Harbour Air to buy Pacific Coastal Airlines in B.C. regional airline deal

Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines have agreed to a combination that would keep both brands Canadian-owned while expanding regional air service across British Columbia. The deal, which still needs regulatory approval, aims to strengthen connectivity, jobs and tourism through a 59-aircraft network serving 25 communities.

Why it matters: - The transaction would create a larger regional airline group with broader coverage across British Columbia. - The combined network is designed to improve connectivity for remote communities, workforce mobility and tourism. - The deal could also support jobs, infrastructure investment and long-term air service in the province.

What happened: - Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines announced an agreement under which Harbour Air will acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines. - The companies said the new group will remain under Canadian ownership. - Both airlines will continue to operate as separate and independent brands until the deal closes. - The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and the expected close date has not been confirmed.

The details: - The combined airline group will bring together Harbour Air’s seaplane network and Pacific Coastal Airlines’ wheeled-aircraft network. - The new group will keep both brands and maintain current routes while looking for additional connectivity across the region. - The fleet will total 59 aircraft and serve 25 communities. - Vancouver will become a key hub, with expanded access through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). - The group says it will maintain up to 300 daily flights. - The companies say the arrangement will include a single loyalty offering and expanded airline partnerships. - The group says it will support more affordable travel through an expanded low-fare offering. - The combined business will have more than 900 employees. - Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines said the transaction will support continued investment in fleet renewal, maintenance capacity, modernized systems and infrastructure. - The airlines also said the network will help manage weather disruption and other operational challenges.

Between the lines: - The deal links two established B.C. carriers with complementary routes rather than overlapping businesses. - Keeping both brands suggests the companies want to preserve local loyalty while still capturing scale benefits. - The combined network could make Vancouver more important as a regional connection point for passengers traveling within Canada and onward globally. - The emphasis on sustainability, community investment and local jobs signals that provincial impact is part of the commercial case, not just route expansion.

What's next: - The companies will wait for regulatory approval before closing the transaction. - Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines will continue operating independently in the meantime. - If approved, the combined group is expected to pursue growth in British Columbia and expand partnerships tied to Vancouver International Airport. - The airlines also expect to grow career opportunities and deepen investment in communities across the province.

The bottom line: - The proposed acquisition would create a bigger British Columbia-focused regional airline platform without retiring either brand, betting that scale and local identity can coexist.