Harbour Air Group Announces New CEO

October 31, 2022

Harbour Air Group (“Harbour Air”), North America’s largest seaplane airline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bert van der Stege as CEO. Effective today, Bert joins Harbour Air from the WestJet Group where he held responsibility for its low-cost carrier Swoop, as Head of Commercial & Finance. Mr. van der Stege will succeed Greg McDougall, who will assume the role of Founder and Chairman on the company’s Board of Directors.

Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege

In his role as Founder and Chairman of Harbour Air, Greg will continue to play a critical role in the development of Harbour Air’s all-electric plane and in promoting and advocating for innovation and safety within the aviation industry.

“Having started Harbour Air in 1982 as a two-plane operation, I am immensely proud of how the company has grown over the years” says Greg McDougall. “It has been a privilege to work with the team and build the organization into what is today an iconic Canadian company with 40 aircraft, 10 bases, and over 500,000 annual passengers. I am pleased to welcome Bert as the new CEO of Harbour Air and am confident he will successfully lead Harbour Air in its next phase of growth. Bert brings over 20 years of experience in the airline industry and a track record of driving profitable growth, building brand loyalty and, most importantly, fostering a strong company culture based upon on values of safety, service, innovation, and team spirit.”

Prior to his role as Head of Commercial and Finance at Swoop, Mr. van der Stege served as the Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax Stanfield International Airport and as the Vice President Commercial and Chief Restructuring Officer at First Air. Over the years, he has also held various positions with RwandAir, Arik Air, and Lufthansa Group.

“It is with great excitement that I join Harbour Air” says Bert. “Nowhere else in the world do you have an airline that is quite as distinctive. From passengers commuting every day to those visiting Canada and taking the tour of a lifetime, Harbour Air has found a way to share their passion for flying with the world. I am motivated by the opportunities ahead and honoured to be carrying on the legacy that Greg and his team created.”

Harbour Air’s long-term President, Randy Wright, will be taking on a special advisory role to both Bert and the Board. Randy has been with Harbour Air since 2001 and has had an enormous impact on the company during this time. He played a critical role in advancing Harbour Air’s standing in the Canadian aviation landscape and his leadership throughout Harbour Air’s expansion over the last 21 years has been invaluable.

“I would like to thank both Greg and Randy for their confidence and support of me in this new role” says Bert. “Harbour Air would not be in the position it is today without their valuable contributions, and I am grateful to be able to count on their experience and guidance as I become familiar with our unique organization.”

About Harbour Air

Founded in 1982, Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline, and the first fully carbonneutral airline in the world. Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private charter flights. With over 20 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Richmond (YVR South), Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Kelowna, Maple Bay, Pitt Meadows, Powell River and Comox, B.C. For more information on Harbour Air, please visit harbourair.com

Harbour Air Seaplanes Proudly Serving BC’s Coast for 40 Years

19 October 2022

It’s hard to believe we’ve been flying on floats for four decades! From the big moments to the small, and everything in between, it’s been quite the journey to get to where we are today. Whether you’ve hopped aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime tour or a frequent commute, thank you for supporting our local airline. We are incredibly grateful to be your choice of trusted travel when connecting between coastal communities.  

What started in 1982 with two pilots, two seaplanes, and a dream to revolutionize the aviation industry has grown into one of the world’s largest all-seaplane airlines in the world, flying over 500,000 passengers a year. Over the past 40 years we’ve grown from a 2 to 40+ aircraft fleet, expanded to 14 scheduled locations (including the start of international service!), increased from 2 pilots to over 400 team members, and made history becoming the world’s first fully carbon neutral airline and launching the world’s first electric aircraft. 

Short Video on the 40 Years: https://www.facebook.com/harbourair/videos/802537651037414/

Along the way showing support to the coastal communities who have chosen Harbour Air has remained a top priority. Each year we provide donations/support to more than 250 community events and non-profit organizations, and through our Share the Fare and Tour de Cure initiatives, we have raised over $1,725,000 to date for the BC Cancer Foundation.  

We’re proud to have served the coast for 40 years and look forward to soaring to new heights in the next 40 years!

A Look Back on the Past Four Decades

Harbour Air’s All-Electric Aircraft Operates First Point to Point Test Flight!

