Air Canada partners with Pacific Coastal Airlines to expand travel connections

Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA), a Richmond-based carrier, announced a bilateral interline partnership with Air Canada on Sept. 23. The agreement is intended to give travellers arriving from destinations around the world more ways to connect with communities in B.C.

PCA president Quentin Smith called the agreement a significant milestone for the airline and the communities it serves. He said it will make travel beyond British Columbia easier for customers while creating new opportunities for visitors, businesses and families to reach communities throughout the province.

Eligible itineraries across the two carriers’ networks, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights, can be purchased on a single ticket. Customers will also be able to check in and receive boarding passes for all flights at their first point of departure. Eligible interline itineraries can be found through Air Canada’s website and online travel agencies.

Air Canada senior director of global partnerships Karim Rachi said the agreement links PCA’s network with Air Canada’s global reach and strengthens regional connectivity. He said it will make it easier for travellers in B.C. to reach destinations in Canada and internationally, while helping support tourism and economic growth in communities across the province.

PCA recently also reached an agreement with Harbour Air to form a regional airline group. The group will include 59 aircraft, serve 25 communities from its key hub in Vancouver, and expand connections through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Harbour Air and PCA currently operate up to 300 daily flights across their respective seaplane and complementary wheeled-aircraft networks.