Powering British Columbia: Harbour Air to Acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, Expanding Regional Air Services

Both airlines will operate as independent brands to the benefit of guests and communities, unlocking economic potential of aviation infrastructure, workforce mobility and tourism

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA), two homegrown airlines, today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Harbour Air will acquire PCA and form a new regional airline group, keeping both airlines under Canadian ownership. This group will combine Harbour Air’s seaplane network and PCA’s complementary wheeled flight network to unlock more destinations for its guests and expand valuable air service across British Columbia. The transaction is expected to enable a stronger platform for growth in the Canadian aviation market, along with long-term job opportunities for employees, continued investment in local communities, and environmental stewardship.

Operating in a region where air travel is part of valuable infrastructure and its identity, Harbour Air and PCA share a deep commitment to caring for their employees, guests and communities. This combination will build on the 40-year legacies of these two guest and community focused airlines. The new group will preserve both brands and different customer focuses, while protecting and growing local jobs, powering economic development in British Columbia. The combined network will maintain current routes while seeking opportunities to provide more options and connectivity for communities across the region.

The transaction advances Harbour Air’s vision and ambition to be B.C.’s most trusted, innovative, and sustainable regional airline, delivering connections and experiences that strengthen the communities it serves, British Columbia's economic vitality and way of life.

Key highlights of proposed acquisition:
· Harbour Air’s and PCA’s strong, high-quality brands will be maintained and supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering.
· The new group will comprise a fleet of 59 aircraft enabling guests to reach 25 communities with complementary float and wheeled networks.
· New ownership will expand innovative airline partnerships to give guests more choice and a more seamless travel experience to access global networks out of B.C.
· Vancouver to become a key hub for the new group, with expanded service for B.C. residents and new connections across Canada and globally via Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
· Commitment to B.C. remains steadfast, including maintaining up to 300 daily flights, and a more competitive platform to support growth, community investment and environmental stewardship.
· Committed to growing the workforce across British Columbia’s communities.
· Enhanced ability to manage weather events and various operational challenges with the group's all-season, weather-resilient network.
· Continued investment in infrastructure, fleet renewal, maintenance capacity and modernized systems, building on both companies' sustainable growth and safety record.
· Transaction subject to regulatory approval; expected close date and timeframe to be confirmed. In the interim, Harbour Air and PCA will continue to operate as two separate and independent airlines.

Key quotes
“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.”

“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 with 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.”

The combination of Harbour Air and PCA will bring together complementary seaplane and wheeled-aircraft networks to offer guests across British Columbia greater choice, connectivity, and year-round reliability. While maintaining both trusted brands, the group will provide service to 25 communities, strengthen Vancouver's role as a key hub for regional and global travel, provide enhanced access to airline partnerships and onward connections through Vancouver International Airport (YVR), enhance loyalty program benefits, and provide more opportunities for affordable travel through an expanded low-fare offering across the network.

Together, the airlines will also deliver meaningful benefits for employees, communities, and businesses across British Columbia by creating a stronger, growth-oriented regional airline group. With more than 900 employees, the new group will provide enhanced career development opportunities, protect valuable air services for remote communities, support workforce mobility across key sectors, and expand access for businesses that rely on regional connectivity. The transaction will also create new opportunities for tourism and marketing partners, support future infrastructure investment, and advance sustainability initiatives and community partnerships across the province.

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Additional Information
The press kit, including the backgrounder and press release, is available in English and French at: https://news.harbourair.com/harbour-air-pacific-coastal-airlines. Multimedia materials are also available.

About Harbour Air
Harbour Air is North America's largest seaplane airline, connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years. Operating up to 200 daily flights to 13 destinations from its hubs in Vancouver and Victoria, Harbour Air is renowned for its unwavering commitment to safety and exceptional service. The airline combines breathtaking coastal views with sustainable aviation practices delivering simple, seamless and hassle-free travel options. For more information and reservations, visit harbourair.com.

About Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA)
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal. Serving 19 destinations across B.C., the airline is committed to connecting communities with reliable and convenient air travel. Pacific Coastal Airlines plays a key role in regional aviation. In addition to scheduled flights, the airline provides customized charter and cargo services throughout British Columbia and Western Canada, supporting businesses, tourism, and remote communities.

Media Contacts
Harbour Air
media@harbourair.com