Harbour Air Launches ePlane Conversion Program with Bel-Air Aviation

 

LOI Signing for Three Aircraft at Aero Montreal

 

Vancouver, BC – May 22, 2024 – Harbour Air, North America’s leading seaplane airline, is thrilled to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Bel-Air Aviation for the conversion of three fully electric eBeaver aircraft. This agreement, signed at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum organized by Aero Montreal marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future in aviation and launches Harbour Air’s Conversion Program.

Bel-Air Aviation, specializing in sight-seeing tourism on the east coast of Canada, has expressed a keen interest in enhancing its operations by integrating fully electric aircraft. The LOI outlines Bel-Air’s intent to purchase three eBeaver conversions from Harbour Air.  This agreement is subject to the execution of a definitive Purchase Agreement, which the parties aim to finalize within 24 months.

The three eBeavers, powered by magniX’s industry-leading magni650 electric engines, are anticipated to carry 4 to 6 passengers each and have an endurance of 60 to 75 minutes of flight time, including reserve. This represents a significant advancement in sustainable aviation technology, making commercially electric aviation a reality on the west and east coast of Canada.

Additionally, Bel-Air and Harbour Air will collaborate on obtaining certification for the eBeavers on wheel-skis, leveraging Bel-Air’s aircraft and landing gear for necessary flight testing. The final Purchase Agreement will detail the purchase price, deposit and payment schedule, delivery schedule, and the minimum performance requirements for the eBeaver, as well as any additional equipment and services needed.

This partnership highlights the commitment of both companies to innovation and environmental stewardship in the aviation industry.

“We are excited to partner with Bel-Air Aviation to bring the eBeaver into their fleet,” said Erika Holtz, Lead Engineer & Project Manager Electrification at Harbour Air. “This agreement signifies a major milestone in our journey towards sustainable aviation and demonstrates the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives in the market.”

Sébastien Provencher, Pilot and Operation Manager of Bel-Air Aviation, added, “Acquiring these electric aircraft will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also align with our commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working closely with Harbour Air to finalize this agreement and introduce the eBeaver to our operations.”

“We are thrilled to see magniX’s flight-proven technology at the heart of a significant step such as this by Harbour Air and Bel-Air Aviation towards zero emissions flight,” said Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer at magniX. “Our partnership with Harbour Air is leading an electric revolution in seaplane travel and we look forward to seeing more of our electric engines powering eBeavers, as well as other platforms.”

For more information about Harbour Air, visit www.staging.harbourair.com. You can also check out the eBeaver at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from July 21-28, 2024.

 

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About Harbour Air

Harbour Air is North America’s largest Seaplane airline and the first airline globally to fly an electric aircraft. As a maintenance & engineering service provider, Harbour Air offers the conversion to electric aircraft to other airlines as well as private aircraft owners. With a fleet of 45 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, and private flights. With over 12 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Vancouver Airport/Richmond, Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Powell River, Comox, B.C and more. Harbour Air transports around 500,000 passengers every year. For more information, visit www.staging.harbourair.com

About Bel-Air

Established in 1965 on the shores of Lac-à-la-Tortue, Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation is rooted in a legacy dating back to June 5, 1919, when the Curtiss HS-2L “La Vigilance” completed a historic flight to this birthplace of Canadian commercial bush aviation.

Today, nearly 60 years later, Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation operates a fleet of commercial seaplanes and an O.M.A. certified maintenance workshop from this strategic location. Renowned for maintenance, repairs, and modifications of Cessna aircraft and DeHavilland DHC-2 Beavers, the company is a respected institution in aviation.

The CSL3/CSU7 complex, with its two runways and lake, attracts 10,000 to 12,000 tourists annually, mainly from Europe. Visitors enjoy unique aerial views of Mauricie Park, the St-Maurice River, and numerous lakes. The company also provides transportation to outfitters and forest inns, offering diverse seaplane experiences.

Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation, at the dawn of electrifying the future.

 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Jessica Dunn
Head of Marketing & Public Affairs
Harbour Air
Email: media@harbourair.com

Bel-Air Aviation

Sébastien Provencher
Pilot and operation manager
Bel-Air Aviation
Email: jg.provencher1998@gmail.com

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