VANCOUVER, BC – Harbour Air has reached an agreement to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, bringing two long-standing British Columbia carriers under common Canadian ownership and creating a new regional airline group serving communities across the province.
The proposed transaction, announced Sept. 15, would bring together Harbour Air’s seaplane network and Pacific Coastal’s wheeled-aircraft operations. The companies say the combined group would operate 59 aircraft, serve 25 communities and employ more than 900 people across British Columbia.
Despite the change in ownership, the two airlines are not expected to become a single operating carrier. Pacific Coastal Airlines will retain its name, brand, operating team and air operator certificate, while Harbour Air will continue operating under its own brand and certificate.
Until the transaction receives regulatory approval and closes, both airlines will continue to operate independently. Pacific Coastal says existing bookings and scheduled flights are not affected by the proposed acquisition.
The companies describe their networks as complementary. Harbour Air operates primarily seaplane services linking coastal communities, while Pacific Coastal provides scheduled, charter and cargo service to communities across B.C. from its Vancouver International Airport base. Pacific Coastal currently serves 19 destinations in the province.
Harbour Air says the acquisition is intended to strengthen the two companies’ financial position while creating additional opportunities for regional connectivity. The proposed group would maintain the two existing brands while seeking greater connectivity between their networks.
Vancouver to Become Key Hub
Vancouver is expected to play an expanded role as a hub, with the companies citing opportunities for connections through Vancouver International Airport and expanded partnerships with other airlines.
The proposed group would also maintain up to 300 daily flights, according to information released by the companies. They say the larger network could provide additional resilience during weather and other operational disruptions by combining seaplane and wheeled-aircraft services.
Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege said the company has a longstanding relationship with Pacific Coastal and its employees. Pacific Coastal president Quentin Smith said the proposed acquisition would allow the airline to maintain its brand while investing in future growth.
Financial terms of the proposed transaction have not been disclosed.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval, including federal review. No closing date has been announced.
For communities throughout B.C., the deal could reshape the regional aviation landscape while preserving two recognizable airline brands. The companies say their focus during the approval process will remain on continuing existing operations and serving passengers and communities across the province.