 18 Aug, 2022

The Harbour Air ePlane team is excited to announce that the first direct all-electric point to point test flight has been completed. The historic De Havilland Beaver has been completely retrofitted in 2019 to operate using 100% electricity flew 45 miles in 24 minutes.  The aircraft left their terminal on the Fraser River adjacent to YVR and landed in Pat Bay adjacent to YYJ.  This is a major milestone in the advancement of all-electric commercial flights.

Courtesy of Harbor Air

Take-off was at 0812 with ample reserve power upon landing at 0836.

“I am excited to report that this historic flight on the ePlane went exactly as planned” said Kory Paul, Harbour Air’s Vice President of Flight Operations and one of the company’s test Pilots. “Our team as well as the team at magniX and Transport Canada are always closely monitoring the aircraft’s performance and today’s flight further proved the safety and reliability of what we have built”.

The ePlane will stay in Victoria to support Harbour Air’s partnership with the BC Aviation Museum, who is hosting an Open House on Saturday August 20^th from 10am until 4pm, before returning back to Harbour Air’s Aerospace Maintenance Facility at YVR.

For further information on this project, please follow Harbour Air’s Going Electric page at Harbour Air ePlane Updates

Harbour Air Supporting Tour de Cure, and You Can Too!

We’re Supporting Tour de Cure, and You Can Too!

 27 Jul, 2022

Harbour Air is proud to not only sponsor but be an active participant in BC Cancer Foundations Tour de Cure (formerly Ride to Conquer Cancer). Most recently, in 2019, our team of riders, generous partners, suppliers, passengers, and employees helped raise more than $500,000. And while we’ve made huge ‘rides’ forward, unfortunately, so too has this destructive disease.  

So, we’re upping our game and together with our team, setting a goal of $800,000

Since we’re looking to raise more, we know we need to do more. Our team ‘Blood, Sweat, and Cures’ consists of more than 50 riders made up of Harbour Air employees, Lymphoma Researchers, Lymphoma Cancer Survivors and instrumental BC Cancer Foundation Donors. Riders will participate in 50 km, 100 km, or 160 km rides together cycling 550 kms on August 27. We believe by doing this we can show you how important we believe the work that the BC Cancer Foundation is doing and why we need your help. More information about the Tour de Cure event can be found here.

Our Goal

Contribute to our teams goal of raising approximately $800,000 for the Centre for Lymphoid Cancer and leverage that through grants to as much as ten times.

These funds raised will be focused on:

• Developing accurate diagnostic tools and new treatments 
• Tapping into state-of-the-art genomics, models, and testing to characterize the biology of lymphoma 
• Implementing biomarker tests to better guide treatment decisions 
• Developing a world-class training program to attract and ensure the next generations of leaders

Want to Help?

A few ways you can be a part of this initiative are:  

• Donating to our Team: Donations can be made via this page here. 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to our program and tax receipts are provided.  
• Flying on Fridays! Leading up to the ride on August 27^th, 100% of the funds raised through our Share the Fare Friday’s program will be going towards our team’s goal.  Our Share the Fare program donates $1 on behalf of every passenger, every Friday year-round, more information about this initiative can be found here.

We are very appreciative of your support as we take part in this 160 km cycle continuing our ongoing commitment to helping the BC Cancer Foundation in their efforts to find a cure for cancer.

About BC Cancer Foundation

The BC Cancer Foundation believes that together, BC CAN break down cancer.

We are the fundraising partner of BC Cancer. Every dollar we raise stays at BC Cancer to advance research and enhance care for the people of BC and beyond by connecting personalized care, innovative research and opportunities to contribute.

At the BC Cancer Foundation we believe that with your help, BC CAN make a difference in the lives of all British Columbians. We know that one in two people in our province will face cancer in their lifetime and we’re igniting progress to break down cancer, piece by piece, in the labs and clinics. For more information, please visit bccancerfoundation.com

Harbour Air was founded in British Columbia in 1982. With two small de Havilland Beaver seaplanes and a plan to service the forest industry, Harbour Air began by offering private charters to log buyers visiting the coast. With growing success and an increasing demand on both commuting and touring service, the company quickly expanded over the years adding daily, frequently-scheduled flights between Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and Whistler.

Okanagan Summer Sun Here We Come: Kelowna Flights Return July 9

28 June 2022

You asked, we listened. Okanagan summer sun here we come!  Starting July 9th, for a limited time only, direct flights between downtown Vancouver and Kelowna will return. Sit back and relax with one-hour flights connecting directly to where you need to be. No line-ups. No hassles. All fun.  

