Kelowna International Airport will be undertaking another project to keep up with growth.
A $4.5 million upgrade is being made to the airport's apron to better accommodate the larger commercial planes flying through in recent years.
“When we originally constructed this apron we built it for 737-200’s and 300’s,” Airport Director, Sam Saddar explains “we now have 737-600’s, 700’s, 800’s, which have a much higher pavement load pressure”
He says the asphalt on the current apron is deteriorating faster because it isn't meant for the heavier planes.
The project, which will begin in April, will see the base structure of the current apron stripped and rebuilt to withstand higher pressure.
It will take about 2 years before it’s completed as the work will be done one gate at a time to allow the airport to continue to operate.
The province announced a $1 million dollar contribution for the project through the B.C. Air Access Program on Tuesday.
The project is one of several being completed at the airport to keep up with growth. Improvements being made to the outbound baggage system and departure lounge are expected to be complete in the fall and an airport expansion plan is currently in the works.