November 4, Harbour AirNorth America's largest floatplane company, has launched its first flight-with-wheels service between Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport. This innovative service adds three daily round-trips, offering morning and evening flight options for business and local travelers, starting at $99 one-way. Visit Twin Otter aircraft 19-seater buses were fitted with wheels and de-icing systems to improve reliability, even in bad weather. Traditional ceremonies marked these new departures, underlining the cultural roots of this initiative.
Introduction to Harbour Air and its innovative new service
Harbour AirNorth America's largest floatplane company, recently took a bold step in aviation history. On November 4, the company inaugurated for the first time a wheeled flight service linking the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Victoria International Airport (YYJ).
A Flight Service Adapted to Passenger Needs
The new service offers travellers greater flexibility, with three daily round trips from Monday to Friday. In addition, early morning and late evening flights between Vancouver and Victoria are now available from just 99 $ one-way. This initiative responds to a growing demand from local and business travelers.
Versatile aircraft for a wide range of climatic conditions
To guarantee the reliability of this new service, two aircraft 19-seater Twin Otter have been converted to include wheels and de-icing equipment. This advance enables Harbour Air to continue operations even in bad weather, increasing route reliability throughout the year.
The Beginnings of the First Wheeled Flight
The first wheeled flight took off early in the morning from Vancouver airport's south terminal, bound for Victoria airport. Prior to departure, a cedar brushing was performed by elders from the Musqueam Nation, followed by a traditional recognition of the land by the same nation. A speech by Harbour Air and a ribbon-cutting ceremony greeted the first passengers at the departure gate.
A solemn welcome on arrival
On arrival at Victoria International Airport, the inaugural flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute before letting the very first passengers off. Afterwards, a land recognition by the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, followed by a speech from Harbour Air and another ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed guests traveling from Victoria to Vancouver.
Future Reactions and Projections for Harbour Air
The announcement of this new wheeled flight service was seen as a major step forward. milestone event for the company, as Chris Fordyce, VP Commercial at Harbour Air, points out. Combining wheeled flights and seaplanes, Harbour Air now offers more daily trips along this route than any other airline. The company plans to continue welcoming passengers throughout the winter months and beyond, reinforcing its position as market leader.
Additional Service Information
To find out more about Harbour Air's new wheeled flight service, visit harbourair.com/wheels. To book your tickets from 99 $ one way, visit harbourair.com/flights.
Harbour Air flight services comparison
| Features | Current service | New Service On Wheels |
| Aircraft type | Seaplanes | Aircraft with wheels |
| Number of daily flights | Variable | 3 round trips per day (Monday-Friday) |
| Departures | Port areas | YVR and YYJ airports |
| Hourly inclusivity | Daylight hours | Early mornings and late evenings |
| Additional equipment | No | Defrosting capacity |
| Ceremonies | Variables | Traditional recognition ceremonies for indigenous peoples |
| Welcome on arrival | Varied | Water cannon salutes |
| Prices from | Variable | 99 $ one-way |
| Weather flexibility | Limited | Improved (thanks to defrosting) |
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