Vancouver – Harbour Air announced on September 15 that it has agreed to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, forming a new regional airline group under common ownership while preserving both brands as distinct operations. The transaction, backed by private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners, remains subject to regulatory approval and carries an undisclosed price. Existing bookings on either carrier are expected to proceed without change. ([1])
Deal Structure and Scale
The combined entity will operate 59 aircraft and employ roughly 900 people. It will serve 25 destinations across Vancouver Island, the B.C. coast, and the interior, with up to 300 daily flights. Harbour Air contributes its fleet of seaplanes suited to short coastal hops, while Pacific Coastal adds wheeled aircraft capable of longer inland routes and connections to carriers such as WestJet. The two networks show minimal overlap, allowing the group to pair daylight-only seaplane service with more flexible wheeled operations. Both airlines will retain their own operating certificates and separate identities, a deliberate choice to maintain customer familiarity and protect local jobs.
Implications for Passengers
Travelers can expect the same routes and schedules in the near term. The companies have stated that current bookings will remain unaffected. Over time, passengers may gain access to a broader set of destinations and improved year-round reliability through the complementary fleets. A single loyalty offering is planned across both brands. This development raises questions for collectors of programs such as Aeroplan and Air Miles about how points and redemptions will be handled once the integration advances. Details on the unified program have not yet been released.
Strategic Benefits and Next Steps
Executives from both carriers highlighted greater connectivity, stronger resilience against weather disruptions, and expanded career opportunities for staff. Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege noted the long-standing respect between the organizations and the potential to build the leading regional airline group in Western Canada. Pacific Coastal president Quentin Smith emphasized continued investment in growth while keeping the brand intact. The acquisition keeps both airlines under Canadian ownership and positions the group to pursue additional connections through Vancouver International Airport. Regulatory review will determine the closing timeline, after which further operational and loyalty program details are expected to emerge.
