Harbour Air Seaplanes (YB, Vancouver Coal Harbour) has signed a partnership with electric engine manufacturer MagniX which will eventually lead to the conversion of the entire fleet of seaplanes into electrically-powered units.

"We are once again pushing the boundaries of aviation by becoming the first aircraft to be powered by electric propulsion. We are excited to bring commercial electric aviation to the Pacific Northwest, turning our seaplanes into ePlanes," Founder and CEO Greg McDougall said.

The companies plan to convert the first aircraft, a DHC-2 Beaver, and operate test flights later this year. MagniX will equip the seaplane with its newly developed magni500 engine, a 750-horsepower fully-electric unit.

The timeline for the conversion of the entire fleet of Harbour Air Seaplanes has not been revealed.

The Canadian airline currently operates thirty-four seaplanes, according to its website, including twenty DHC-3 Single Otters, three DHC-6 Twin Otters, ten DCH-2 Beavers, and a single Cessna (single turboprop) 208 Grand Caravan EX. It operates scheduled flights in south-western Canada, mostly from Vancouver Coal Harbour and Vancouver International South. Harbour Air flies both domestically and to the US; it also operates charter flights.