This seasonal service will feature one round-trip flight twice a week (Saturday & Tuesday) between July 9 and September 6. Flights from Harbour Air’s flagship terminal in Coal Harbour will land at Eldorado Resort’s marina, in front of the Mateo Hotel, centrally located just 5 km south of Kelowna’s City Centre.

Flight Schedule (Saturday & Tuesday):

Vancouver to Kelowna Kelowna to Vancouver
11:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Of course, we’re always here to talk so if you need more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly reservations agents at 1.800.665.0212 or click here to book now!

Harbour Air Seaplanes – Celebrating Pride from Coast to Coast

14 June 2022

Pride Month is in full swing and we’re celebrating the power of love and all that makes us unique and brings us together. Every day we are proud to celebrate our 2SLGBTQAI+ friends, family, co-workers, partners and all the passengers we haven’t had the chance to meet yet. We stand together and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and most of all, love.  

Many non-profit pride societies and social community groups across the coast are working hard to facilitate opportunities for visibility, ongoing conversations and celebration. The goal of this guide is to amplify those voices and share how to get involved in pride celebrations and conversations within your community. 

Victoria  

We are proud to be partners of Victoria Pride 2022. Victoria Pride is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting Greater Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.. Victoria Pride Week runs June 23 – July 2, with a number of signature Victoria Pride Festival events taking place throughout the week, including the 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Pride Kick-Off, the Big Gay Dog Walk and Memorial Drag Ball Game. 

The Pride Parade returns June 26 with a multi-faceted queer-themed festival after the parade. The VPS also has a directory of local 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses to show your support

Downtown Vancouver  

Vancouver Pride Society produces inclusive, celebratory events and advocates for the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. There are a number of upcoming pride events, with the 44th Annual Pride Parade set to take place on July 31. This year’s theme ‘Together Again’ represents the first festival since 2019.  

Vancouver Pride Society also has a directory of LGTBQAI2S+ owned and BIPOC owned businesses to show your support. 

Comox  

Pride Society of the Comox Valley hosts annual events including Pride in the Park and Pride Dance fundraisers. Please note 2022 events have not been confirmed yet.   

Queer Culture is a family run business, producing events for All Humans. Upcoming events in the Comox Valley include Cabaret-A Good Old Fashioned Drag Show on June 18 and Variety of Pride Show on July 23 with all proceeds going to the Queer Culture Bursary. 

Sechelt  

The Sunshine Coast Pride Dance Committee is made up of a group of LGBTQ volunteers. A Pride March and Festival was hosted June 5th, with various upcoming events to celebrate Pride Month including Pride Drag Cabaret, Drag Queen Storytime and Youth Pride Dance. 

 The Sechelt Downtown Business Association is hosting a pride parade in Sechelt on June 18

Seattle  

Seattle Pride coordinates advocacy and allyship efforts year-round to promote diversity and inclusivity—and to call our community to action. The official Seattle Pride Guide Magazine can be seen here, which includes the return of the Seattle Pride Festival on June 26. 

Nanaimo  

The Nanaimo Pride Festival is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing a series of safe and inclusive events. Upcoming events include Youth Prom, Queer as Funk, the Nanaimo Pride Festival occurred June 12

Whistler  

Whistler’s largest pride celebration takes place in the winter, hosting one of the largest queer-focused ski weeks in the world. Now in its 30th year, the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival is set to take place January 22-29, 2023.  

Salt Spring Island  

Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island (DAISSI) is a group of LGBTQ and allies supporting the pride community and are organizers of “Pride All Year” hosting a series of pride events throughout the year. Upcoming events include Picnic and Play and the Queer Dog Walk.

Powell River  

Qathet Pride Society hosts a number of pride events for the Qathet Regional District and City of Powell River. 2022 Pride week is Aug 8 – 14, with event announcements upcoming. 

Maple Bay  

Cowichan Pride Society is a social and community group of LGBTQ2S+ people and allies in the Cowichan Valley. Please note 2022 events have not been confirmed yet. 

Harbour Achieves Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Designation for Seventh Consecutive Year

10 May 2022

Harbour Air is honoured to be named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 13th overall year. This also marks the company’s seventh consecutive year maintaining the prestigious status as a Platinum Club Member. The award program recognizes overall business performance and winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies. Harbour Air was recognized thanks to its continued dedication to innovation, strategy, sustainability, culture and industry leadership.  

