Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines embodies that spirit and attitude of British Columbia
British Columbia, to say the least, is a unique place. Mountains and valleys, sea coasts and deep fjords, islands and lakes support a diversified economy and culture. It has always been a place demanding adaptation and resilience. It is no more obvious as in the business of transportation.
Pacific Coastal Airlines embodies that spirit and attitude further complimented by being an airline founded, developed and operated by a family. British Columbians have always held a special regard for individuals and families who have carved out success in competition with large companies and through tough times.
The airline’s roots reach back through founder and CEO Daryl Smith’s 36 years in the flying business and face the future with President Quentin Smith and Regional Vice Presidents Sheldon and Spencer Smith. In these challenging economic times such success and family cohesiveness are as remarkable as they are commendable.
Pacific Coastal’s blue and white fleet of 19 diversified aircraft, tails adorned with symbols associated with BC, reflect its adaptability to the regular and charter service demands of British Columbia.
From craft as small as the six-passenger DeHaviland Beaver and as large as the 9 passenger Gruman Goose, of which the airline has four, it goes whereever a water landing is possible. For regular service to airport-blessed communities it sports the 19 passenger, pressurized Beechcraft 1900C respected as the most popular commuter aircraft in North America, the Beechcraft Super King Air 200 whose turboprop power allows it to get into locations jets simply cannot visit, the 15 passenger “short haul” EMB-110 Bandeirante and the Shorts 360 with its 33 passenger and large freight capacity.
Flying out of the cozy and intimate confines of the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport it provides a less hurried impersonal atmosphere. It accommodates its passengers by operating a courtesy shuttle to and from the bustle of the bigger terminals.
Regular service to Cranbrook, Williams Lake, Campbell River, Comox, Powell River, Victoria, Anahim Lake, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Port Hardy and Klemtu is complimented by a vow of charter service to anywhere in North America and 24 hour availability.
It is an airline priding itself on its proven track record since 1975 and more than 300 enthusiastic, friendly and well trained staff. In this writer’s experience this is no hollow boast as the friendliness and helpfulness of staff from the ticket clerk to the pilots made the experience of flying, even for those of us who are more comfortable when our feet are touching the ground, as comfortable as hopping into the family van.
They are qualities of operation which bode very well for the company, its staff and its customers.
Contact Pacific Coastal Airlines at www.pacificcoastal.com
Author: Glen Cowley
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