Kelowna is already a major hub for commercial aircraft maintenance, and that capacity is about to grow even larger. Today KF Aerospace invited the news media to the tarmac to see the latest expansion underway. 

The company is adding 21 thousand square feet of hangar space. The added capacity will allow KF Aerospace to increase its workload and take on an additional 75 employees bringing the total workforce up to 800 by 2020. 

Photo Credit: KelownaNow

It's the continuation of a series of expansions that have taken place over the past several years. "Since 2015 we have added on our north hangar, we've added the central hangar, and now we're expanding the south hangar," said KF Aerospace VP Grant Stevens. "We've increased our maintenance capacity in Kelowna through the expansions by almost 45% over the last 4 years."

"A lot of airports don't have this capability, period," said a proud Kelowna Airport Director, Sam Samaddar. "Having this level of capability at an airport is tremendous."

Kelowna Flightcraft launched in Kelowna almost 50 years ago and it's been a success story ever since. Currently, its regular customers include Westjet, Encore, Swoop, Air Canada and the Department of National Defence. 

Along with maintenance, KF Aerospace also offers military aircrew training, air cargo operations and leasing. 

The company operates a second facility in Hamilton, Ontario which is home to an additional 200 staff, and there are plans to expand there too.