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Bigger West Coast Air takes flight

Daily summer service between Victoria and Whistler starts May 1

Newly-expanded West Coast Air resumes daily service from Victoria to Whistler as of May 1.

The service that runs until mid-October will benefit from the recent purchase of Baxter Air, which will almost double West Coast’s fleet of aircraft, to 20. President Rick Baxter bought Baxter Air for an undisclosed sum on April 20 from his father, Tom, who has earned a well-deserved retirement, his son said in a news release.

West Coast Air will take over and expand service on Baxter runs from Nanaimo to Vancouver and Richmond, as well as continuing service between Victoria and Sechelt and to Vancouver and the seasonal Victoria to Green Lake, Whistler flight.

Baxter Air was established in 1985 with just two employees, Tom as pilot and wife Linda covering the front end. Last week’s acquisition will bring 150 staff to West Coast Air.

Rick Baxter bought into West Coast Air in 1998, taking over Air BC’s floatplane division and becoming sole owner in 2004. West Coast’s fleet will now include six Dehavilland Twin Otters as well as 13 Dehavilland Beavers and one Cessna 180.