Harbour Air has reached an agreement to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, bringing two well-known B.C. carriers under one Canadian-owned regional airline group.

The proposed deal would combine Harbour Air’s seaplane network with Pacific Coastal’s wheeled-aircraft service.

Together, the airlines have 59 aircraft, serve 25 communities, operate up to 300 flights a day and employ more than 900 people.

Harbour Air says the larger network would give passengers more travel options and improve its ability to respond to weather and other operational challenges.

The company also says the agreement would protect and grow local jobs and support continued investment in regional air service.

Pacific Coastal President Quentin Smith says the deal would allow the airline to invest in growth while keeping its brand and continuing to serve the communities that rely on it.

The acquisition still requires regulatory approval, and no closing date has been announced.

Until the deal is finalized, both airlines will continue operating independently. Existing bookings and flights are unaffected.