Pride Month is in full swing and we’re celebrating the power of love and all that makes us unique and brings us together. Every day we are proud to celebrate our 2SLGBTQAI+ friends, family, co-workers, partners and all the passengers we haven’t had the chance to meet yet. We stand together and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and most of all, love.
Many non-profit pride societies and social community groups across the coast are working hard to facilitate opportunities for visibility, ongoing conversations and celebration. The goal of this guide is to amplify those voices and share how to get involved in pride celebrations and conversations within your community.
Victoria
We are proud to be partners of Victoria Pride 2022. Victoria Pride is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting Greater Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.. Victoria Pride Week runs June 23 – July 2, with a number of signature Victoria Pride Festival events taking place throughout the week, including the 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Pride Kick-Off, the Big Gay Dog Walk and Memorial Drag Ball Game.
The Pride Parade returns June 26 with a multi-faceted queer-themed festival after the parade. The VPS also has a directory of local 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses to show your support
Downtown Vancouver
Vancouver Pride Society produces inclusive, celebratory events and advocates for the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. There are a number of upcoming pride events, with the 44th Annual Pride Parade set to take place on July 31. This year’s theme ‘Together Again’ represents the first festival since 2019.
Vancouver Pride Society also has a directory of LGTBQAI2S+ owned and BIPOC owned businesses to show your support.
Comox
Pride Society of the Comox Valley hosts annual events including Pride in the Park and Pride Dance fundraisers. Please note 2022 events have not been confirmed yet.
Queer Culture is a family run business, producing events for All Humans. Upcoming events in the Comox Valley include Cabaret-A Good Old Fashioned Drag Show on June 18 and Variety of Pride Show on July 23 with all proceeds going to the Queer Culture Bursary.
Sechelt
The Sunshine Coast Pride Dance Committee is made up of a group of LGBTQ volunteers. A Pride March and Festival was hosted June 5th, with various upcoming events to celebrate Pride Month including Pride Drag Cabaret, Drag Queen Storytime and Youth Pride Dance.
The Sechelt Downtown Business Association is hosting a pride parade in Sechelt on June 18
Seattle
Seattle Pride coordinates advocacy and allyship efforts year-round to promote diversity and inclusivity—and to call our community to action. The official Seattle Pride Guide Magazine can be seen here, which includes the return of the Seattle Pride Festival on June 26.
Nanaimo
The Nanaimo Pride Festival is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing a series of safe and inclusive events. Upcoming events include Youth Prom, Queer as Funk, the Nanaimo Pride Festival occurred June 12
Whistler
Whistler’s largest pride celebration takes place in the winter, hosting one of the largest queer-focused ski weeks in the world. Now in its 30th year, the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival is set to take place January 22-29, 2023.
Salt Spring Island
Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island (DAISSI) is a group of LGBTQ and allies supporting the pride community and are organizers of “Pride All Year” hosting a series of pride events throughout the year. Upcoming events include Picnic and Play and the Queer Dog Walk.
Powell River
Qathet Pride Society hosts a number of pride events for the Qathet Regional District and City of Powell River. 2022 Pride week is Aug 8 – 14, with event announcements upcoming.
Maple Bay
Cowichan Pride Society is a social and community group of LGBTQ2S+ people and allies in the Cowichan Valley. Please note 2022 events have not been confirmed yet.
Harbour Air is honoured to be named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 13th overall year. This also marks the company’s seventh consecutive year maintaining the prestigious status as a Platinum Club Member. The award program recognizes overall business performance and winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies. Harbour Air was recognized thanks to its continued dedication to innovation, strategy, sustainability, culture and industry leadership.
“To be recognize and celebrated for the quality of our team and service is an incredible honour” said Randy Wright, Harbour Air President. “One of our core principles is to create a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Our growth and success is in large part contributed to our outstanding team committed to delivering on that promise every single day.”
Now in its 29th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies remains one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2022 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) putting their people and culture at the forefront, focusing on their ESG strategies, and doubling down on accelerated digitization.
“This year’s Best Managed winners displayed courage, resourcefulness, and creativity as they explored new avenues for advancement,” said Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program “We’re extremely proud to recognize their impressive achievements in such a rapidly changing business world. Their successes demonstrate the importance of strong leadership and forethought in driving long-term growth.”
2022 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at galas across the country. The Best Managed virtual symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders. The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce, and TMX Group.
