Air travel between Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Lower Mainland could be in for some changes.
Harbour Air has announced it is buying Pacific Coastal Airlines in a deal that will create a new regional airline group while keeping both airlines operating independently.
The Vancouver-based airlines say the acquisition will combine Harbour Air’s seaplane network with Pacific Coastal’s wheeled-aircraft network, maintaining existing routes while looking for opportunities to expand service.
The combined group will have 59 aircraft serving 25 communities, with up to 300 daily flights.
READ MORE: Harbour Air launches direct flight between Vancouver and Campbell River : My Campbell River Now
The companies say Vancouver will become a key hub, with expanded connections through Vancouver International Airport.
They say the deal is expected to protect and grow jobs and increase investment in infrastructure, aircraft and maintenance across B.C.
Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege said the deal will improve service for local air travellers.
“The creation of this new group is an exciting step for Harbour Air, its employees and for the communities we both serve,” said van der Stege. “We have a long standing and deep respect for Pacific Coastal Airlines, for their role as a B.C. regional airline and their employees who have powered the airline for 40 years. We look forward to welcoming them into the new group and investing together in building the leading regional airline group in Western Canada.”
Pacific Coastal Airlines president Quentin Smith said the deal will provide more options for travel around B.C.’s South Coast.
“Since 1987, Pacific Coastal Airlines has been proud to connect communities across B.C. and through merging with Harbour Air, we will be able to deliver even more for our guests, employees and the communities we serve,” Smith said. “We are joining an airline that has long served B.C. communities and with a shared culture of service. Under new ownership, we will be able to invest in growth, maintain our brand and continue to build a stronger, better, airline for the communities that count on both of us.”
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. A closing date has not been announced.
Until then, Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal will continue operating as separate airlines.
