What began with a pickup truck, a passion for aviation, and a dream of building something meaningful has grown into one of Canada’s leading aerospace companies.
Recently, KF Aerospace Founder and Chairman Barry Lapointe sat down with Kelowna City Councillor Mohini Singh for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on entrepreneurship, aviation, community, and the journey that brought him to the Okanagan.
Originally from Vancouver, Barry studied aeronautics at BCIT before beginning his aviation career at Vancouver International Airport. Knowing he eventually wanted to build something of his own, he and his wife made the move to the Okanagan in the late 1960s – a decision that would help shape Kelowna’s aviation industry for decades to come.
In 1970, Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd., known today as KF Aerospace, was founded. From humble beginnings working out of a borrowed hangar, the company grew through hard work, strong relationships, and a commitment to quality.
“You’ve got to do good work for a fair price and be honest with people,” Barry shared during the conversation.
The interview also revisits the legendary Odyssey ’86 journey, where Barry joined a team of 11 crew members flying a 1944 Douglas DC-3 around the world to celebrate both the aircraft’s 50th anniversary and Expo 86 in Vancouver. Over two months, the aircraft travelled to 55 cities across 28 countries, accumulating more than 280 hours of flight time.
Today, that same aircraft continues to inspire visitors at the KF Centre for Excellence as a living connection to aviation history, innovation, and global connection.
As we prepare to celebrate the DC-3’s 90th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the Odyssey adventure in 2026, stories like Barry’s remind us how aviation can bring communities, cultures, and people together.
Watch the full interview below.
