Harbour Air to Acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines in BC Merger

Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines announced an acquisition agreement on September 15, 2026, to form a consolidated regional aviation group in Western Canada. The transaction merges Harbour Air’s extensive seaplane operations with Pacific Coastal Airlines’ wheeled turboprop network, creating a combined entity operating up to 300 daily flights across British Columbia.

In a joint press release, the companies confirmed that both airlines will remain under Canadian ownership and continue to operate as independent brands. The mergers aims to enhance year-round reliability during weather disruptions and expand connectivity for 25 communities through Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Fleet integration and operational independence

Despite the acquisition, the two carriers will maintain separate Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and operating teams. According to the official announcement, Pacific Coastal Airlines will retain its name and brand identity while operating under the new joint ownership structure.

The combined fleet will total 59 aircraft. Harbour Air brings 40 floatplanes to the group, including de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beavers, DHC-3 Turbo Otters, and Twin Otters. Pacific Coastal Airlines contributes 19 wheeled turboprop aircraft. This mixed-fleet capability is designed to provide greater operational flexibility, particularly during the frequent weather disruptions common in the Pacific Northwest.

The new regional airline group will employ more than 900 people. Both airlines share historical roots, having been founded in Richmond, British Columbia, during the 1980s, with Pacific Coastal Airlines officially launching in 1987.

Leadership perspectives and future offerings

Executives from both airlines emphasized the complementary nature of the merger. Harbour Air Chief Executive Officer Bert van der Stege stated that the creation of the new group represents a significant step for the company and the communities it serves.

“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,” van der Stege said in a statement provided to TravelPulse Canada. “We look forward to welcoming them into the new group and investing together in building the leading regional airline group in Western Canada.”

Pacific Coastal Airlines President Quentin Smith noted that joining forces with Harbour Air will allow the wheeled-aircraft operator to invest in growth while maintaining its established brand. The new ownership group plans to introduce a common loyalty program across both brands and expand low-fare offerings throughout the network.

Regulatory approval and market context

The transaction remains subject to general regulatory approval from Canadian authorities. Because both Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines are privately owned, the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and a specific closing date has not been announced.

The acquisition follows a period of network expansion for Harbour Air. The seaplane operator recently launched expanded service connecting Vancouver to Tofino and Victoria, and established a loyalty partnerships with Aeroplan in December 2025.

AirPro News analysis

We view this acquisition as a strategic consolidation of British Columbia’s regional aviation market. By combining floatplane and wheeled-aircraft operations under a single corporate umbrella, the new group can optimize route networks that were previously siloed by infrastructure requirements. The retention of separate AOCs mitigates the immediate regulatory and training complexities typically associated with merging distinct flight operations. The ability to route passengers seamlessly between coastal seaplane bases and the major hub at Vancouver International Airport positions the combined entity to capture a larger share of both local commuter traffic and international connecting passengers.

Sources: Pacific Coastal Airlines