Harbour Air acquires B.C.-based airline to form new regional airline group | Daily Hive

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Harbour Air is continuing a busy 2026 with the announcement that it has acquired a fellow homegrown B.C. airline

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, North America’s largest seaplane airline made the news official that it has entered into an agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA) to form a new regional airline group.

According to Harbour Air, the acquisition will keep both airlines under Canadian ownership while unlocking more destinations for its guests and expanding air service across the province.

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“The creation of this new group is an exciting step for Harbour Air, its employees, and for the communities we both serve,” said Bert van der Stege, chief executive officer of Harbour Air. “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.”

Both Harbour Air and PCA will be maintained separately, though both companies will offer a single loyalty offering.

The new regional airline group will be made up of 59 aircraft, reaching 25 communities from its key hub in Vancouver. There will also be expanded service for B.C. residents and new connections across the country and around the world through Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Harbour Air and PCA currently maintain up to 300 daily flights on their respective seaplane network and complementary wheeled flight network.

@PacificCoastal/Twitter

“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,” said Quentin Smith, president of PCA.

“We are joining an airline that has long served B.C. communities and has 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.”

Earlier this spring, Harbour Air unveiled plans for its largest seasonal expansion ever, with several new routes from Vancouver to popular B.C. destinations and a major U.S. city.

The company also entered into a partnership with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty and rewards program, late last year, allowing travellers to earn Aeroplan points every time they book on an eligible fare.