May 10, 2025, marks a proud milestone—25 years of connecting travelers to the very heart of our beautiful province, Victoria, British Columbia.
Since launching in 2000 with our inaugural flights to Vancouver, our Victoria base has grown into our second-largest hub in the Pacific Coastal Airlines network. Over the years, we’ve continued to expand our services to meet the evolving needs of Victoria’s residents and surrounding communities. In 2015, we added routes to Kelowna and Prince George—introducing Prince George as a brand-new destination on our map. By 2023, we further enhanced connectivity with a non-stop service to Kamloops. Today, Victoria stands as a central meeting point linking four major cities across British Columbia.
But to us, Victoria is far more than a destination. It’s a city of rich heritage, charming Victorian architecture, lush green spaces, and boundless outdoor adventures. We are honoured to connect travelers to a place that sits atop so many travel wish lists.
This 25-year milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to customer loyalty, exceptional service, and a seamless travel experience. We are deeply grateful to our passengers for their continued trust and support. Thanks to you, we are proud to have served Victoria—on land and in the skies—for a quarter of a century.
This year, we did it again! We are thrilled to announce that Pacific Coastal Airlines has been named one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc.
Every day, our commitment to improving ourselves and the services we provide only grows stronger. Our vision of ensuring a future where our communities are connected, enriched, supported, and embraced drives us further and further each time. Over the past year, we have supported 150 charities, collectively volunteered more than 400 hours, and even transported rescued animals, such as bear cubs and sea lion pups, back to their homes. We also raised $14,000 for our Community Sharing Program and $110,000 through our Memorial Charity Golf Tournament. Moreover, we donated $30,000 to aviation scholarships for the third year in a row and arranged more than 950 patient itineraries with our long-time partner – Hope Air. Our mission of delivering top-quality service extends beyond the skies we traverse and runs deep into the communities across our province. We are honored to have our continuous efforts and hard work recognized on a national level.
For us, this recognition is proof of our dedication to being “People Friendly. People First.” By keeping our staff and passengers at the heart of our operations, we unlock our limitless potential and achieve remarkable milestones. At Pacific Coastal Airlines, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and their well-being, satisfaction, and loyalty are direct reflections of our company as a whole. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers, and we will continue to uphold this dedication and passion for many years to come!
“Here, you know everybody by name and you know their story. Then you become a part of their story. That’s pretty cool.”
We invite you to join our inclusive, respectful, and friendly corporate culture, where we offer excellent benefits and perks for our staff!
Health Benefits: A standard benefits package for permanent employees consisting of extended health, dental, vision, travel, medical, life insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, an employee and family assistance program, paid sick days, and paid personal emergency days.
Travel Benefits: Travel perks to employees and their eligible family members on Pacific Coastal Airlines and other partner airlines. Additionally, employees are eligible for discounts with various hotels and restaurants within the communities we serve as well as steeply discounted cargo shipping within the Pacific Coastal Airlines network.
Employee Programs: Employee Recognition and Reward programs, a milestone service recognition program and employee appreciation events throughout the year.
Operating from Sunday to Friday, this non-stop service is designed to offer travelers flexibility in planning their trips. An exciting addition to our summer schedule, this service begins on June 25, 2024.
To celebrate the launch, we’re rolling out an exclusive promotion! Enjoy a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: KELCOM. Fly over to our website to explore this deal and our schedule: https://flights.pacificcoastal.com/en/kelowna-comox
Richmond, BC – The City of Powell River has announced that the Powell River Airport is set to undergo a comprehensive runway, pavement, and electrical rehabilitation as outlined in their 2020-2045 Airport Master Plan. Recognizing the critical need for upgrades, particularly with the existing runway pavement nearing 40 years, this essential rehabilitation and re-profiling are imperative to ensure compliance with the latest TP312-5th Aerodrome Standards.
As a result, the runway at the Powell River Airport will be completely closed to allow for necessary construction and upgrades. This closure will temporarily suspend all Pacific Coastal Airlines flight and cargo services between Vancouver Airport South Terminal and Powell River Airport from April 8, 2024 to June 9, 2024, inclusive. As the project progresses, updates will be provided on Pacific Coastal Airlines’ website with the relevant information.
Pacific Coastal Airlines will be contacting customers with reservations booked during the period of the runway closure to offer reservations to be changed to new travel dates at no additional cost or for customers to cancel and receive a full refund.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is in close communication with the City of Powell River, ensuring that all relevant details are provided to our valued customers during this service disruption period.
Quentin Smith, President of Pacific Coastal Airlines, acknowledges potential frustrations among passengers and the community, stating, “We understand there may be frustration with this swift closure, and we are diligently working with our teams to notify affected passengers. This runway rehabilitation is imperative for the safety of our passengers, the long-term sustainability of the airport, and the continuity of our service to Powell River. We eagerly anticipate the project’s completion and the resumption of our services for the summer.”
For detailed project information, please visit the City of Powell River’s website.
Pacific Coastal Airlines recognizes the importance of commencing this project and understands passengers’ questions and concerns. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit our website to assist you during this time.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that currently flies to 18 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island.
Pacific Coastal Airlines Celebrates Inaugural Flights on New Nanaimo Routes
September 13, 2023
Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines is excited to announce the successful launch of its new daily non-stop routes between Vancouver South Terminal (YVR) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD), and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD). The inaugural flights took place yesterday, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, marking a significant milestone for Pacific Coastal Airlines and enhancing travel options for passengers in these communities.
The celebratory events, held at Vancouver South Terminal, Nanaimo Airport, and Kelowna International Airport, were attended by distinguished executives, politicians, airport authorities and First Nation representatives. Each event was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of these new routes in connecting communities and facilitating seamless travel experiences.
