It appears five of Pasco's Saab's are up for sale. Considering they just bough them a couple years ago, does anyone know the reason for selling? Are they that unhappy with them? Also curious why they would keep a small fleet of two (YVR-YYJ runs maybe?). Are they going to purchase more beeches or another type in their place?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

I know those are the only aircraft they have that can make the runs to Masset and Sandspit, because of the loads they have for charters, which would explain why they're keeping two. The Shorts has the same capacity, but neither type runs frequently, so there's no point in keeping both. With the loads they have, I imagine the 1900 can cover everything, and I haven't seen much else of theirs running lately.

They've been for sale for a while now.


Pasco is hurting bad and has been downsizing the last year or so (both equip and people). Hasn't been looking good.

Thanks for the info. Still seems strange that they are selling them after only just buying them recently. I wondered if they weren't performing up to expectations? Or perhap, more likely just a sign of the times. Considering their expansion plans to Terrace, Kamloops and Penticton didnt work out I guess they probably no longer need them.

Didn't realize Pasco was hurting that badly?

Pacific Coastal didn't buy them recently. They have had them for 3 to 4 years now.

Disregard..

Expanded fast right before the economy tanked. And also tragically coincided with two goose accidents. Terrace was in the hopes that Hawkair was going down but they recovered with the new owners. No community support in Penticton and Kamloops. Pasco owns all their planes so whether they have to keep downsizing and laying off (done for now) or selling planes they can still break even or post a marginal profit. The 1900 can cover all of the routes and it does. The Saab is a great airplane even though slightly underpowered for the size. But passengers love it. It is on Hardy Bella Bella and Masset everyday, with great loads, and it fills in with Campbell Comox, Powell River, and Victoria when needed. Pasco will always be around, the planes just get shuffled a bit. There are 4 Saabs currently serviceable with at least 2 or 3 that fly per day. Who knows waht the plans are for aircraft in the future?

Fingers crossed this is the bottom of the barrel and it will only get better...

The thing with the last two Saabs that Pasco bought was they where purchased at the end of 2007 which was the last year that Pasco was super profitable. CPZ and CPU along with the Quebec air machine were bought to use up some of that profit to avoid giving it to the taxman. Hello, tax shelter.

Then unfortanately there was 2008 with record high fuel prices and the horrible accidents and the fact that 2009 had the economy that it did gave some bruises to the company.

So where is Pasco now. With 4 Saabs, the Shorts and the 1900s and the same route structure it had in 06/07 when it was kicking ass and taking names. It is time for the upswing to begin.

It would of been nice if we could have borrowed 600 million from the government to make it through the tough times and build market share, but that is a whole other argument...

Pasco will survive. It has good people that make a great company. They've seen tough times before and will know what to do.

You guys seem to know a bit about Pasco, so don't mind if I ask a few more questions.. I can't seem to find much on here that is recent!

How is pasco to fly for? a decent company? what're the req'mts for the king air or the 1900? decent schedule, pay?

Thanks for any answers!!

They must be doing some fleet restructuring since they just picked up a 1900C from North Cariboo.