PORT ALBERNI – The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is proud to announce that it has attracted and agreed to a long term license with Pacific Seaplanes Inc. to offer scheduled service between Port Alberni and Metro Vancouver commencing early, 2016.
Attracting a scheduled seaplane service has always been part of the vision of development opportunities that could be achieved for the floating breakwater; now known as Centennial Pier. In fact, three of the finger floats on the lee side of Centennial Pier were specifically designed to accommodate seaplanes after receiving input from operators that was included in their design.
Over the past three years the facility has been frequently used by various seaplane charters and independent operators to positive reviews. By leveraging this feedback, operators’ knowledge of the infrastructure and persistence by PAPA within the industry to market the economic opportunity of a large, unserved customer base, Pacific Seaplanes decided to capitalize on the potential to meet the demand for convenient and direct air transportation to the lower mainland.
“This agreement is an integral step towards Pacific Seaplanes’ goal of providing expanded seaplane services to the west coast of Vancouver Island,” says company CEO, Randy Hanna. “We are excited that Port Alberni will become part of our base network for the launch of new services to Vancouver and create new connections to west coast destinations from downtown Port Alberni, including a suite of outstanding air tours to spectacular destinations. We recognize Port Alberni has been underserved for years and welcome the opportunity to bring services to the community.”
PAPA President & CEO, Zoran Knezevic explains that: “attracting Pacific Seaplanes to Port Alberni is part of our mandate to generate economic opportunity for our community by leveraging our assets. Whether for business, medical appointments or for personal travel there is a large number of people in our area currently traveling by other means to the Vancouver area that take a lot of time and money. Pacific Seaplanes will allow all of us a much more convenient method to travel to metro Vancouver. Ultimately, we expect this service to be widely embraced by the local community and help attract more business and residents to Port Alberni.”
– Pacific Seaplanes will announce service start dates in the near future. More information is available at www.pacificseaplanes.ca or calling the Reservations and Information line at 250-616-5858.
