Barry Lapointe, founder of KF Aerospace (formally the Kelowna Flightcraft Group of Companies), 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,BC 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. KF Aerospace is the largest British Columbia-based airline and the third largest airline in Canada.

Barry co-ordinated a program for Grade 11 and 12 students to experience a prospective career in aviation and was instrumental in bringing British Columbia Institute of Technology aviation technical programs to the Okanagan. He has also served as a mentor through Entrepreneurs Unplugged. His philanthropic endeavors include the Flightcraft Foundation in addition to hundreds of smaller donations.

Barry is a true visionary, continually seeking out aviation market niches to retain and advance KF Aerospace s position in the aviation industry, ensuring stability for current employees, and future opportunity for British Columbia’s youth.