Air link to Vancouver needed

Two major sporting events will soon be in this geographical area: the U.S. national skating championships in Spokane, followed by the Winter Olympic Games anchored in Vancouver, B.C. Thousands of spectators are expected to attend these events from all over the world.

Presently, there is no direct flight from Spokane International Airport to Vancouver, which would bypass the hassle of going through the Seattle airport. Why?

Surely, there is a potential here for drawing visitors to this area, for these events, if available air transportation were made available. Even one flight a day leaving Spokane early in the morning and returning later in the evening might make a big difference to many who don’t want to drive and also deal with the long lines at Blaine clearing both U.S. and Canadian Customs.

Surely, a charter company, or Southwest Airlines, might be convinced by the appropriate representatives of both events to provide such service during these two events. It could be a great additional draw for visitors – and their dollars spent locally – for all concerned.

Graeme Webster

Cheney