Thanks to a recent funding announcement by the provincial government, the Comox Valley Airport is taking a green step forward.

On April 2, through their BC Air Access Program, the B.C government announced $220,000 for YQQ to replace a diesel ground power unit (GPU) with an electrical unit.

The program provides frontline funding that supports wildfire suppression, air ambulance, emergency response, tourism and economic development initiatives for airports around B.C., explained Heather McCarley, chair of the BC Aviation Council in a release.

Grant McNeil, marketing and communications manager for the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) said the airport was happy to receive the good news about the funding and it will allow CVAC to complete electrification of all of its aircraft parking spots.

Currently, spots one through four are connected directly to BC Hydro, and the e-GPU will mainly serve sports five and six.

McNeil added the project will be completed before the end of March 31, 2025, and will be able to support both 400V AC and 28V DC standards allowing CVAC to support Boeing 737s and other smaller aircraft operating at the airport.

The e-GPU will eliminate the need for diesel-powered GPUs at the most remote parking spots and will also reduce or eliminate the use of aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs are small turbine engines that provide power, air conditioning and pressurized air to help start engines).

The unit will also provide quiet power to aircraft operating at CVAC, added McNeil.

The Province is investing $11 million through the BC Air Access Program to support 26 upgrades at two dozen airports throughout B.C.