The B.C. government is giving Harbour Air a $1.6 million CleanBC Go Electric Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) grant to convert another aircraft to electric propulsion. Harbour Air already has an electrically powered Beaver that it demonstrated in 2019 and has been used for test flights since. The prototype is heavy and not commercially viable and the grant will help Harbour Air trim weight and make room for passengers and luggage on an electric airplane. About 21 full-time jobs will be created.
“CleanBC is helping accelerate world-leading clean technology and innovation at Harbour Air that supports good jobs for people in our communities,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. Harbour Air CEO Greg McDougall said the funding is welcome. “This type of funding confirms the importance of encouraging companies in all sectors to focus on what they can be doing to look at more sustainable practices. We will use these resources to continue to develop and lead the transportation industry around the world in all-electric aviation.”