The largest seaplane airline in North America will get a taste of life on land later this fall as Harbour Air launches its first “wheeled” flight service between Victoria International Airport and Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal.
The service will begin Nov. 4 with as many as three daily flights between the two destinations Monday to Friday.
Chris Fordyce, vice-president of commercial operations for Harbour Air, said they are excited about the prospect and will be providing flexible early morning and late evening commuting options.
“We know how much our customers value our product; however, being limited to flying during daylight-only hours has prevented us from operating at key times desired during winter,” he said. “The ability to fly in darkness and operate at airports on wheels is a game changer for us and will provide increased convenience for passengers travelling along these routes.”
The company has traditionally only flown during visible daylight hours due to its aircraft operating on floats and water.
The decision to add wheeled service is down to increased market demand from local and business travellers looking for more options.
“The team at Harbour Air have developed a great schedule which provides an additional travel option for Vancouver Islanders needing to get to the mainland,” said Elizabeth Brown, Victoria Airport Authority chief executive. “We look forward to the success of this exciting and unique new route.”
The company will use a converted 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft.
The aircraft will leave Victoria weekdays at 8:30 a.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., and from Vancouver at 7:15 a.m., 4 p.m. and 6:25 p.m. The 5:15 p.m. flight from Victoria and 6:25 p.m. flight from Vancouver will operate only between Dec. 2 and Feb. 28.
The news of expanded service comes shortly after the company announced route closures. The company said it would no longer fly between Maple Bay and Vancouver as of Oct. 5 and is suspending its non-stop Vancouver-to-Sechelt route as of Oct. 8.
In July the company announced it was suspending scheduled service between Vancouver and Butchart Gardens as well as between Vancouver and Patricia Bay for the rest of the summer, citing low demand.
“We regularly review our flight network and bookings to ensure that we are flying to destinations most popular with our customers throughout the year,” the company said in a statement.
Harbour Air started the Butchart service June 12, with plans to run it until Sept. 15. The round-trip fare was $499 per person, which included admission to the gardens.
