KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Canadian start-up Pacific Sky Air Charter Services is set to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of next year, deploying what is believed to be Canada's first VIP-configured Boeing 737-500.
The move comes as Pacific Sky parent Pacific Sky Adventures acquires a controlling interest in aircraft modification and manufacturing firm Viking Air. The company stepped in when talks collapsed earlier this year between Viking and Beaver Aircraft Canada.
Pacific Sky Adventures vice-president and chief financial officer Mike Orr says Pacific Sky has applied for an air operator's certificate and will base its operation alongside Viking Air at Victoria International Airport, British Columbia. Pacific Sky is also in negotiations with the Victoria Airport Authority to build a fixed-base operation and hangar facilities to accommodate business jets up to 737 size, Orr adds.
"Pacific Sky marks a new entry to the air charter services marketplace. Our 737 will be the largest executive corporate jet in Canada," he says.
The 737 offers a stateroom, 2,020kg (4,455lb) of cargo capacity, and a maximum range of 6,440km (3,480nm). Pacific Sky is targeting the narrowbody at private individuals and large groups.
Meanwhile, Viking Air has broken ground on an 11,520m2 (124,000ft2) facility at its Victoria site, set for completion next September. Viking holds the spare parts manufacturing and distribution rights for the de Havilland DHC-2 and the DHC-3 utilities.
Source: Flight International