During the inaugural events for Pacific Coastal Airlines’ new routes, several executives and airport representatives were present. At the Vancouver South Terminal event (YVR-YCD), attendees included Cathy Nyfors, Manager, Passenger Programs, Passenger Journey Vancouver Airport Authority, Zahra Kawa, Pacific Coastal Airlines Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Corporate Development, as well as Darcy Coonfer, Vice President, Operations. The activities featured speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the distribution of branded treats and swag to passengers, and a heartwarming welcome ceremony, with representatives from the Musqueam Nation extending their hospitality and traditional blessings.
At the Nanaimo Airport event, Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, took center stage, alongside airport leads Dave Devana, Nanaimo Airport CEO & President and Keith Granbois, Chief Financial Officer & VP, Business Development. The festivities included a water salute for the aircraft, a special wine and cheese event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, a gift exchange, distribution of branded cookies and swag to passengers, and a First Nation welcoming by the Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliott.
Lastly, at the Kelowna International Airport event, Berkan Kucukkatipoglu, Director, Commercial Planning, represented the airline as the executive presence, and the airport was supported by Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Chief Executive Officer. The activities featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, distribution of cookies and swag, and a First Nation welcome by Krystal Withakay (Spaxwawlm), on behalf of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
These events celebrated the partnership between Pacific Coastal Airlines and the respective airports, signifying a commitment to provide enhanced travel options for residents and visitors in these regions. Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, expressed his excitement about these new routes, emphasizing that, “Pacific Coastal now offers year-round service to six destinations on Vancouver Island. Our new non-stop flights from Nanaimo to Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna offer convenient and affordable flight options for our customers and demonstrate our airline’s commitment to enhancing travel throughout British Columbia.”
Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission, added, “We are very excited that Pacific Coastal Airlines is providing a direct connection to both the Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna region that will connect our communities. It’s a “perfect pairing” providing an opportunity for our travelers to explore the vineyards and natural beauty of our regions while enhancing the business connections.”
Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This new daily service between Nanaimo and Kelowna is a great regional connection for YLW guests. I am excited to see Pacific Coastal continue to expand connections for BC residents and grow air service opportunities at YLW.”
Tickets for these new routes are now available for purchase. Passengers can book their flights by visiting Pacific Coastal Airlines’ website, contacting the Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872, or reaching out to their preferred travel agent.
To celebrate the launch of these new flights, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a special promotion for the Fall season. Passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on flights to/from Nanaimo (YCD) and anywhere in our network using the promo code FALL2023. More details can be found on the Pacific Coastal Airlines website.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is committed to connecting communities and providing convenient travel options, with a network that spans across British Columbia.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that flies to 18 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island.
Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines is thrilled to announce the introduction of two new routes at the Nanaimo Airport, further enhancing its commitment to connecting communities and providing convenient travel options for passengers.
Starting Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Pacific Coastal Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights on the Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal and Nanaimo – Kelowna routes, utilizing the 19-passenger pressurized turboprop Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. This aircraft offers passengers comfortable seating, a spacious 6-foot cabin height, and ample cargo capacity, ensuring a pleasant and convenient travel experience.
The flight schedules for the new routes are as follows:
Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal:
Flight Number
Route
Departure
Arrival
Effective Date
8P1710
Nanaimo (YCD) – Vancouver (YVR South Terminal)
7:45
8:15
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
8P1715
Vancouver (YVR South Terminal) – Nanaimo (YCD)
14:55
15:25
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Nanaimo – Kelowna:
Flight Number
Route
Departure
Arrival
Effective Date
8P1857
Nanaimo (YCD) – Kelowna (YLW)
15:50
16:55
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
8P1858
Kelowna (YLW) – Nanaimo (YCD)
17:20
18:25
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
“We are thrilled to announce these two new routes and add Nanaimo as a new destination to our route network,” said Johnathan Richardson, VP of Customer & Commercial. “Our unique Nanaimo – Vancouver South Terminal service will provide seamless connections to other destinations in our network and offer customers a new option of travelling with ease from the South Terminal, while our Nanaimo – Kelowna service will provide the only non-stop flight option enabling customers to travel between these communities in just over an hour.”
Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission said, “We are very pleased to partner with Pacific Coastal to bring direct services to both the South Terminal (YVR) and Kelowna (YLW). This partnership will allow our customers to access all of BC through Pacific Coastal’s extensive network of routes within BC. We are very excited to expand the route options for our customers.”
Russ Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm about Pacific Coastal Airlines’ expansion: “We welcome Pacific Coastal Airlines’ new route from YVR’s South Terminal to Nanaimo as part of its growing service between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. This new service further connects our communities, giving British Columbians and those who travel here another option to visit Nanaimo and other destinations on the Island, while providing important air access for the region to Vancouver and beyond.”
“We are so excited to be offering Nanaimo as a new destination and provide expanded regional service for Okanagan residents,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director. “Pacific Coastal has been operating out of YLW for 10 years, and we are happy to be able to continue to have them as a valued partner.”
Tickets for the new routes are now available for purchase. Passengers can book their flights by visiting pacificcoastal.com, contacting the Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872, or reaching out to their preferred travel agent.
As a special promotion to celebrate the launch of these routes, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: WELCOMENANAIMO. Visit pacificcoastal.com for more details.
As part of establishing new routes at the Nanaimo Airport, Pacific Coastal Airlines has introduced a new pilot base at the Nanaimo Airport and is currently recruiting for pilots to fly the Beechcraft B1900 who wish to be based on Vancouver Island. Interested applicants can learn more here.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that currently flies to 17 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island.
