Seaplane operator Harbour Air is set to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines in a deal that will bring two of British Columbia’s regional carriers together under common ownership while still operating as separate brands. The airlines announced the merger Tuesday, saying the transaction will create a regional airline group with a fleet of 59 aircraft serving 25 communities across the province. The price and timing of the acquisition, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, has not been disclosed. “As a private transaction between Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines, the parties have agreed not to share financial details,” said Harbour Air a statement announcing the transaction. The two airlines serve different networks with Harbour Air’s seaplanes operating primarily in coastal tourism destinations while Pacific Coastal Airlines operates wheeled aircraft connecting rural hubs in the B.C. Interior. Bert van der Stege, CEO of Harbour Air, says the company has “a deep respect” for Pacific Coastal Airlines and looks forward to welcoming its workers into a combined workforce of more than 900 employees. “For our collective guests, this means more destinations, greater connectivity, more resilient year-round travel, and the opportunity to connect our communities with the rest of the world through the largest airports in Western Canada,” said van der Stege in a video statement recorded alongside Quentin Smith, president of Pacific Coastal Airlines. Smith described the deal as an opportunity to invest in growing Pacific Coastal Airlines under new ownership. Both brands are expected to continue operating their existing routes with a combined 300 daily flights while the new airline group looks for opportunities to expand. Harbour Air was founded in 1982 and has grown to become the largest seaplane operator in North America. Since 2019, the company has been conducting test flights on an electric version of its Beaver seaplanes that it plans to develop into a viable commercial platform pending further research and regulatory approvals.
