Press

October 2008

 

Merlin Air has formed a strategic alliance with regional airline Saltspring Air.

 

The company provides scheduled seaplane service between strategically situated float docks at the Westin Bayshore [downtown Vancouver], Vancouver Airport South Terminal Harbour, and Maple Bay on Vancouver Island. The airline is the major supplier of seaplane tours and charters to the Gulf Islands. Through this alliance, Saltspring Air will provide service to Whistler via the Squamish Harbour Government Dock. Passengers can utilize transportation provided by the airlines to reach Whistler, book public transportation, use eco-travel options, or stay to enjoy the seaside and mountain splendour of "the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada". In British Columbia, float planes are as essential as wheel-based aircraft to the aviation industry; Saltspring Air has proven its ability to deal with complex seasonal weather patterns and operate a successful seaplane enterprise year-round.

 

“Merlin Air has a goal to make the splendour of Whistler accessible by air, all year round. To those of us in Southern BC that is something that can't come quick enough. As such we at Saltspring Air intend to work closely with Merlin Air to help make it happen,” states Phillip Reece, Marketing Director, Saltspring Air.

 

Merlin Air recently acquired the largest facility at CYPS which includes a passenger lounges and heated hangar space. And this month, removed the snow and ice from the Pemberton Airport runway and taxi-ways. This creates a unique opportunity for veteran flight operators, Whistler Air and Tyax Air. The companies have moved over $2 million of specialized aircraft into Merlin's Pemberton base and stand by to demonstrate that winter aviation services are viable, safe, efficient, and in demand.    

                                                           

Captain Dale Douglas, owner of Tyax Air commented: “The lack of available facilities and airport maintenance at CYPS has always been the Achilles heel of air transportation within the corridor, especially in the winter months. It is great to see Merlin Air providing the infrastructure necessary for reliable fixed wing air travel to the region.”

 

This consortium of highly experienced air operators gives passengers reliable, frequent and all-season access to the Whistler-Pemberton-Squamish area by land or water, on wheels, skis or floats, according to passenger needs and preferences. Saltspring Air, Whistler Air and Tyax Air embody the innovative approach to doing business that is required in this challenging technical environment, and are working with Merlin Air to establish flying as a viable and alternative means of transportation to, from and along the Sea to Sky corridor. For the first time, commercial airlines can operate through the winter season to provide flights, cargo and general aviation services to tourists, locals, business professionals, media, and governments at a volume of up to 50 passengers per hour. For the first time, visitors can fly to and from the international resort of Whistler during ski season.

 

"In 2009, the year before the Olympic Games, we need to establish that Pemberton-Whistler Regional Airport and the Squamish Harbour and airport are safe year-round under VFR (visual flight rules) only," stated Fred Xavier, President and CEO of Merlin Air. "The geography of this Province is mountainous and challenging, the area is vast, and a landmark international event is nearly upon us. An experienced team is needed to provide reliable and frequent service to the Sea to Sky Corridor".

"Our initial focus is to provide flights for weekend and special event visitors. We will supply existing market demand, build confidence and credibility in winter operations, grow the market, and illustrate our combined ability to provide flight services that measure up to the reputation of an international ski resort. These allies are models of successful aviation that we are proud to emulate as we launch Merlin Air," commented Lori Xavier, Merlin Air Vice-President of Marketing and Communications. "This is not just alternative transport: the scenery here is spectacular; flying over it is an adventure in itself - a great way to maximize the visitor experience.

 

Merlin Air has a full-service facility (heated hanger, offices, reception, passenger areas) at Pemberton-Whistler Regional Airport, snow-clearing equipment, and personnel in place this winter for the use of commercial air service companies: CYPS is open for business.

About Saltspring Air - Contact: Phillip Reece / Tel  # 1.250.532.9880/1.877.537.9880 philip@saltspringair.com

St. Clair McColl moved to Salt Spring Island with his family in 1985 working as a commuter pilot with other airlines. In 2004, with over 12,000 hours of airtime, he started a charter service based out of Ganges on Salt Spring Island and quickly became the "islanders' airline". A rapidly growing market for the company's services,  inspired Captain McColl to expand through the formation of partnerships with Lisa Cherneff  and Phillip Reece The extensive management, administrative and marketing and logistical expertise of the Saltspring Air team has created - in just over 4 years - a thriving business with a fleet of four planes,    6 pilots, 5 dispatchers and a crew of 18 to 24 depending on the season. Saltspring Air has the experience of year-round operations in VFR conditions and successfully deals with complex and unpredictable seasonal weather patterns while operating a profitable enterprise. Their motto is: If it's not safe we're not doing it, if it's not fun we're not interested.  Saltspring Air is a model of how to be successful in the competitive aviation industry.

About Tyax Air - Contact: Dale Douglas / Tel # 604.938.4253 info@tyaxair.com

Captain Dale Douglas, owner of Tyax Air is also a Whistler local and a former professional mountain biker.  Primarily a summer operation (until now), Tyax Air specializes in tours and sightseeing in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains, most originating from the Tyax Mountain Lake Resort on the shores of Tyaughton Lake in Goldbridge.  Captain Douglas flies a Dehavilland Beaver, still one of the safest aircraft ever built and is one of an elite group of pilots with years of back country expertise flying aircraft on wheels, floats and skis. He and his guides provide unique hiking, biking and adventure trips for the outdoor enthusiast.

About Merlin Air - Contact: Lori Xavier / Tel # 604.8942014 / 1.800.881.9914  lori@merlin-air.com

Merlin Air Custom Charters is based in Pemberton, British Columbia at Pemberton Regional Airport [CYPS]. The company will focus on service to eleven other airports within an hour or less of flight time from Pemberton - connecting Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, Vancouver South and the Fraser Valley - directly to Pemberton-Whistler. These custom charter flights will provide access to the Pemberton-Whistler area by over 75% of British Columbia's population. Not just transportation - these flights will showcase some of the most spectacular scenery in the world over the Howe Sound and up the Harrison-Lillooet Lake and throughout this region. Merlin Air will offer safe, convenient "concierge-level" service. Merlin Air is fully positioned to take advantage of 2009 pre-Olympic business as well as, work generated following the winter 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Olympics and Paralympics. Merlin Air has a 30-year land land lease at CYPS and plans to build a passenger lounge/hangar terminal in 2009 and a hangar/maintenance facility on Lot 2 after 2010 based on demand forecasts.  Merlin has leased a large facility at CYPS providing immediate access to reception areas, heated hanger space, fuel pumps, decks, parking, apron space and a passenger lounge.  Merlin Air is a privately funded company whose founders and principals have resided in Whistler and Pemberton for the past 9 years. The company plans to invest about $2.5 million in 2009 (infrastructure, buildings, aircraft, operations, salaries) and an additional $2.5 million in the next few years. Merlin Air anticipates creating 12 to 18 jobs in the next 2 years; and will generate $2 to $5 million annually in economic benefits to the Sea-to-Sky region.

 a small community, and a small seaplane service but we are big in heart.