New fuel facility for Comox Valley Airport

The first aircraft has been loaded with fuel from Comox Valley Airport's new aviation 'gas bar'.

Topping up the fuel tanks is the culmination of three years of planning and around $1 million of investment in the new tank, associated equipment and service vehicles.

Airport chief executive officer Shirley de Silva commented: "This is a very important milestone for the airport. It may be a behind-the-scenes facility as far as passengers are concerned, but the new aviation refueling facility definitely enhances our operations."

The project has been carried out in partnership with Shell Canada Ltd., which is supplying the Jet A1 fuel and the necessary infrastructure.

Two new members of staff have been hired to complement the existing airport operations team to provide an efficient and cost-effective service to airlines, said de Silva.

The new main fuel tank holds 120,000 litres of fuel. Aircrafts at Comox Valley Airport needing fuel will be serviced by a new airside refueller truck that will draw from the storage tank and then drive to meet the aircraft on the apron, where the fuel will be pumped aboard.

"Until now, any fuel requirements have been met by 19 Wing at CFB Comox when needed, and we are very grateful for their past assistance," said de Silva.

"But this new facility, now an integral part of our civilian terminal operations, will enable us to provide a more comprehensive package of essential services to air carriers."

Having aviation fuel available whenever needed is a key requirement for many carriers, de Silva explained.

"Our improvements in recent years - including the apron extension and expansion of parking facilities - have been key steps towards enhancing our overall services. This new fuel facility adds further appeal and we shall be making sure airlines are aware of it."

WestJet - which offers direct flights to and from Calgary, Edmonton and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) through Comox - is delighted by the launch of the new service.

"We are pleased that CVAC and Shell have partnered together to deliver a complete high quality, high service and safe fuelling solution," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Operations. "Our ability to run an efficient airline is assisted by great partners and I look forward to the service they will provide us in Comox."