Pascan Aviation

Pascan Aviation is not merely an air carrier, but a true aerial bridge connecting remote corners of Eastern Canada with major business centres. The company, whose name has become synonymous with regional mobility in the province of Quebec, specialises in ensuring accessibility where every minute counts. For travellers who value the time and comfort of private aviation at an affordable price, Pascan offers a unique experience flying over the picturesque landscapes of North America.

Features and Advantages of Pascan Aviation

Pascan Aviation positions itself as Quebec's largest independent regional airline. The carrier's history began in 1999 with a clear mission: to provide reliable connections between regions that are difficult to reach by ground transport. Today, the company's route network covers key points, linking the base airport in Quebec City with the province's business centre — Montreal (Saint-Hubert Airport). The airline's flights also allow access to scenic locations such as Halifax and Grand Falls-Windsor, making it popular among both business travellers and tourists.

The airline's fleet is specifically selected for the specifics of regional flights and landings at smaller airports. The fleet is based on reliable turboprop aircraft, such as the SAAB 340 and Jetstream 32. These aircraft are known for their durability and ability to operate in challenging weather conditions characteristic of the Canadian climate. Despite the compact cabin size, passengers note the cosy atmosphere and the almost individual approach of the crew, which is rarely found on flights of major mainline carriers.

Flight safety is the absolute priority for Pascan Aviation. The company strictly follows Transport Canada regulations and maintains high maintenance standards. One of the airline's key values is social responsibility: it plays an important role in medical evacuation and cargo delivery to remote settlements. For tourists, this is an excellent opportunity to quickly move, for example, from Saint John to other parts of the region, enjoying views from a lower altitude.

Planning a trip with Pascan Aviation is quite simple, as the company is open to communication and focused on passenger comfort. If you need to check the schedule, baggage rules, or make changes to an existing booking, you can use several convenient ways to contact airline representatives.

Official Website and Contacts

The main source of up-to-date information is the carrier's official website. Here you can find the flight board and feedback forms.

• Official Website: www.pascan.com
• Reservation Centre and Customer Support (Toll-free in North America): +1 888 313-8777
• Local Phone (Headquarters): +1 450 443-0500
• Email for Reservations and General Inquiries: reservations@pascan.com
• Email for Charter Requests: charters@pascan.com
• Mobile App: Currently, the airline does not have its own mobile application; it is recommended to use the mobile version of the official website for check-in and ticket management.

Social Media

You can follow news, special offers, and schedule changes through Pascan Aviation's official social media pages:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X (Twitter)

Offices and Representatives

The airline's head office is based in the province of Quebec, in close proximity to Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU), which serves Montreal and the surrounding areas.

• Headquarters Address: 6200, route de l'Aéroport, Saint-Hubert (Longueuil), Québec, J3Y 8Y9, Canada.
• Airport Counters: Company representatives can be found in the terminals of the route network airports, including the base airport Quebec City (YQB) and Saint-Hubert. Check-in counters usually open 60–90 minutes before departure.

Please note: Contact details, phone numbers, and email addresses may change. We strongly recommend checking up-to-date information on the airline's official website before travelling.

Preparing for a flight with Pascan Aviation requires special attention, as regional air travel has its own specifics. Since the airline's fleet consists of compact turboprop aircraft (e.g., SAAB 340 and Jetstream 32), space on board is limited. Understanding baggage rules will help you avoid delays and extra costs during your flight, whether it's a short trip to Montreal or a journey to remote corners of the province.

Hand Luggage Allowance (Carry-on)

Due to the small size of overhead lockers in Pascan Aviation aircraft, strict rules apply. Passengers are usually allowed to take only one personal item on board. This can be a handbag, a laptop bag, or a small briefcase. This item must fit freely under the seat in front of you.

Standard carry-on suitcases (which are usually allowed on large liners) will not fit in the lockers. The Sky Valet procedure (gate check) is provided for them. You bring your suitcase to the aircraft, leave it on a special trolley before boarding, and receive it immediately after landing upon exiting the aircraft. This is very convenient and saves time, as you do not need to wait for baggage reclaim in the terminal.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage rules depend on the selected fare. Generally, the ticket price includes a certain amount of baggage, but the weight of one piece is often limited to 30–40 pounds (approx. 13–18 kg), which is less than the standard 23 kg of major international carriers. This is due to the balancing requirements of small aircraft.

