Integra Air touches down

by Keith Powell — June 17, 2011

— Trevor Crawley

Integra Air touched down for its first commercial flight from Edmonton to Cranbrook at the Canadian Rockies International Airport on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Mingled in with flight passengers was Dave Macfarlane, vice-president of Integra Air—all of whom were greeted at the arrival doors by enthusiastic dignitaries representing Cranbrook, the Ktunaxa Nation and members of local media.

"We're so excited to come into the valley and provide an opportunity to bring people to and from the north," said Macfarlane

Cranbrook mayor Scott Manjak praised the work and support of the provincial and federal governments for funding the expansion of the airport which has attracted tourism, jobs and additional air carriers like Integra Air to the region.

"We knew that if we could make the airport attractive (for businesses), there would be additional investment for the Kootenays," said Bill Bennett, East Kootenay MLA.