Have you ever found yourself perplexed by unfamiliar airport codes while planning freight routes along Canada's West Coast? Today we examine Creston Valley Regional Airport (CFQ) - a lesser-known but strategically important aviation facility in regional air transport networks.
CFQ: More Than Just a Code
The three-letter designation, assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), serves as a unique identifier for airports worldwide. These codes function as aviation "passports," enabling airlines, freight forwarders, and travelers to quickly recognize and locate facilities. CFQ represents Creston Valley Regional Airport in Creston, British Columbia - a critical node in the province's air transportation infrastructure.
Airport Profile: Creston Valley Regional
- Official Name: Creston Valley Regional Airport
- IATA Code: CFQ
- Location: Creston, British Columbia, Canada
- Time Zone: UTC-7 (15 hours behind Beijing)
- Continent: North America
- Facility Type: Non-Customs Airport
Understanding Non-Customs Status
As a non-customs facility, international flights operating through Creston Valley Regional typically require prior clearance at airports with customs capabilities. For freight operations, cargo requiring customs processing must complete formalities at major hubs like Vancouver (YVR) or Calgary (YYC) before onward transportation to Creston.
Geographic Significance
Creston occupies a strategic position in British Columbia's Kootenay region near the U.S. border. The area boasts spectacular natural landscapes and abundant agricultural resources. The airport supports vital regional functions including agricultural exports, tourism development, and emergency medical services. While modest in scale, the facility plays an indispensable role in connecting remote communities and stimulating economic growth.
Air Cargo Considerations
When selecting Creston Valley Regional as a freight destination, logistics professionals should evaluate several key factors:
- Customs Procedures: Clearance planning is essential due to the airport's non-customs status
- Transshipment Costs: Additional expenses may apply for cargo requiring intermediate handling
- Flight Availability: Limited service options compared to major airports require advance verification
- Ground Transportation: Reliable surface connections must be arranged for final-mile delivery
Airport Information Resources
Beyond IATA code lookup, numerous digital tools provide comprehensive airport data including real-time flight status, weather conditions, and operational details. Leveraging these resources enables more informed routing decisions.
Code Identification Techniques
Effective airport code search methods include:
- Fuzzy Search: Query by country, city, airport name, or code in English or local language
- Phonetic Search: Input pinyin initials for Chinese locations (e.g., "LSJFF" for Los Angeles)
Understanding Code Relationships
City codes and airport codes serve distinct purposes. While city identifiers represent metropolitan areas, airport codes specify individual facilities. Major cities often contain multiple airports, each with unique three-letter designations.
Creston Valley Regional Airport (CFQ), despite its modest footprint, performs vital functions within Canada's western air cargo network. Recognizing its operational characteristics and limitations enables optimized freight routing and enhanced logistics efficiency.