Welcome – Kelowna International Airport

Sam Samaddar, Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kelowna International Airport

Sam’s interest in aviation developed early, at a young age was involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets where he achieved his private pilot’s license at the age of 17. In 1988 he commenced his airport career at Vancouver International Airport and in 1992 he assumed the position of Superintendent Airport Operations at Kelowna International Airport and has held numerous positions, including Assistant General Manager jobs for both Airport Operations and Airport Development while achieving his International Accredited Airport Executive designation in 1997.  In July 2008 Sam was appointed the Airport Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Kelowna International Airport – one of the top ten airports in Canada serving just over 2 million passengers in 2019.  As Airport CEO, Sam currently is a board member of Tourism Kelowna, Airports Council International – World Executive Committee, and Chair of Airports Council International – North America. 

Mark Stella, Senior Manager, Operations & Emergency Services, Kelowna International Airport

Mark Stella is the Senior Manager of Operations & Emergency Services at Kelowna International Airport. Ensuring the airport operates safely, efficiently and securely, complying with all international/National Regulations, Standards and Policies while applying best practices in airport management. Mark ensures all operational manuals, procedures, plans and site reporting systems, including appropriate performance measurement tools, are up-to-date and are implemented as written. Mark’s role extends to developing operating and fleet management budgets and executing short- and long-term strategies, aligning immediate airport needs with broader business objectives. Educationally, Mark holds an esteemed Airport Operations Diploma accompanied by several airport certifications and his commitment to growth is evident through the A.A.E Program. Mark is also actively involved in industry associations like the International Association of Airport Executives, Canadian Airports Council and Airports Council International, to name a few.