It’s been a long wait, and now it’s time for a long-awaited reunion across the border! We’re excited to be welcoming back our Seattle to downtown Vancouver seaplane service, with scheduled flights resuming on May 16th. This route will feature daily flights departing downtown Vancouver and Lake Union, located just minutes from downtown Seattle.
This one-hour connection allows passengers to travel quickly, easily, and conveniently between Seattle and Vancouver, saving hours in driving and traditional airport travel time. Border control will be available upon landing for efficient processing, allowing travellers to maximize their time across the border.
Of course, we’re always here to talk so if you need more information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly reservations agents at 1.800.665.0212 or click here to book now!
Please be aware of the latest COVID-19 requirements for international travel, you can check for the most up-to-date requirements on our website here. It’s time to travel, and we’re more than ready to be flying to Seattle again.
Due to the ongoing surge in fuel prices, Harbour Air will be implementing a fuel surcharge on all fares effective Monday, March 28. Please rest assured this is a temporary measure being implemented to cover operational costs.
This surcharge will apply to all new bookings including confirmed travel, and standby travel. Additionally, any new purchases of pre-paid quick tickets, and on-account quick tickets will include a Fuel Surcharge on the base fare.
Although Harbour Air continues to work hard to reduce its consumption of fuels, the intention of having this charge as a separate expense is to ensure that when fuel prices return to baseline, it can be eliminated. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Terms and Conditions
Fuel surcharges will only be applied to flights booked on March 28th onwards
Any pre-existing reservation (booked prior to March 28th), that changes on or after March 28th will be subject to the new fuel surcharge
This surcharge will be evaluated regularly and may be adjusted to align with any changes in fuel prices
The first ceremonial seaplane flight between Vancouver and Seattle lands in Vancouver’s inner harbour carrying Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Alan Winter, Innovation Commissioner for B.C.; and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on April 25. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann /PNG
The B.C. government announced Friday it would provide nearly $1.6 million to Harbour Air Seaplanes for its aircraft electrification project.
B.C. Energy Minister Bruce Ralston said Harbour Air is decarbonizing aviation and elevating the company to new altitudes as a clean-technology leader in B.C.’s transportation sector.
The funding, which is part of the government’s CleanBC initiative, supports Harbour Air’s conversion of an existing aircraft to be fully electric-powered and builds on its successful December 2019 flight of the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft, according to the government.
Ralston said that flight marked the start of the third era in aviation: the electric age. He added that 21 full-time jobs will be created and sustained by the project.
Harbour Air has also purchased a fully electric, zero-emission passenger shuttle bus to pick up and drop off passengers between Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver and Richmond locations, and the Vancouver International Airport.
In total, $8.18 million is being distributed to 18 projects from the second round of CleanBC Go Electric ARC program funding.
It’s been awhile since many of you have flown with us (or travelled at all) and we want to start off by saying welcome back! Now that we’ve moved into Step 2 of BC’s Restart Plan we know a lot of you are making plans to reconnect with friends and family, booking long overdue vacations or travelling for business again. And we couldn’t be more excited to welcome more new and returning guests aboard again!
We have been proudly connecting BC’s coast for over 39 years by providing a safe, efficient and enjoyable travel option. We hope you will join us in taking a Health First approach with a kindness always attitude as we proceed through the next phase of the pandemic.
As a reminder, things are not “back to normal” yet so that means your Harbour Air experience may still be a little different. For example, we’re working on:
Monitoring and adjusting schedules based on demand;
Reintegrating some of our complimentary amenities;
Developing new online parcel tracking and quoting features.
And remember, a little patience and kindness goes a long way. We have an amazing team of staff who work really hard to provide an outstanding level of service. Now is the perfect time be extra nice and remind them how great they are! We’ve all missed you and we’re looking forward to seeing you in our terminals again and hearing about your summer travel plans.
As a local airline, we really appreciate the ongoing support of our passengers, customers, industry partners, and community members. Whether you’re enjoying your commute back to the office, taking a much needed getaway, exploring the city from above or shipping a parcel, thank you for choosing Harbour Air!
Ps. Need a little refresher? Click here to read our “Know Before You Go” tips!
05 May, 2021 – Harbour Air is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 12th overall year. This also marks the company’s sixth consecutive year maintaining the prestigious status as a Platinum Club Member. The award program recognizes overall business performance and winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies. Harbour Air was recognized thanks to its focus on innovation, strategy, sustainability, culture and industry leadership.
