Harbour Air Seaplanes (YB, Vancouver Coal Harbour) has agreed to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines (8P, Vancouver International), with the two carriers to form a Canadian-owned regional airline group while retaining their individual brands and operations, the companies announced on September 15, 2026.

"Under new ownership, Pacific Coastal Airlines will be able to invest in growth, maintain our brand, and continue to build a stronger, better airline," president Quentin Smith said.

Pacific Coastal Airlines separately said it would retain its name, air operator's certificate (AOC), and operations after the deal closes, while Harbour Air will retain its own. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval, and no closing date has been disclosed. Until then, the carriers will continue operating independently.

The group will have more than 900 employees and a fleet of 59 aircraft serving 25 communities, operating up to 300 daily flights, the companies said. They plan to maintain the carriers' existing routes and develop Vancouver International as a key connecting hub.

Transport Canada registry data lists 38 aircraft to Harbour Air, comprising twenty-one DHC-3s, ten DHC-2s, four DHC-6-300s, one Cessna (single turboprop) 208B, one Cessna (single piston) 180J Skywagon, and one C172M. Pacific Coastal Airlines has 21 registered aircraft, comprising two Beech 1900Cs, nine Beech 1900Ds, one Saab 340A, three Saab 340Bs, five Saab 340B(Plus)s, and one Grumman Goose.

Harbour Air has been controlled by Canadian private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners since a 2020 sale of control. Pacific Coastal Airlines was founded by Smith's father, Daryl Smith, in the 1980s and has been run as a family-owned business since.