If you are planning a long trip, for example, from the hub in Quebec City to Grand Falls-Windsor, be sure to check your ticket conditions in advance. The total dimensions of the suitcase (length + width + height) must also not exceed established norms (usually about 158 cm) so that it can pass through the cargo hatch without hindrance.

Excess Baggage and Fees

An additional fee is charged for any baggage exceeding the allowance in weight or number of pieces. Payment is usually made at the airport during check-in. It is important to remember: due to the limited payload of aircraft, acceptance of excess baggage is not guaranteed. In rare cases, if the aircraft is fully loaded, extra bags may be sent on the next flight. Therefore, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the limits.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

Pascan Aviation understands the needs of active travellers heading to Halifax or other scenic spots in the region. Transportation of sports equipment is possible but requires prior approval:

• Skis and Snowboards: Must be packed in rigid cases. One set per passenger is allowed; a fixed fee applies.
• Golf Clubs: Transported in closed bags (travel bags), subject to available space in the baggage compartment.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can be carried as hand luggage if they fit under the seat. Large instruments must be checked in (preferably in a hard case) or may require purchasing a separate seat in the cabin.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety purposes, standard Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) rules apply on Pascan Aviation flights. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable liquids, and aerosols exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage. Lithium batteries and power banks must be in hand luggage only and never checked in. If you are transporting hunting weapons (relevant for flights to northern regions), they must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard case, and ammunition must be packed separately according to regulations.

Packing Tips for Regional Flights

To make your flight as comfortable as possible, use the following recommendations:

• Use soft travel bags instead of hard plastic suitcases. They are easier to fit into the baggage compartments of small aircraft.
• Keep all valuables, documents, medicines, and electronics in a small bag that will definitely be with you in the cabin (under the seat).
• Mark your luggage brightly with a tag containing contact details — this will help identify it faster when receiving it at the gate or on the belt.
• If you are transiting through Saint John or another city, clarify whether your luggage will be checked through to the final destination or if you need to collect and re-check it.

Rules for Transporting Animals

Pascan Aviation is understanding towards pet owners and allows pets to travel along the scenic routes of Canada. However, since the airline operates small turboprop aircraft, space on board is limited, and strict safety requirements apply to the transport of animals. When planning a flight, for example, to Quebec City, it is important to coordinate transport with the airline in advance, as the number of places for animals (especially in the cabin) is strictly limited.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

This option is suitable for small cats and dogs that can comfortably fit at the owner's feet. Due to the seat configuration in aircraft like the Jetstream 32 or SAAB 340, dimension requirements are very strict.

• Carrier Dimensions: Soft carriers not exceeding 40 cm (length) × 30 cm (width) × 20 cm (height) are recommended to ensure they fit under the seat in front.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier usually must not exceed 8–9 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Only domestic cats and small dogs.
• Limit per Passenger: One passenger may carry only one carrier.
• Conditions: The animal must remain inside the carrier throughout the flight, behave calmly, and not disturb other passengers.

In the Baggage Compartment (Checked Baggage)

Transporting animals in the baggage compartment on Pascan Aviation flights has its own specifics due to the technical characteristics of regional aircraft. Not all baggage compartments are heated and pressurized.

• Technical Limitations: The possibility of transport in baggage depends on the specific type of aircraft and the season (air temperature).
• Container Requirements: It must be a rigid cage (plastic/metal), certified according to IATA standards, with a secure lock and ventilation.
• Weight and Size Limits: Large cages may simply not fit through the loading hatch of a small aircraft.
• Comfort: The bottom of the container must be covered with absorbent material.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If you are heading to Montreal or another city with a large dog that does not meet baggage standards, or if the animal is flying unaccompanied, transport as cargo is used.

• When Required: For animals weighing more than 32–45 kg (including the cage) or if there is no space in the baggage compartment of a passenger flight.
• Booking Procedure: Requires processing through the airline's cargo department (Pascan Cargo) at least 24–48 hours before departure.
• Special Requirements: The cage must be spacious enough for the animal to stand up fully and turn around.

Necessary Documents

Before travelling, ensure you have all papers confirming your pet's health:

• Veterinary passport with microchip details.
• Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered no less than 30 days and no more than one year before departure).
• Health certificate (veterinary inspection form) issued by a veterinarian a few days before the trip (especially relevant for inter-provincial flights).
• Special certificates if your route involves a connection with international flights.