“Being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies is particularly meaningful to us this year,” said Randy Wright, Harbour Air President. “I’m really proud of the remarkable resilience and leadership our team has demonstrated amidst so many unprecedented challenges.”
Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2021 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) enabling a remote workforce, making employee health a top priority, acting with an increased sense of purpose and social responsibility, and a significantly heightened focus on cash flow.
“This year’s Best Managed winners demonstrate the organizational grit required to thrive in these increasingly uncertain times,” said Kari Lockhart, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “By putting their people first, and showing the courage to experiment and take risks, they were able to overcome some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year’s winners were able to succeed because they weren’t afraid to fail.”
2021 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at a virtual gala. The Best Managed virtual symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders. The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, and TMX Group.
The largest seaplane airline operator, the global leader in electric propulsion technology, and the renowned electric system and battery storage provider, join forces in bringing aviation to a new era: clean, CO2 free and commercially attractive through electric propulsion
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, EVERETT, Wash. and SION, Switzerland, April 20, 2021 /CNW/ — Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline; magniX the company powering the electric aviation revolution; and H55, the spin off from Solar Impulse, producing highly efficient certified battery packs, announced a partnership to certify the world’s first electric Beaver (eBeaver) commuter airplane through a supplemental type certificate (STC) program.
The companies will collaborate together with Transport Canada to certify the installation of the magniX electric propulsion unit and the H55 enhanced battery system, transforming Harbour Air’s seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet.
After the successful first flight of the Harbour Air eBeaver powered by magniX in December 2019 and the ongoing flight tests since then, the companies have teamed up with H55 to bring their shared vision of clean, efficient and quiet commercial aviation to life by 2022. H55 will provide its proven modular battery technology to expand the eBeaver’s balance to weight ratio and endurance. The company’s battery modules have one of the highest energy densities on the market and will provide the entire energy storage system and redundant battery monitoring at the cell level for the eBeaver.
André Borschberg, H55 Executive Chairman, commenting on the partnership, “We have been attracted by Harbour Air and magniX’s vision, pioneering spirit and commitment to make aviation clean. The collaboration will leverage our synergies and complementarities. We all understand that the path to electric aviation is complicated. But at the same time by joining forces, our combined experience will lead to quicker certification. And this in turn will offer a fast and safe way to reach the market and popularize electric aviation.”
“I believe that H55 is the leading company in aviation battery solutions,” says Greg McDougall, CEO of Harbour Air. “Having them as partners in the ePlane development means that we will be able to lead the global push for electric aviation.”
“This partnership is another step forward in our vision of making emission free, all-electric aircraft a reality,” said Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX. “With Harbour Air leading the way to become an all-electric airline, H55’s battery technology and magniX’s flight-proven propulsion, we are looking at an electrifying future.”
Since the first flight in 2019, the eBeaver has performed additional flight tests to measure and collect data on cruise performance and take-off thrust efficiency, electro-magnetic interference (EMI), battery management software logic, noise levels, and more. magniX, Harbour Air and H55 will work on design optimization for the electric propulsion unit (EPU), energy storage system (ESS) and related aircraft systems based on ongoing flight testing.
About Harbour Air Founded in 1982 with two small seaplanes, Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline —and the first to be fully carbon-neutral. The company’s international seaplane service, which originally began as a service for the forestry industry in B.C., is now a quintessential west coast experience. With a showcase fleet of more than 40 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private flights. With extensive scheduled flight service connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Richmond (YVR South), Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Pitt Meadows, Maple Bay and Comox. For more information, visit www.harbourair.com.
About magniX Headquartered in Everett, WA with engineering facilities in Redmond and in Australia, magniX offers revolutionary electric propulsion systems for aircraft to meet electrical generation and torque requirements for sustainable commercial aerospace and defense. Using proprietary technology, magniX offers a range of solutions for various aviation applications including fixed wing, rotorcraft, and VTOL. For more information, please visit: www.magnix.aero.
