New Air Service Destined to Dog Competition

EDMONTON – Spirits were high at airports and bus terminals across the country today as the travelling public was greeted by strolling magicians, clowns, musicians and a host of other entertainers. The cross-Canada celebration marked the official launch of the new air service between eight Canadian centres being operated by Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd. and marketed by Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.

Marketed under the banner Greyhound Air, the service links with Greyhound Canada’s bus operations to form a low cost, intermodal bus/air transportation system connecting 1,100 communities in Canada. Passenger load levels aboard each of today’s inaugural flights are higher then projected. To commemorate the occasion, in keeping with Greyhound Air’s canine persona, all passengers were presented with chocolate dog bones.

“Needless to say, we’re delighted to be flying”, said Barry Lapointe, President and CEO of Kelowna Flightcraft. “Based on our bookings over the next few months, travellers in Canada are equally pleased. People are more that ready for the everyday low fates and flexibility we are able to offer and we believe they will be pleasantly surprised by the level of customer service we are committed to providing.”

Added Dick Huisman, President and CEO of Greyhound Canada, “Today we are happy to demonstrate that, just like quality in bus travel, quality in air travel doesn’t have to be expensive. At Greyhound Canada,we’ve built our business around giving our customers what they want. Now, thanks to our relationship with Kelowna Flightcraft, we can truly say that the sky is the limit.”

Passengers can make reservations to travel aboard the bus and charter air network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-800-661-8747 (1-800-661-TRIP). Up to twice daily flights will be offered from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton in the west through the Winnipeg hub to Ottawa , Toronto and Hamilton in the east. Air service commenced today in all markets except Kelowna, where the new service will take off on July 15, 1996.

Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd., an air carrier licensed by the Canadian Transportation Agency, is the owner and operator of the new charter air service and is part of the Kelowna Flightcraft group of companies , operating Canada’s third largest aircraft fleet. Kelowna Flightcraft maintains, repairs, modifies and operates aircraft for private, commercial and military customers across Canada and around the world. The company is Canadian owned and controlled.

Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp. is Canadian owned and controlled and operates Canada’s largest inter-city bus company, linking more than 1,100 towns and cities. It also operated Greyhound Courier Express, a courier and small package delivery company with service throughout Canada as well as a charter fleet providing service across North America.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Barry Lapointe, President and CEO, Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd.: (604) 765-1481
Dick Huisman, President and CEO, Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.: (780) 260-0707