“To be recognize and celebrated for the quality of our team and service is an incredible honour” said Randy Wright, Harbour Air President. “One of our core principles is to create a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Our growth and success is in large part contributed to our outstanding team committed to delivering on that promise every single day.”  

Now in its 29th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies remains one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2022 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) putting their people and culture at the forefront, focusing on their ESG strategies, and doubling down on accelerated digitization. 

“This year’s Best Managed winners displayed courage, resourcefulness, and creativity as they explored new avenues for advancement,” said Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program “We’re extremely proud to recognize their impressive achievements in such a rapidly changing business world. Their successes demonstrate the importance of strong leadership and forethought in driving long-term growth.” 

2022 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at galas across the country. The Best Managed virtual symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders. The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce, and TMX Group. 

Harbour Air Seaplanes Seattle to Vancouver returning

Seattle Seaplane Service Returns May 16th

 21 Apr, 2022

It’s been a long wait, and now it’s time for a long-awaited reunion across the border! We’re excited to be welcoming back our Seattle to downtown Vancouver seaplane service, with scheduled flights resuming on May 16th.  This route will feature daily flights departing downtown Vancouver and Lake Union, located just minutes from downtown Seattle. 

This one-hour connection allows passengers to travel quickly, easily, and conveniently between Seattle and Vancouver, saving hours in driving and traditional airport travel time. Border control will be available upon landing for efficient processing, allowing travellers to maximize their time across the border. 

Daily Flight Schedule 

Monday to Friday 

Departing Downtown Vancouver	Departing Seattle
7:25 am	8:50 am
1:55 pm	3:20 pm

Saturday & Sunday 

Departing Downtown Vancouver	Departing Seattle
8:25 am	8:50 am

To celebrate the return of a Pacific Northwest Favourite, enjoy great savings with ALL seats starting at $249 between downtown Vancouver and Seattle for travel in May. 

Of course, we’re always here to talk so if you need more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly reservations agents at 1.800.665.0212 or click here to book now! 

Please be aware of the latest COVID-19 requirements for international travel, you can check for the most up-to-date requirements on our website here. It’s time to travel, and we’re more than ready to be flying to Seattle again.  

Harbour Air Seaplanes Fuel Charge Notice

 25 Mar, 2022

Due to the ongoing surge in fuel prices, Harbour Air will be implementing a fuel surcharge on all fares effective Monday, March 28. Please rest assured this is a temporary measure being implemented to cover operational costs. 

 This surcharge will apply to all new bookings including confirmed travel, and standby travel. Additionally, any new purchases of pre-paid quick tickets, and on-account quick tickets will include a Fuel Surcharge on the base fare. 

Although Harbour Air continues to work hard to reduce its consumption of fuels, the intention of having this charge as a separate expense is to ensure that when fuel prices return to baseline, it can be eliminated.  Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Terms and Conditions 

• Fuel surcharges will only be applied to flights booked on March 28th onwards 
• Any pre-existing reservation (booked prior to March 28th), that changes on or after March 28th will be subject to the new fuel surcharge  
• This surcharge will be evaluated regularly and may be adjusted to align with any changes in fuel prices

Harbour Air to receive $1.6 million for aircraft electrification project

From Vancouver Sun – link to source story

The funding supports Harbour Air’s conversion of existing aircraft to be fully electric-powered.

By: Tiffany Crawford, Vancouver Sun •  October 29, 2021

The first ceremonial seaplane flight between Vancouver and Seattle lands in Vancouver’s inner harbour carrying Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Alan Winter, Innovation Commissioner for B.C.; and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on April 25. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann /PNG

The B.C. government announced Friday it would provide nearly $1.6 million to Harbour Air Seaplanes for its aircraft electrification project.

B.C. Energy Minister Bruce Ralston said Harbour Air is decarbonizing aviation and elevating the company to new altitudes as a clean-technology leader in B.C.’s transportation sector.

The funding, which is part of the government’s CleanBC initiative, supports Harbour Air’s conversion of an existing aircraft to be fully electric-powered and builds on its successful December 2019 flight of the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft, according to the government.

Ralston said that flight marked the start of the third era in aviation: the electric age. He added that 21 full-time jobs will be created and sustained by the project.

Harbour Air has also purchased a fully electric, zero-emission passenger shuttle bus to pick up and drop off passengers between Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver and Richmond locations, and the Vancouver International Airport.

In total, $8.18 million is being distributed to 18 projects from the second round of CleanBC Go Electric ARC program funding.