About H55 H55’s mission is to make air transport, quiet, clean and affordable. The company’s patented and certified electric propulsion and battery management technology serves client-based solutions around electric propulsion for both existing aircraft designs, future VTOL and e-Commuter concepts. The core of H55’s proprietary technology is focused on an integrated power, propulsion and battery management system which includes battery packs, connectors, motor, motor controller, pilot interface and power controls. H55’s expertise is around aviation certified modular battery storage and battery management systems, with the company’s solutions having already been demonstrated with its first customer application, the Bristell Energic. For more information, please visit www.h55.ch.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented set of challenges for engaged couples eager to tie the knot. Now, future newlyweds can avoid the guest list drama and skip the hassle of trying to find a suitable venue that’s under budget and actually has your preferred date available. Harbour Air’s new “Weddings on the Fly” package, launching April 1, provides a hassle-free way to navigate pandemic wedding planning with memorable in-flight ceremonies!
Harbour Air’s teamtakes care of all the logistics and, as with any private flight, the experience is completely customizable. Choose a more intimate elopement with just you and our crew on our smaller Beaver aircraft or bring your immediate household aboard for a micro-wedding on our Single Otter seaplane.
Instead of walking down the aisle, the bride and groom will share their vows onbaord while seated across the aisle from each other. Seatback pockets have been fitted with special vases to keep the bride’s bouquet secure in the event of mild turbulence. Harbour Air’s friendly mascot, Turbo The Otter, will also be on board to serve as ring bearer and witness. We’ll even connect with your hairstylist to recommend headset-friendly up-dos!
Worried about loved ones feeling left out? The crew will set up goPros on the wing of the plane and inside the cabin so your virtual guests can live stream from take off to landing. Choose the “Fly Over” upgrade and your pilot will design a flight path over the homes of your Maid of Honour, Best Man, Mother of the Bride so you can wave to them from the air!
After the flight and now that we don’t have to worry about cold feet, adventurous couples are encouraged to show their commitment to their partner by truly “taking the plunge” and jumping off the float into the water. The crew will be waiting dockside to snap a photo and greet you with monogrammed towels and a celebratory post-flight bubbly beverage!
For couples that already had to delay their big day last year, it’s finally time to say yes! Already fly Harbour Air for work? Now you can even tie the knot during your 20-minute commute. Plus, you’ll make an eco-friendly statement with your 100% carbon neutral ceremony.
For a unique and unforgettable wedding that won’t leave you feeling like you missed out, contact our Private Flight Specialists today to book your “Wedding on the Fly” package. And remember…love is always in the air, just say “I do”!
P.S. Ask about Harbour Air flights to trendy honeymoon destinations like Tofino and Whistler!
Aviation industry faces mounting pressure to get serious about climate change
Kyle Bakx · CBC News · Feb 04, 2021
Air travel accounts for between three and five per cent of global CO2 emissions — and those emissions are on the rise. The number of flights around the world has increased substantially over the decades: In 1960, 100 million passengers travelled by air compared with four billion worldwide in 2017. (motive56/Shutterstock)
Airlines remain in survival mode as governments continue to restrict air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, with vaccine developments and deployment, those in the sector are hopeful there won’t be too much more turbulence before more planes and passengers are able to return to the sky.
Post-pandemic, one of the biggest headwinds facing the industry is finding a way to reduce the carbon emissions produced by flying thousands of jets every day. It’s not only an obstacle for the aviation sector but one of the biggest challenges for the world’s efforts to combat climate change.
There are sources of pollution that can be reduced through electrification, such as passenger vehicles, lawn mowers and many other products. But some sectors, such as manufacturing, still depend heavily on fossil fuels because they require an intense amount of energy.
The aviation sector not only needs an abundance of energy for takeoff but also in carrying a lot of weight while airborne.
“Everybody imagines aviation as one of the most difficult-to-decarbonize sectors,” Glenn Llewellyn, who is responsible for the zero-emission aircraft program at Airbus, said in an interview from Toulouse, France.
“If aviation can decarbonize and eliminate its climate impact, then there is no excuse for any industry,” he said.
Economic downturn won’t slow aviation industry’s efforts to curb emissions
Glenn Llewellyn, with Airbus, says regardless of the sector’s current condition, the sector is pushing forward with its goal of eliminating the climate impact of air travel.
Airbus wants to be the first aircraft manufacturer to bring a zero-emissions commercial aircraft to market. The company has set a 15-year timeline to achieve the goal, which highlights both the level of ambition and challenge of its target.
In recent years, many airlines have made strides to reduce the amount of pollution from each aircraft as technology has made jet engines much more efficient.
WestJet, for example, reduced its emissions intensity by close to 50 per cent from 2000 by replacing older aircraft.