Service Costs

Animal transport service is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately. Rates may change, but the approximate structure is as follows:

• Transport in Cabin: Fixed fee per flight segment (one way).
• Transport in Baggage Compartment: Cost depends on the weight and dimensions of the cage, usually higher than the cabin rate.
• Cargo Transport: Calculated individually according to cargo department rates.
• Service Dogs: Transported free of charge provided there are appropriate documents regarding special training.

Preparation Tips

• Cage Acclimatisation: Allow the animal to get used to the carrier in advance, several days or weeks before the flight.
• Feeding: Do not feed the pet a heavy meal less than 4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide access to water.
• Walking: Be sure to walk the dog well before entering the airport terminal.
• Reducing Stress: Put a favourite toy or item with the owner's scent in the carrier. The use of sedatives is not recommended without consulting a veterinarian, as they can affect the animal's blood pressure at altitude.

Restrictions

To ensure flight safety and animal health, Pascan Aviation imposes a number of prohibitions:

• Prohibited Breeds: Transport of brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers) in the baggage compartment is often restricted due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Aggressive Animals: The airline reserves the right to refuse transport if the animal shows aggression or looks unhealthy.
• Age: Puppies and kittens under 8–10 weeks old are usually not allowed to fly.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs have priority and special seating conditions in the cabin (usually muzzled and on a leash at the owner's feet).

Important: Airline policies may change. We strongly recommend contacting Pascan Aviation directly by phone or email immediately after purchasing a ticket to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet on a specific flight.

Pascan Aviation Loyalty Programme

Unlike major international carriers, Pascan Aviation focuses on practicality and efficiency, which is reflected in their approach to rewarding loyal customers. The airline offers personalised solutions primarily targeted at corporate clients and frequent travellers making regular flights between the hub in Quebec City and regional centres. Instead of a complex mileage accumulation system, the emphasis is on fare flexibility and package offers (Passes / Carnets) that provide real privileges.

Participation Levels and Privileges

Pascan Aviation's loyalty system is built not on coloured plastic cards, but on the type of purchased fare or pass. The conditional division of levels is as follows:

• Standard Level: Available to all passengers purchasing a standard ticket. Includes basic baggage allowance and standard check-in procedure. Suitable for one-time trips, for example, to Montreal for the weekend.
• Silver / Flex Pass: Designed for holders of prepaid ticket packages. The main advantage is the ability to change the departure date without penalties and a fixed ticket price independent of seasonal demand.
• Gold / Corporate: Special status for business clients. Includes priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, and guaranteed seat availability on popular routes with early booking.
• Platinum / VIP Charter: The highest level of service for clients booking private charter flights. Offers an individual schedule, access to VIP terminals, and premium catering.

How the Accumulation System Works

Since Pascan Aviation uses a regional air taxi model, the "accumulation" mechanism here differs from the classic one:

• Flights and Passes: You "accumulate" benefits immediately upon purchasing a block of tickets (e.g., 10 or 20 flight segments). The larger the package, the lower the cost of a single flight.
• Corporate Programmes: Companies sign contracts where flight volume converts into discounts and preferential cancellation terms.
• Partner Bonuses: Periodically, the airline offers joint promotions with regional hotels or car rental services in cities such as Halifax and Grand Falls-Windsor.

How to Use Privileges

Redeeming accumulated bonuses happens as simply and transparently as possible:

• Flexible Booking: Using prepaid credits allows booking tickets on any available flights without hidden fees.
• Ticket Transfer: Within some corporate packages, tickets can be transferred to employees or family members without a name change fee.
• Condition Upgrade: Flex package holders often receive seats in the front of the cabin and priority baggage handling ("Sky Valet") at Saint John airport and other network points.

Alliance Participation and Partnerships

Pascan Aviation is an independent regional carrier and currently is not part of global alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam. However, the company actively develops interline agreements:

• Independent Status: Allows the company to quickly adapt to the needs of regional passengers without the bureaucracy of large alliances.
• Interline Partners: The airline cooperates with major Canadian carriers (e.g., Air Transat) to ensure convenient connections. This allows passengers to issue a single ticket from regional airports to international hubs.

How to Become a Member

You can join the loyalty programme or arrange a profitable pass in several ways:

• Register on the official website in the corporate services section.
• Contact the sales department by phone to arrange a "Flex Pass" contract.
• Subscribe to the newsletter to receive information about seasonal discounts on flight packages.

