Seaplane takeover pending

Vancouver-based Harbour Air has confirmed its proposed takeover of competitor West Coast Air.


The announcement in today's Times Colonist says the deal is due to be closed on April 30th. 


Both companies have reported a downturn in business travel in recent times and since this forms a large part of their off-season business, the decision comes as no great surprise.

Founded in 1982, Harbour Air now operates more than 30 single-engine seaplanes, and recently won an award as one of Canada's Top 50 best managed companies. West Coast Air's fleet of 15 seaplanes includes six twin-engine Otters - which offer 18 seats, but are inevitably more expensive to operate.

Formerly known as Baxter Air, West Coast Air has been flying for more than 35 years.  

Both fleets will continue to operate under their separate business names for the time being - but with the two companies currently running separate terminals at most of their locations, it can only be a matter of time before some more visible changes start to be made. 

When competition decreases, it usually means that fares start to rise - let's hope this is not the case with Harbour Air..