Seair Seaplanes' first Cessna Caravan upgraded with the Blackhawk XP140 Engine+ and Yukon four-blade propeller from Wipaire and Hartzell has been completed. This enhanced aircraft will launch on Seair's newly expanded Victoria to Vancouver Harbour route, delivering a faster, quieter and more capable travel experience for coastal passengers.

Founded in 1982, Seair operates seven Caravan floatplanes and has grown into the world's largest operator of the type. With a network that includes Victoria's Inner Harbour, Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal, Nanaimo and the Southern Gulf Islands, Seair continues to elevate regional connectivity for both business travellers and tourists. The company offers scheduled service across key coastal destinations along with private charters and scenic tours.

The Blackhawk XP140 engine and Yukon propeller deliver substantial performance gains designed around short-runway, float and harbour operations. The Blackhawk XP140 engine includes 28 per cent more horsepower, 13.6 per cent shorter take off, 28.7 per cent shorter distance over a 50-ft obstacle, 35 per cent better climb rate and a 13 per cent faster cruise speed of over 21 kts, cutting harbour-to-harbour travel by five minutes, while the Yukon four blade propeller brings 17 per cent shorter take off distance, 40 per cent less ground roll and a 10.6 per cent faster climb rate.

Together, these upgrades deliver more than 25 per cent better take off performance, significantly smoother dock and water operations, and a cruise speed increase that brings harbour-to-harbour travel time to approximately 25 minutes. The result is the fastest harbour-to-harbour aircraft in operation.

This is the first of at least three Seair Caravans planned for upgrade as part of a broader fleet modernisation effort.