Manufacturing

The Innovators: Harbour Air is piloting emission-free commercial aviation

Harbour Air Seaplanes made history in December 2019 by flying the world's first all-electric commercial aircraft. Sure, the trip out of the 350-employee company's Richmond terminal lasted five minutes, but it was the thought that counted. That thought is a fuel-free fleet. Harbour Air's co-founder and CEO, Greg McDougall, who...

By Nathan Caddell /

Credit: Tanya Goehring

Harbour Air co-founder and CEO Greg McDougall

CEO Greg McDougall hopes to offer electric-powered flights within two years

Harbour Air Seaplanes made history in December 2019 by flying the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft. Sure, the trip out of the 350-employee company’s Richmond terminal lasted five minutes, but it was the thought that counted. That thought is a fuel-free fleet. Harbour Air’s co-founder and CEO, Greg McDougall, who piloted the momentous first excursion, hopes to get certification in the next two years. Aim high, one supposes.