History of Kenmore Air in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Kenmore Air is a prominent airline and seaplane operator based in the Pacific Northwest, headquartered in Kenmore, Washington. Founded in 1946 by Bob Munro, the company has become one of the largest and most well-known seaplane operators in the world. It provides vital transportation services, primarily connecting the Seattle metropolitan area with various destinations across the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands, and coastal British Columbia. Operating a diverse fleet that includes De Havilland Beaver and Otter aircraft, Kenmore Air serves as both a commuter airline and a popular choice for scenic flightseeing tours. In addition to its flight operations, the company maintains a comprehensive maintenance and restoration facility, specializing in the upkeep and refurbishing of classic floatplanes. Over its decades of service, Kenmore Air has established itself as an iconic regional transportation fixture, celebrated for its unique ability to land on water and provide access to remote Pacific Northwest locales.

March 21, 1946: Establishment of Kenmore Air Harbor

On March 21, 1946, Kenmore Air Harbor was officially established and commenced flight operations using a single Aeronca Model K seaplane from a facility on the north end of Lake Washington.

July 1946: Death of pilot Jack Mines

In July 1946, Kenmore Air pilot Jack Mines tragically died while transporting supplies to a search and rescue team operating in the Cascade mountains, leading to a shift in company ownership.

1953: Mining camp logistics support for Leduc Glacier

In 1953, Kenmore Air was contracted by a Canadian mining company to transport construction equipment and tools to a new mining camp situated on Leduc Glacier, located fifty miles north of Ketchikan, Alaska, using a fleet of three aircraft over a two-month period.

1963: First de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Acquisition

In 1963, Kenmore Air purchased its first de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver seaplane, initiating a maintenance and modification program that would turn the aircraft into a cornerstone of the company's fleet.

1967: Establishment as Leading Beaver Refurbisher

Following the cessation of production of the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver in 1967, Kenmore Air emerged as a primary refurbisher, eventually creating the renowned 'Kenmore Beaver' modification standard.

1988: Sale of Seattle-Victoria Route

In 1988, Kenmore Air sold its Seattle to Victoria, BC seaplane route to its competitor, Lake Union Air, after operating the service for two years.

1992: Acquisition of Lake Union Air

In 1992, Kenmore Air completed the purchase of its main competitor, Lake Union Air, which included the acquisition of a seaplane terminal located on Lake Union.

1993: Acquisition of Lake Union Air Service

In 1993, Kenmore Air expanded its business operations by successfully acquiring Lake Union Air Service.

1997: Plans for Elliott Bay Operations

During 1997, Kenmore Air formulated plans to initiate seaplane service from Elliott Bay, located along the downtown Seattle waterfront.

1998: Federal Permit Approval

In 1998, Kenmore Air secured a necessary federal permit to operate in Elliott Bay, though the startup of operations remained subject to authorization from the Seattle City Council.

1999: Abandonment of Elliott Bay Expansion

In the fall of 1999, Kenmore Air officially cancelled its proposed expansion into Elliott Bay due to significant pushback from the local community.

October 2000: Passing of Robert Munro and Ownership Transition

In October 2000, Robert Munro, the founder and owner of Kenmore Air, passed away at the age of 83 following a long illness. Consequently, ownership of the company was transferred to his son, Gregg Munro, with other family members continuing to serve in management roles.

October 2000: Death of Robert Munro

In October 2000, Robert Munro, who had led Kenmore Air Harbor since its early years, passed away, marking the end of his long tenure with the company.

2011: James Bay Neighborhood Association Report

In 2011, the James Bay Neighborhood Association in Victoria, British Columbia, commissioned a report advocating for significant restrictions on seaplane and helicopter operations due to community concerns regarding safety and noise pollution.

2013: Kenmore Air Easement Request

In 2013, following proposed high-rise developments by Vulcan in the South Lake Union area, Kenmore Air requested that an easement be established to protect the company from noise complaints filed by new residents.

January 2014: Announcement of Nanaimo-Seattle Service

In January 2014, Kenmore Air officially announced the launch of a new regular commercial flight route connecting Nanaimo Airport and Boeing Field in Seattle, which included a complimentary shuttle service for passengers traveling to Sea-Tac.

March 3, 2014: Commencement of Nanaimo-Seattle Flights

On March 3, 2014, Kenmore Air officially began operating its new scheduled commercial service between Nanaimo Airport and Boeing Field in Seattle.

November 2014: Discontinuation of Port Angeles Service

In November 2014, Kenmore Air Express officially ended its flight services to the community of Port Angeles, Washington.

2014: Archival of Community Report

In 2014, the report commissioned by the James Bay Neighborhood Association regarding aviation restrictions in Victoria was archived.

May 4, 2015: Discontinuation of Nanaimo-Seattle Service

Due to insufficient passenger demand, Kenmore Air officially discontinued its commercial flight route between Nanaimo Airport and Boeing Field in Seattle on May 4, 2015.

April 26, 2018: Launch of Vancouver-Seattle Seaplane Service

On April 26, 2018, Kenmore Air and Harbour Air officially inaugurated a new seaplane route connecting the downtown areas of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington.