tend to be lower.
The revamped runway will add approximately 33 feet to its length for takeoffs and landings and correct its slope to 1.49 degrees, a move that will allow Pacific Coastal to bring its SAAB aircraft back into service for Powell River.
The airline discontinued use of the SAAB last fall when it was discovered the actual slope of the runway was 1.52 degrees.
When grant opportunities come open in the coming year, the city is planning to apply for further funding to extend the airport runway to 3,900 feet, said Cator.
Smith said passenger numbers have been increasing over the years and this work will allow the airline’s Powell River service to continue to grow.
“It’ll be good for our business,” said Smith. “I look at this as being good for the community.”
