Hawkair is set to start flying out of Sandspit next month, offering islanders direct flights to Vancouver every day of the week except Saturday for the winter season.
The company wants to offer more flights once the busier summer season starts, said chief operating office Rod Hayward.
Mr. Hayward said Hawkair believes the northwest economy is reviving, and that more and more tourists will want to visit the Charlottes. Both factors add up to increased air traffic.
Hawkair's 37-seat Dash 8 will land at Vancouver's south terminal, which has nearby parking and much shorter security lineups than the main terminal, he said.
Hawkair is continuing to offer flights between Masset and Prince Rupert with partner airline TK Air. The TK flight connects with the Hawkair daily service between Prince Rupert and Vancouver.
Terrace-based Hawkair currently operates three Dash 8s with a staff of about 100. The airline services Grande Prairie, Alberta, and the BC communities of Dawson Creek, Smithers, Terrace, Prince Rupert and now Sandspit.