Just before the pandemic, Cape Air won approval to launch seaplane service from Boston Harbor to New York City, at East 23rd St. in Manhattan.
Somewhat delayed, and with a different operator, we’re going to see the launch of seaplane service between Boston and New York starting August 3.
Tailwind Air will begin selling tickets this week with two round trips a day, growing to four flights each way on August 23. These will be seasonal, running between March and November and will be scheduled at 90 minutes dock-to-dock (75 minutes in the air). Seaplanes don’t operate at night or bad weather.
The carrier currently flies 8 passenger Cessna Caravans from Boston to multiple locations on Long Island at prices from $395 – $795 each way (prices are lower for companies with corporate deals).
Passengers will board a water taxi at Fan Pier for a seven-minute ride to a floating dock attached to a mooring line near the East Boston shoreline, where they’ll board the planes. Ram said he is still working on landing a spot in the Seaport for the planes to dock but his preferred options are not ready yet. In Manhattan, the planes will take off and land at the Skyport seaplane terminal at East 23rd St., on the East River.
Tailwind also codeshares with Southern Airways Express. It’s unclear whether Cape Air will operate the route as well.
There’s no question the service will be more convenient for many business travelers transiting downtown-to-downtown. The airline’s response to this is years in the future, but several are looking eVTOL aircraft for air taxis to the airport for a solution.
Well, this is great, great, and great. About time this waiting in the wings option wasn’t developed sooner. Welcome to all competitors so in time the price can come down for the non-business crowd.