Blackhawk and Seair Seaplanes Partner to Introduce the Fastest and Quietest Harbour-to-Harbour Service with the XP140 Engine+ Upgrade

Blackhawk and Seair Seaplanes Partner to Introduce the Fastest and Quietest Harbour-to-Harbour Service with the XP140 Engine+ Upgrade

Blackhawk and Seair Seaplanes Partner to Introduce the Fastest and Quietest Harbour-to-Harbour Service with the XP140 Engine+ Upgrade

Blackhawk and Seair Seaplanes are proud to announce the

near completion of Seair’s first Cessna Caravan upgraded with the Blackhawk XP140 Engine+

Upgrade and Yukon four-blade propeller. This enhanced aircraft will launch on Seair’s newly

expanded Victoria to Vancouver Harbour route, delivering a faster, quieter, and more capable travel

experience for coastal passengers.

 

Founded in 1982, Seair operates fifteen Caravan floatplanes and has grown into the world’s largest

operator of the type. With a network that includes Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Vancouver Harbour, YVR’s

South Terminal, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands, Seair continues to elevate regional

connectivity for both business travelers and tourists.

 

 

Transformative Performance with the XP140 Upgrade

The Blackhawk XP140 engine and Yukon propeller deliver substantial performance gains designed

around short-runway, float, and harbour operations. Highlights include:

 

Blackhawk XP140 Engine

• 28% more horsepower

• 13.6% shorter take off

• 28.7% shorter distance over a 50-foot obstacle

• 35% better climb rate

• 13% faster cruise speed: +21 knots, cutting Harbour-to-Harbour travel by 5 minutes

 

Yukon Four Blade Propeller

• 17% shorter take off distance

• 40% less ground roll

• 10.6% faster climb rate

• .86 dBA quieter, supporting community friendliness in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

 

Together, these upgrades deliver more than 25% better take off performance, significantly smoother

dock and water operations, and a cruise speed increase that brings Harbour-to-Harbour travel time to

approximately 25 minutes. The result is the fastest Harbour-to-Harbour aircraft in operation and the

quietest aircraft serving Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

 

This is the first of at least three Seair Caravans planned for upgrade as part of a broader fleet

modernization effort.

 

To learn more about Blackhawk’s XP140 Engine+ Upgrade for the Cessna Caravan, contact

Blackhawk at +1 (254) 755-6711, info@blackhawk.aero, or visit www.blackhawk.aero.

About Blackhawk

Blackhawk is the premier provider of performance enhancements for turboprop aircraft, offering a

diverse range of services including engine upgrades, aircraft sales, government & defense program

management, and modernization services. Blackhawk serves a global customer base via a network of

authorized dealers and service support centers. To learn more, visit www.blackhawk.aero.

 

About Seair

Founded in 1982, Seair has grown into the world’s largest operator of Cessna Caravan floatplanes and

is known for performance, comfort, and safety. Seair offers scheduled flights from YVR’s South

Terminal, Vancouver Harbour, Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and Nanaimo, serving Victoria, the Southern

Gulf Islands, and other key coastal destinations.

Seair Seaplanes Announces New Scheduled Seaplane Service to Victoria, Launching October 20, 2025

Seair Seaplanes, a trusted name in coastal aviation since 1982, is proud to announce the

launch of a new scheduled seaplane service to Victoria. Flights from Downtown Vancouver will begin October

20, 2025. This new route will connect Downtown Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Harbour, significantly

enhancing seaplane travel options between these major destinations. This expansion strengthens Seair’s

commitment to connecting British Columbia’s communities through fast, reliable, and scenic air travel.

 

“Expanding into Victoria’s Inner Harbour is a testament to Seair’s commitment to regional expansion and

improving coastal accessibility,” said Jared Williams, President & CEO of Seair Seaplanes. “We are thrilled to

introduce this Vancouver–Victoria air service, connecting more travelers to our coastal communities with the

convenient, scenic travel experience Seair is known for.”

 

 

“This expansion is more than just a new route, it marks a special milestone for Seair,” said Randy Wright, who

oversees Strategy and Expansion for Seair in Victoria.

 

“Seair has proudly served the BC coast for over four decades, but until now has not had a base in Victoria. I’m

excited to join this dedicated, customer-focused team to offer the people and businesses in the community a

choice in seaplane service, one that puts safety, service, and customers first. Whether it’s for daily commutes,

family visits, or coastal adventures, our goal is to provide a reliable, welcoming, and passenger-focused travel

experience.”

 

“Launching service to Victoria’s Inner Harbour is as much about operational excellence as it is about expansion,”

said Chad Wetsch, Chief Commercial Officer of Seair Seaplanes. “Our team has coordinated every detail of this

new route to ensure guests enjoy a seamless, reliable journey. Travellers will have the flexibility to choose a

flight that fits their schedule, whether they’re commuting for business or embarking on a weekend adventure.

We are committed to delivering the same high level of safety, comfort, and customer service that Seair is known

for on every flight to and from Victoria.”

 

Flights will arrive and depart from Seair’s new terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 1234 Wharf Street,

offering guests a quick and seamless check-in process. Flights on the Victoria route will primarily be operated on

modern Cessna 208 Caravan turboprop seaplanes. This dependable 9-passenger aircraft is renowned for its

exceptional safety, comfort, and performance, providing a spacious cabin, a smooth and quiet ride, and

enhanced all-weather reliability.

