Friday, September 20, 2024 Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, is set to introduce its first-ever wheeled flight service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) South Terminal and Victoria International Airport (YYJ) starting November 4, 2024. To celebrate, a special same-day round-trip offer is available from $249 (taxes and fees included) for the first 150 seats, valid for travel between November 4 and November 30, 2024. Launching with up to three daily round-trip flights from Monday to Friday, this marks a significant shift for Harbour Air, traditionally known for operating seaplane flights only during daylight hours.
The wheeled aircraft will now allow for flights during dark hours, catering to increased demand from business and local travelers seeking early morning and late evening flights. The Canadian-built 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft have been converted with wheels and de-icing equipment, making them capable of flying in winter conditions and operating at airports outside daylight hours. This new addition offers more flexibility and flight options for travelers between Vancouver and Victoria.
“We’re very excited to launch our first-ever wheeled flights between YVR’s South Terminal and YYJ Victoria International Airport and provide passengers with new flexible early morning and late evening commuting options”, states Chris Fordyce, VP Commercial, Harbour Air Group. “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. 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.
With the combination of wheeled and seaplane flights, Harbour Air will offer more daily frequencies than any other regional transport carrier along this route.” “Harbour Air provides direct and convenient access from YVR across the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, up to Whistler and into Seattle. We are thrilled that they are introducing for the first time a wheeled aircraft on their route from Vancouver to Victoria and about the added flexibility this brings for travelers.
We look forward to the new aircraft taking off on November 4,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at YVR. Flight schedule starting November 4, 2024: Monday-Friday: From YVR South Terminal: 7:15 am, 4:00 pm , 6:25 pm From YYJ Victoria International: 8:30 am, 5:15 pm , 7:45 pm *Schedule for December 2, 2024 – February 28, 2025. “YYJ welcomes the new service between YVR’s South Terminal and Victoria.
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 President and CEO. “We look forward to the success of this exciting and unique new route.” Along with this new service, Harbour Air is increasing seat capacity and flight frequency across other routes, including Powell River to downtown Vancouver, Powell River to Richmond (YVR South), and additional capacity for Nanaimo-Sechelt connector flights.
The airline is also adding more seats to its seaplane flights between downtown Vancouver and Victoria Harbour Airport..
