One day after Central Mountain Air announced a new flight between Kamloops and Vancouver, Pacific Coastal Airlines announced a new flight of their own.

The Richmond-based airline says its service will start in just over two weeks, on Feb. 9. The 50-minute flight will operate six days a week from Sunday to Friday on a 19-passenger pressurized turboprop Beech 1900D aircraft.

Flights will leave Vancouver at 2:35 p.m. and land in Kamloops at 3:25 p.m., before leaving Kamloops at 3:55 p.m. to return to Vancouver at 4:45 p.m.

“We want to ensure that the community of Kamloops maintains air service to Vancouver to support the movement of essential workers, time-sensitive cargo, and assist those travelling for medical appointments at this time,” said Pacific Coastal’s Vice President of Commercial Services, Johnathan Richardson.

“Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to expand the destinations we serve in the Thompson Okanagan region and we will deliver reliable, convenient, and affordable flights that customers value.”

The airline says introductory fares are available for $150 one-way, inclusive of fees, surcharges, and tax.

Both regional airlines are stepping in to fill a gap in service that will be created when Air Canada temporarily suspends flights between Kamloops and Vancouver, effective Jan. 23.

“We are delighted that Pacific Coastal Airlines will become our newest service partner at YKA,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “I encourage local residents to make use of this important connection to Vancouver for all their essential travel needs during this pandemic period and beyond.”

We are pleased to announce a new non-stop service between Vancouver (YVR) and Kamloops (YKA) starting February 9, 2021. ✈️ ⁠
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Visit our website to learn more about our new service to Kamloops: https://t.co/ldTrTD0x7t Photo via @HelloBC pic.twitter.com/fOUb9EKS8D

— Pacific Coastal (@PacificCoastal) January 20, 2021

Delighted to welcome the return of @PacificCoastal to #YKA connecting travellers to/from #YVR via @yvrairport It’s an important route for our community, for essential travel and beyond as we manage through #COVID.

— Kamloops Airport (@KamloopsAirport) January 20, 2021