The Vancouver-based float plane operator announced Tuesday (Sept. 15) that it is purchasing regional airline Pacific Coastal Airlines (PCA). The combined fleet would number 59 aircraft and serve a total of 25 destinations. Toronto-based Birch Hill Equity Partners, which acquired a controlling interest in Harbour Air from founder Greg McDougall in 2020, said it would keep the two brands separate.
Harbour Air, founded in 1982, serves British Columbia coastal destinations, as well as floatplane service to Seattle, Washington, catering to a mixture of tourist and business customers. The airline, which operates Cessna Caravan, de Havilland Beaver, Otter and Twin Otter floatplanes, is also known for its ongoing development of an electric battery-operated Beaver.
PCA, founded by the late Daryl Smith in 1987 and currently led by his son Quentin, serves 19 destinations throughout B.C. from its Vancouver base, from Masset and Prince George in the north to Trail and Cranbrook in the east and several cities and communities in between. The airline’s fleet is composed of Saab 340Bs and Beechcraft 1900s.
“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,” said Quentin Smith.
“The two airlines really complement each other well,” Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege said. “A wheels network [Pacific Coastal] and a seaplane network [Harbour Air] will make regional air services in British Columbia so much more reliable and stronger.”
The transaction is subject to federal regulatory approval.
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