Prince George, B.C. – Pacific Coastal’s first flight from Victoria landed at YXS tonight.

The welcoming party included a group of dignitaries including Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall.

“It’s very exciting. What it does is it just opens up another avenue for folks to travel from Victoria to Prince George and really the airline now wants to use this as a foothold into the northern part of our province.”

Tourism Prince George CEO Erica Hummel was equally as pleased.

“It’s really exciting for us to be able to welcome people from Victoria not only for the leisure market but also for meetings and conventions with government being in Victoria.”

In addition to that she says it opens the door to sports tourism.

“Bringing athletes in and teams is often difficult when you have to drive and so this gives us a chance to expand in that market as well.”

YXS president and CEO John Gibson said the ride aboard the 30-seat Saab 340-A aircraft was “a nice smooth flight with lots of leg room” adding “we’re looking forward to it being really successful.”

And as 250News reported earlier today Pacific Coastal will be offering direct flights between the two cities six evenings a week, Sunday to Friday.

Flights will leave Victoria at 5pm, landing in Prince George at 6:40. The return trip to the capital takes off at 7:05pm and arrives at 8:45. The cost is $150 one way.