About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Fly Local, Fly Friendly: Discover Pacific Coastal Airlines
Founded in 1987 and based at Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal, Pacific Coastal Airlines is a proud British Columbia–based regional carrier. It flies scheduled, charter, and cargo services to 18 airports across BC, making it one of the most important regional airlines in the province
.
Roots in Community & Family
What began nearly four decades ago with Daryl Smith flying a seaplane to serve forestry camps has evolved into a robust family-run business. Today, his son Quentin Smith carries on the legacy, preserving a hometown airline’s spirit and community values
.
Aircraft Built for BC's Terrain
Pacific Coastal’s fleet includes Saab 340A/B turboprops (30–34 seats) and Beechcraft 1900C/D aircraft (19 seats), all pressurized and capable of landing on short runways across rugged terrain—including gravel strips. Their aircraft are well-suited for regional geography, offering reliability and comfort on everyday flights.
Routes & Partnerships
From bustling urban hubs like Vancouver and Victoria to remote locales like Bella Coola, Powell River, and Masset, Pacific Coastal connects coastal and interior communities with ease. It even operated as WestJet Link—with Saab 340s flying regional routes under a capacity purchase agreement—until October 2024
More Than Just Flights
Their services go beyond regular schedules—they include charter and cargo options, ideal for time-sensitive freight, group travel, and special missions. Committed to homegrown excellence, Pacific Coastal is consistently ranked among Canada’s top small/medium employers, reflecting a culture of community, teamwork, and customer care
What Passengers Say
Travelers often praise the airline’s friendly staff and competitive fares. A Tripadvisor reviewer noted how "awesome" the service stood out during a flight assisting a visually impaired passenger. That said, some reviews mention delays during poor weather—a challenge in BC’s rugged climate.
Why Fly Pacific Coastal
They excel at linking remote BC communities through a modern, well-suited fleet, offer flexible service options, and maintain a strong family-and-community culture. Whether you're heading into the wilderness, transporting cargo, or flying group charters, Pacific Coastal is a local champion in regional aviation.
Let me know if you'd like a meta title, description, or images to complete the post!