RICHMOND, B.C., Nov. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Coastal Airlines is pleased to announce a new daily afternoon service between Vancouver and Tofino effective Tuesday, April 3, 2018. The 45 minute flight will be attractive to those seeking a quick, convenient, and affordable travel option between the lower mainland and Vancouver Island’s west coast communities.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b623cc7-bd3e-490d-b476-aa043c498fe2
The new flight will operate 7 days a week, leaving Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) at 3:00 P.M. and arriving at the Tofino/Long Beach Airport (YAZ) at 3:45 P.M. It departs YAZ at 4:15 P.M. arriving back at YVR at 5:00 P.M.
“The Alberni-Clayoquot region has long been an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors and we believe that there is now sufficient travel needs to sustain additional air service to the Tofino/Long Beach Airport (YAZ) which serves Tofino, Ucluelet, and the surrounding area,” says Pacific Coastal’s Director of Business Development and Corporate Communications Kevin Boothroyd. “We will work together with local communities, tour operators, and other stakeholders to drive brand awareness of this new service over the next few years.”
Pacific Coastal plans to draw customers to Tofino through its well-established network of BC destinations. The new route is already listed on the Global Distribution System (GDS) and available for booking to more than 180,000 travel agencies across the globe. In addition to this, the public can also book the Vancouver to Tofino flight through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Kayak and Expedia or directly on the airline’s website at pacificcoastal.com.
Pacific Coastal will employ the 19 passenger pressurized turboprop Beech 1900 aircraft on the new route. The 1900 offers comfortable seating, generous cargo capacity, and is designed to operate in all weather conditions.
Residents and officials within the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and surrounding area are supportive of the new service. “Our west coast communities are very excited to welcome Pacific Coastal Airlines to the Long Beach Airport,” says Dianne St Jacques, Chair of the West Coast Committee and Mayor of Ucluelet. “The scheduled flights will be a wonderful asset to our busy and growing area,” she adds.
Pacific Coastal Airlines
A privately owned, British Columbia based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is now the sixth-largest airline operating at YVR, based on outbound seats, and third largest in takeoffs and landings. It flies to 15 airports and connects to more than 50 destinations in the province, from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii. Its network encompasses major ski destinations, a multitude of fishing lodges, outdoor and wildlife adventure tours, and authentic First Nations tourism experiences.
Alberni-Clayoquot
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is situated in the heart of Vancouver Island with one of the most dramatic and majestic landscapes. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is a federation consisting of member Municipalities; Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Treaty First Nations; Huu-ay-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government and Toquaht Nation and six electoral areas; "A" (Bamfield), "B" (Beaufort), "C" (Long Beach), "D" (Sproat Lake), "E" (Beaver Creek) and "F" (Cherry Creek). The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is within the traditional territory of ten First Nations.
Media contact:
Kevin Boothroyd, Director Business Development & Corporate Communications
(M) 604.833.6265 (W) 604.214.2388 E-mail: kevin.boothroyd@pacificcoastal.com