Harbour Air acquires Pacific Coastal Airlines to form regional airline group

Harbour Air announced Sept. 15 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA), creating a new regional airline group. The company said the acquisition will keep both airlines under Canadian ownership, add destinations for travellers and expand air service across British Columbia.

The two airlines will continue to operate separately while offering a single loyalty program. The group will have 59 aircraft, serve 25 communities from its main Vancouver hub and provide expanded service for B.C. residents, along with new domestic and international connections through Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Harbour Air chief executive officer Bert van der Stege said the group would build on Pacific Coastal Airlines’ role as a B.C. regional carrier and its employees’ 40 years of work with the airline. He said the companies plan to invest together in building a leading regional airline group in Western Canada.

PCA president Quentin Smith said the airline, which has connected communities across B.C. since 1987, expects the combination to support growth while maintaining its brand. Harbour Air and PCA currently operate up to 300 daily flights across their respective seaplane and complementary wheeled-aircraft networks.

Earlier this spring, Harbour Air announced plans for its largest-ever seasonal expansion, including new routes from Vancouver to popular B.C. destinations and a major U.S. city. Late last year, it also partnered with Air Canada’s Aeroplan rewards program, allowing travellers to earn points when booking eligible fares.