Barry Lapointe is founder of the Kelowna Flightcraft Group of Companies.

Image Credit: Okanagan College

VICTORIA - The founder of Kelowna Flightcraft is one of 16 exceptional civic leaders who will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province's highest form of recognition,  Judith Guichon, Chancellor of the Order, announced today.

"For 26 years, the Order of British Columbia has recognized the remarkable accomplishments and efforts by extraordinary British Columbians," said Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon. "This year we honour British Columbians from a variety of fields, each recipient illustrating the positive difference just one person can make in the lives of many."

"The Order of British Columbia recognizes British Columbians whose positive impact is felt throughout the province and, in some cases, the world," said Premier Christy Clark. "This year's recipients have utilized their talent and passion to make a difference. On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to thank them for their dedication, and all they do to make B.C. a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family."

Barry Lapointe has succeeded over the last 40 years in building an industry-wide recognized aviation success story that employs over 600 people in British Columbia and nearly 1,000 across Canada.

Starting from small single-engine aircraft maintenance repairs in Vernon, Barry has grown the business to include domestic and international flight operations in narrow and wide body aircraft; aircraft maintenance, modifications and repairs for an international marketplace; aircraft sales and leasing around the world; and pilot training for the Canadian Air Force - all based out of Kelowna. Kelowna Flightcraft is the largest British Columbia-based airline and the third largest airline in Canada.

Barry served on the Board of Governors at UBC for six years. During that time, he co-ordinated a program for Grade 11 and 12 students to experience a prospective career in aviation. He was instrumental in bringing British Columbia Institute of Technology aviation technical programmes to the Okanagan, providing space in his hangar for classrooms. He also served as a mentor through Entrepreneurs Unplugged, a monthly session where community members and students with technical backgrounds learn about entrepreneurship.

His philanthropic endeavors include the Flightcraft Foundation in addition to hundreds of smaller donations. He also serves on the boards of Purolator Holding Inc., British Columbia Aviation Council and Air Transport Association of Canada.

Barry is a true visionary who leaves no stones unturned, continually seeking out innovative and progressive aviation market niches to retain and advance
Kelowna Flightcraft's position and status in the aviation industry, ensuring stability and quality of life for current employees, and future opportunity for British Columbia's youth.

Recipients of the Order of British Columbia are selected by an independent advisory committee from public nominations.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015