 

 

Additional Services & Amenities:

• Private charters available on demand

• Bulk ticket packages and convenient payment options

• Free baggage allowance (25 lbs per passenger included)

• Flexible change and cancellation policy

 

“We’re pleased to hear that Seair will commence service into Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour,” said Paul Nursey,

CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. “Transportation options to our destination remain a fundamental strategic

focus for Destination Greater Victoria, and we are delighted that more choices will soon be available to our

leisure visitors and conference delegates. Victoria is on the move with a robust and growing visitor economy

that is attracting investment.”

 

“The addition of Seair Seaplanes will bring new energy and economic opportunity to Victoria’s Inner Harbour,”

said Judith Ethier, Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Vice President Commercial of the Greater Victoria

Harbour Authority. “This development supports GVHA’s vision for a vibrant, connected, and sustainable

working harbour – strengthening regional ties, bolstering the visitor economy, and enhancing the vitality of our

waterfront for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”

 

“The Chamber strongly supports business growth, and we applaud the investments in infrastructure being

made to bring Seair service to the Inner Harbour,” said Christina Clarke, Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber

of Commerce. “There is so much opportunity for growth in the tourism sector, which sustains so many

businesses in Greater Victoria. This new option benefits visitors to our destination as well as many people who

can use this service for business travel.”

 

Limited-Time Launch Offers

To celebrate the new route, Seair Seaplanes is introducing a special promotional

fare along with an exclusive, first-come, first-served offer of prepaid ticket books. A limited quantity of 10-packs

will be available, with one book per customer. Full details on these launch promotions, along with schedule and

booking information, can be found at seairseaplanes.com.

 

About Seair Seaplanes

Seair Seaplanes began in 1982 and has since grown into the world’s largest operator of Cessna Caravan

floatplanes, renowned for their performance, comfort, and safety. In addition to the new Victoria service, Seair

offers scheduled flights to the Southern Gulf Islands and Nanaimo from Richmond and Downtown Vancouver.

 

Headquartered at YVR’s South Terminal, Seair also operates from Vancouver’s Convention Centre and the

Nanaimo waterfront. With a friendly, experienced team and deep roots in BC’s coastal communities, Seair is

proud to continue expanding, connecting travellers with efficiency, comfort, and spectacular views.

 

For additional information on this exciting new service, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

 

Media Contact

Lauren Wilkinson

Sales & Marketing Director, Seair Seaplanes

lauren@seairseaplanes.com

Media Kit: https://bit.ly/SeairMediaKit

Seair Seaplanes Partners with veritree to Restore Kelp and Strengthen BC’s Coastlines

Seair Seaplanes today announced a new sustainability partnership with veritree, the

platform powering verified nature restoration, to support kelp restoration along British Columbia’s

coastline. The initiative focuses on rebuilding kelp forests that help strengthen marine ecosystems,

improve coastal resilience, and support the long-term health of the communities and waters Seair flies

over every day.

 

Kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, yet many are in decline. Restoring

kelp helps:

• Support biodiversity by creating habitat for fish, shellfish, and marine species

• Build climate resilience by reducing coastal erosion and improving water quality

• Engage local indigenous communities to plant and protect kelp sites, which hold great cultural

and ecological significance.

 

 

Through this partnership, veritree will lead project design, site selection, kelp propagation, scientific

monitoring, and transparent reporting through its technology platform. Seair will help amplify the

initiative, support access to remote coastal areas, engage the community, and contribute funding

through a customer-supported model where a small $0.15 fee is added to each ticket, and matched by

Seair.

 

“This partnership allows us to give back to the waters that sustain our business and our communities,”

said Jared Williams, President of Seair Seaplanes. “Because we operate over coastal waters every day, we

see both the beauty and the vulnerability of these ecosystems. Working with veritree gives us a

transparent, measurable way to support kelp restoration close to home, and invite our guests to be part

of it.”

 

“Kelp forests play a critical role in the health and resilience of our coastlines, yet they’re one of the most

overlooked ecosystems in restoration,” said Derrick Emsley, CEO and co-founder of veritree. “By

partnering with Seair Seaplanes, we’re directing funding and attention to kelp restoration right here in

B.C., using technology and verified reporting to ensure this work delivers real, measurable outcomes. It’s

a strong example of how local businesses can support the ecosystems they depend on and invite their

communities to be part of meaningful, verified action.”

 

Seair will share project updates and ways to get involved over time, including opportunities for

community-led volunteer and monitoring days in partnership with veritree. Guests can learn more about

the collaboration and the Sunshine Coast kelp restoration work at Seair’s website here.

 

 

About veritree

veritree is powering the global restorative economy. Its platform brings trust, traceability, and impact

to nature-based solutions. Having reached over 177 million trees pledged, it connects forward-thinking

companies with verified action. From mangroves and kelp to wildfire reforestation, veritree helps

organizations move from intention to measurable environmental and social outcomes.

Learn more at veritree.com.

 

About Seair Seaplanes

Founded in 1982, Seair Seaplanes is a British Columbia–based seaplane operator and the world’s largest

operator of Cessna Caravan floatplanes. Seair offers scheduled flights, scenic tours, and private charters

connecting coastal destinations including Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands, with

operations from Richmond’s YVR South Terminal and Downtown Vancouver.

 

Known for its safe, reliable service and West Coast hospitality, Seair is proud of its deep roots in BC’s

coastal communities and its commitment to connecting people and places while giving back to the

coastal environment it serves.

 

For additional information on this exciting new initiative, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

 

Media Contact:

Lauren Wilkinson

Sales & Marketing Manager, Seair Seaplanes

lauren@seairseaplanes.com