Still, the number of flights around the world has increased substantially over the decades: In 1960, 100 million passengers travelled by air compared with four billion worldwide in 2017.
The industry is facing pressure, since air travel accounts for between three and five per cent of global CO2 emissions — and those emissions are escalating.
A race is now underway to tackle the environmental impact of air travel, with research and development efforts studying a variety of possible solutions.
Batteries
For short flights, experts say batteries have a bright future.
In December, 2019, Vancouver-based Harbour Air Seaplanes successfully completed a three-minute flight with an electric float plane. The company paused the program because of the pandemic, but it recently announced that it will soon resume more test flights.
Harbour Air Seaplanes conducts a test flight of the world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft at Vancouver International Airport in December 2019. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
The obstacle with batteries is how much energy they produce compared with how much they weigh. The energy density of a lithium-ion battery can be about 250 watt-hours (Wh) per kilogram (kg), compared with jet fuel’s energy density of about 12,000 Wh per kg.
Some airlines are considering the use of hybrid technology, which would incorporate both batteries and jet fuel to reduce emissions.
Sustainable aviation fuel
Another area of focus is the production of a cleaner type of jet fuel, somewhat similar to using ethanol in gasoline for cars and trucks. The fuel would be made from a variety of materials, including oats, biomass and municipal solid waste.
One of the companies invested in this field is Chicago-based LanzaJet, which has partnered with other firms, such as Calgary-based Suncor Energy, to build a demonstration facility in the state of Georgia. The facility is expected to begin operation next year.
LanzaJet describes its process as taking carbon emissions from a steel mill or a landfill site and converting the pollution into fuels and chemicals by using bacteria.
“Large airlines are constrained in terms of what they can do. Sustainable aviation fuel is, we think, that solution — especially in the next couple decades, if not longer,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet.
The industry as a whole set a target of reducing its emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, relative to 2005 levels. But some airlines have set more ambitious targets of their own.
“There’s a lot of work happening to figure out how to get there, so we’re seeing quite a bit of appetite for our product,” Samartzis said.
LanzaJet’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will sell at a premium to traditional jet fuel, comparable to oil prices at between $80 and $100 US per barrel, although clean fuel policies help lower its cost. All of the expected production of SAF and renewable diesel from the Georgia facility is already spoken for through agreements with customers.
A WestJet aircraft takes off from Calgary International Airport. The airline has reduced its emissions intensity by close to 50 per cent from 2000 by replacing older aircraft. (Dave Rae/CBC)
In Alberta, WestJet had partnered with Alberta Innovates, a government research agency, to launch a challenge to develop SAF within the province, but the program was cancelled last year after the provincial government pulled the funding.
Boeing has set a target of designing and certifying its jetliners to fly on 100 per cent sustainable fuels by 2030, since regulators currently allow a 50-50 blend of sustainable and conventional fuels.
Hydrogen
The other major area of research is to use hydrogen fuel cells to power aircraft. The concept isn’t entirely new, since the U.S. Air Force used liquid hydrogen in its B-57 bomber in the 1950s.
This is the path Airbus is taking, and, admittedly, it’s no easy feat. Not only would hydrogen storage and fuel cell technology need to be adopted for commercial aviation, but an entire supply chain would be required at airports around the world to produce, transport and store the product. It’s complex, but it could have the biggest impact on reducing emissions and other environmental impacts from aviation, such as contrails.
“Hydrogen has the most potential to eliminate, and at least significantly reduce, those elements, as well as the CO2, if the hydrogen is made from renewable energy or a low-carbon energy source,” said Llewellyn, with Airbus.
Harvard University’s David Keith expects hydrogen and renewable energy will be important in reducing emissions from the aviation industry.
“We’ve really stuck to this project as a guiding star and flagship project for the future of Airbus,” he said.
Besides fuel cell technology, hydrogen could also be used differently to produce a type of synthetic aviation fuel.
Squamish, B.C.-based Carbon Engineering aims to produce the fuel by combining water, renewable electricity and carbon emissions captured from the atmosphere.
“You’re just finding a way to, in a sense, package up the energy you got from the solar power and put it in a compact high-energy density form that is useful for powering an airplane or something else that’s hard to electrify,” said David Keith, who founded and sits on the board of Carbon Engineering.
Keith is also a Harvard University professor of applied physics and public policy.
Even as airlines continue to navigate the turbulence of a downturn in the industry, aerospace leaders hope to soon tackle the environmental challenge.