Travelling with Pascan Aviation (P6) differs significantly from flights with major mainline airlines. The company specialises in regional routes and positions its service as an "air taxi" or corporate shuttle. There are no endless queues or complex navigation through terminals here, and the focus is on speed, efficiency, and a personalised approach to each passenger.

Travel Classes

Due to the specifics of the fleet, consisting of compact turboprop aircraft (SAAB 340 and Jetstream 32), Pascan Aviation offers a single class of service. Traditional division into Economy, Business, and First Class does not exist here. However, the level of comfort and attention to passengers is often compared to the experience of private aviation.

All passengers receive an equally high level of service, which includes expedited check-in and fast boarding. This is especially valuable for business people flying from the hub in Quebec City to meetings in Montreal or other business centres of the province. The atmosphere in the cabin is usually quiet and calm, allowing you to focus on work or rest.

Seat Configuration and Onboard Comfort

The interior of Pascan Aviation aircraft is designed to maximise the use of limited fuselage space without sacrificing traveller comfort.

• No Middle Seat: One of the main advantages of the SAAB 340 and Jetstream 32 cabin layout is the absence of the "middle seat" hated by many. The seat configuration usually represents a "1+2" or "1+1" scheme. This means that every passenger sits either by the window or by the aisle.
• Ergonomics: Seats typically have leather upholstery and provide ample legroom, comparable to premium economy on large liners.
• Overhead Lockers: It is important to remember that overhead lockers are very small and suitable only for outerwear or small briefcases. Main hand luggage is checked at the aircraft entrance (Sky Valet service).

Food and Beverages

Given the short duration of most flights (often less than an hour), hot meals are not provided on board Pascan Aviation. The catering service is adapted to the express flight format:

• Passengers are usually offered refreshments (water, juices, soft drinks), as well as tea and coffee.
• On some flights, light snacks (crackers, biscuits, nuts) may be offered.
• If you are planning a longer flight, for example, to Halifax or Grand Falls-Windsor with connections, it is recommended to bring a light snack, as there will be no full meal on board.

Entertainment and Connectivity

There are no built-in multimedia screens (IFE) or Wi-Fi systems on board Pascan Aviation regional aircraft. This is classic aviation, where the best entertainment is the view from the window.

Flights often take place at a lower altitude than jet liners, revealing stunning panoramas of forests, rivers, and cities of Eastern Canada. Passengers who cannot imagine a flight without a film or music are strongly advised to download content to their smartphones or tablets in advance and bring headphones. Gadget charging (USB ports) is not available on all aircraft, so having a power bank would be useful.

Special Services

Despite the compactness of the aircraft, Pascan Aviation strives to make flights accessible to all categories of citizens, however, there are technical limitations.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Boarding is carried out via built-in stairs, as small aircraft cannot use telescopic jet bridges. Passengers requiring assistance with boarding (e.g., use of a special lifting chair for stairs) must notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure. Staff at airports such as Saint John are always ready to assist.

Unaccompanied Minors
The airline provides a service for transporting unaccompanied minors on direct flights. This requires the completion of special documents and payment of an additional fee. It is important to clarify age restrictions and rules for handing over the child to the meeting party when booking a ticket.

Pascan Aviation's route network is focused on providing convenient and fast connections in Eastern Canada, with the main operational hub in Quebec City airport. The airline operates regular flights connecting business centres with remote regions, allowing passengers to significantly save travel time.

Tips for Booking and Travelling with Pascan Aviation

Planning a trip with a regional carrier like Pascan Aviation has nuances different from flights with major international airlines. To make your flight as smooth and profitable as possible, use the following recommendations based on the specifics of this Canadian airline's operations.

1. Best Time to Book

Since Pascan Aviation serves specific regional routes with limited seating (aircraft hold about 30 passengers), tickets sell out quite quickly. The optimal time to purchase tickets at the best rates is 3–4 weeks before departure. If you plan to travel during holidays or peak summer season, it is better to take care of booking 2 months in advance. Buying a ticket on the day of departure ("last minute") on such routes is often significantly more expensive.

2. Discounts and Special Offers

To save on flights, it is recommended to:

• Subscribe to the newsletter: The airline sends the most current promotions and seasonal discounts to its subscribers via email.
• Use package offers: If you fly frequently, for example, on the route from Quebec City to Montreal, pay attention to prepaid packages ("Carnets" or "Flex Pass"). They fix the cost of the flight and protect against price surges.
• Follow social media: Sometimes flash sales are announced exclusively on the company's Facebook or Instagram pages.

