Founder of KF Aerospace honoured with Aviation Hall of Fame induction

KELOWNA – From humble beginnings, KF Aerospace founder Barry Lapointe is now a member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame.

Lapointe started Kelowna Flightcraft (now KF Aerospace) in 1970 as a one-man operation servicing airplanes from the back of his truck.

Four years later, he started KF Air Charter that flew cargo for Purolator and Canada Post until 2015.

KF Aerospace now employs more than 1,000 people with a payroll in excess of $70 million annually, providing a range of leading-edge services, including RCAF aircrew training, flight operations and commercial delivery, states a news release.

Lapointe was inducted into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Montreal on May 16.

He is still actively involved in the company as KF’s chief executive officer and chair.

“Lapointe was also credited for his work in bringing new generations of students to the field of aircraft maintenance,” the news release states. “He was instrumental in creating B.C.’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Structures Program currently operated by Okanagan College, has made multiple donations to AME training programs across Canada and this year announced the construction of a state of the art training facility with Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.”

He’s also been involved with major Kelowna General Hospital Foundation fundraising efforts as well as supporting charitable causes across the country.

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