Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, on November 4 debuted their first-ever wheeled flight between Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal and YYJ Victoria International Airport. The seaplane airline’s new wheeled flight service provides travelers with an additional 3 daily round-trip flights Monday-Friday, and new convenient early morning and late evening flights between Vancouver and Victoria airports starting from just $99 one-way.
With the addition of wheeled aircraft, Harbour Air is responding to increased market demand from local and business travelers for early morning and late evening flights outside of daylight hours. The airline has converted two 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft to have wheels and de-icing equipment installed, which will enable flying during inclement weather conditions thereby improving reliability.
The first wheeled flight departed early Monday morning from Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal en route to YYJ Victoria International Airport. Prior to departure, a cedar brushing ceremony was performed for the aircraft by Musqueam Nation elders, followed by a Musqueam Nation traditional land acknowledgement, Harbour Air speech and ribbon cutting ceremony at the departure gate to welcome the first passengers.
Upon arrival at YYJ Victoria International Airport, the first wheeled flight was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute before it deplaned the flight’s first passengers. Following this, a W̱SÁNEĆ Nations traditional land acknowledgement, Harbour Air speech and ribbon cutting ceremony were held at YYJ Victoria International Airport’s departure gate to welcome the first passengers flying from Victoria to Vancouver.
“Today was a momentous occasion for Harbour Air as we celebrated the launch of our new wheeled flight service,” states Chris Fordyce, VP Commercial at Harbour Air. “With the combination of both wheeled and seaplane flights, Harbour Air will offer more daily frequencies than any other airline along this route. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard our wheeled flights throughout the winter months and beyond.”
To learn more about Harbour Air’s new wheeled flight service, visit harbourair.com/wheels. To book tickets starting from $99 one-way, visit harbourair.com/flights.