3. Online Check-in and Mobile Options

Currently, Pascan Aviation does not have its own mobile app for download in the App Store or Google Play. All digital services are available via the optimised mobile version of the official website.

• Check-in: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. We strongly recommend completing it in advance to choose the best seats and save time at the airport.
• Boarding Pass: Save the electronic boarding pass on your smartphone or print it out. In small regional airports like Saint John, a digital copy is usually sufficient, but a paper copy can be a reliable backup.

4. Seat Selection Tips

The airline's fleet (SAAB 340, Jetstream 32) has a unique cabin configuration, most often in a "1+2" scheme. This offers excellent opportunities for comfort:

• For Solo Travellers: Try to choose single seats (row "A" or "C", depending on the aircraft type). You will have both a window and an aisle, with no neighbours next to you — a true business class experience at an economy price.
• For Couples: Book the pair blocks of seats.
• Noise: Since these are turboprop aircraft, the front of the cabin may be slightly quieter than the back (or vice versa, depending on engine placement). Seats near the wing may be noisier, but turbulence is felt less there.

5. Travel Insurance

Flights in Eastern Canada, especially to destinations like Halifax or Grand Falls-Windsor, depend heavily on weather conditions. Fog, snowfall, and winds can cause adjustments to regional aviation schedules more often than for large liners.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering flight delays or cancellations. Ensure the policy compensates for accommodation and meal expenses if bad weather delays you at a transfer airport. This is a small investment that will save your nerves in case of Canadian weather whims.

6. Arrival at the Airport

Although regional airports are compact and do not have huge queues, do not arrive at the last minute. Pascan Aviation check-in counters usually close strictly 30–45 minutes before departure. Allow time for security screening, especially if you are carrying non-standard luggage or sports equipment.

The history of Pascan Aviation is a classic example of how a bold idea and attention to local needs can grow into an important infrastructure project. Founded in 1999 by Serge Charron, the company began its journey with a clear vision: to create an independent regional air network in Quebec that would not depend on industry giants and would offer an alternative to long car trips.

Early Years and Establishment

The airline's headquarters were located at Saint-Hubert Airport, which strategically provided access to the southern suburbs of the metropolis of Montreal, bypassing the congested Trudeau International Airport. In the early years, Pascan Aviation focused on niche routes, connecting administrative centres with remote regions where major carriers flew rarely or not at all. This allowed the company to quickly gain the trust of the business community and civil servants, for whom time was a critical resource.

Fleet Evolution

A key success factor was the smart choice of aircraft. Initially, the company used small turboprop planes such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air, ideally suited for short runways. However, as passenger traffic grew, the fleet required modernisation.

An important milestone was the introduction of British Jetstream 32 (J32) aircraft. These fast 19-seat liners allowed for significantly reduced flight times and increased flight frequency. The next step in development was the acquisition of more spacious and comfortable SAAB 340B aircraft, designed for 33–34 passengers. The arrival of the "Saabs" took service to a new level: flight attendants, toilets, and full service appeared on board, bringing regional flights closer to the standards of major aviation.

Expanding Horizons

Gradually, the flight map extended beyond the province of Quebec. The airline strengthened its position as a connecting link in Eastern Canada. The base airport Quebec City became a true hub, from where flights diverged to a dozen destinations. An important stage was the opening of routes to the Maritime provinces, including regular flights to Halifax and Grand Falls-Windsor. This decision allowed not only the transport of shift workers and business people but also opened the beauties of Newfoundland and Labrador to tourists.

New Era and Innovation

In recent years, especially against the backdrop of global changes in the aviation industry in 2020–2022, Pascan Aviation played a key role in maintaining regional mobility. When major national carriers reduced their presence in small cities (such as Saint John), Pascan promptly filled the vacated niches, ensuring that regions would not remain isolated.

The modern stage of the company's development is characterized by active integration into the global travel system. Pascan has signed important interline agreements with major international airlines (such as Air Canada and Air Transat). This innovative solution for a regional carrier allows passengers to issue a single ticket from a small town to anywhere in the world with a convenient connection in Montreal, with baggage checked through to the final destination. Today, Pascan Aviation continues to develop, betting on reliability, safety, and unique accessibility of Canadian regions.