PAL Airlines: Eastern Canada's Trusted Regional Link Founded in August 1974 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, PAL Airlines started as a modest flight school and charter operator. It evolved into scheduled passenger service by 1980, steadily growing into Eastern Canada’s second-largest regional airline, known for its reliability and community focus Today, PAL maintains bases across the region—including St. John’s, Halifax, Goose Bay, and Montreal—operating over 22 destinations using a fleet of approximately 54 aircraft, primarily Dash 8 turboprops. Their network spans Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritimes, and Quebec, providing vital connections for remote communities and supporting essential travel, cargo, medevac, and charter operations In 2014, PAL was acquired by Exchange Income Corporation, enabling fleet modernization with Saab 340s, Dash 8s, and Twin Otters—ensuring robust coverage for both scheduled and charter services. The formation of Air Borealis in 2017—through collaboration with Innu and Nunatsiavut—enhanced service to northern Labrador, including flexible air ambulance and floatplane options PAL joined forces with Air Canada Express in July 2023, operating regional routes such as St. John’s to Halifax, and added transborder flights from Halifax to Newark and Boston in October 2024. This partnership integrated PAL into broader Aeroplan and Star Alliance networks—enhancing travel options for customers Despite its strong reputation for safety and reliability, passenger reviews are mixed. While some commend PAL’s needed regional service, others criticize inconsistent customer service—highlighting issues like baggage mishandling, seat changes, and long wait times. One TripAdvisor review noted a flight where luggage was offloaded without warning and “staff seemed to find my inconvenience amusing” tripadvisor. A Reddit user shared a frustrating experience with seating: “PAL sucks!!!” after waiting on hold for more than one hour to resolve his aunt’s seat change. Conversely, other travelers acknowledged PAL’s attentiveness and relief when issues were resolved, showing the airline’s potential to deliver good service amid growing pain points. Final Word As a backbone of Eastern Canada’s regional connectivity, PAL Airlines plays an essential role—pairing historic reliability with expanding partnerships and community service. While occasional customer service challenges emerge, PAL’s integration with Air Canada Express, fleet upgrades, and community-driven missions make it a valuable option for travelers venturing into remote regions.