Richmond BC – Employees of Pacific Coastal Airlines are mourning the loss of its founder and CEO Daryl Smith, who passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020.

A former truck logger, Daryl made a significant contribution to the development of the aviation industry in B.C. and was a recipient of the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) Rob S. Day Trophy in 1998, and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. From the very beginning, Daryl believed that the airline had a responsibility to support the people and communities it served and this spirit of giving has become deeply embedded in the airline’s corporate culture.

While Daryl’s loss is a significant event, management of the business remains in the capable hands of son and President, Quentin Smith and an experienced executive and senior leadership team.

Daryl’s love of family and friends, spirit of giving, and passion for aviation was evident to all who knew him and will continue to have a significant impact on the company now and into the future.

About Pacific Coastal Airlines

A privately owned British Columbia based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is the sixth-largest airline operating at YVR, based on outbound seats, and third largest in takeoffs and landings. It flies to 16 airports in British Columbia, including destinations from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains, as far north as Prince George, and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii, and as far west as Tofino. With its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, Pacific Coastal connects to more than 50 additional destinations along the south coast. Pacific Coastal also operates WestJet Link, which provides service from its base in Calgary to Cranbrook, Prince George, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, and Medicine Hat, and between Vancouver and Cranbrook. Pacific Coastal’s network encompasses major ski destinations, a multitude of fishing lodges, outdoor and wildlife adventure tours, and authentic First Nations cultural experiences.

Media contact:

Pacific Coastal Airlines
Kevin Boothroyd, Director Business Development and Corporate Communications
(M) 604.833.6265
(W) 604.214.2388
Email: kevin.boothroyd@pacificcoastal.com

Daryl Smith
Daryl Smith